Why Japanese are fascinated by cherry blossoms?
It is said that there is no place where the four distinct seasons are as fine as Japan. It is known that cherry blossoms are the national flower of Japan, and it is unusual even across the world that people wait so long for a single flower to bloom. Cherry blossoms have been loved by people as a thing of flawless beauty since the mythic days. Why are cherry blossoms so loved by Japanese?There are several reasons.① The cherry blossoms fall in a short period of time・・・People feel that it is a limited time chance
② Blooming at the time of new life ... In Japan, a fiscal new year begins in April. Cherry blossoms add active feelings to new start
③ It blooms after the winter is over ... During the cold and cold winter, the arrival of spring can be long awaited. The blossoming of cherry blossoms also signals the coming of spring.
④ Tint gentle pink color・・・The gentle color are ephemeral and it increase the beauty further
⑤ Beautiful blooming flowers ... When in full bloom, there are no leaves and many small flowers bloom directly from the branches. You can enjoy the whole tree covered with pink flowers.
It has long been said that spirits dwell in cherry blossoms. The Japanese may be drawn to the mysterious power of the cherry tree without knowing it.
Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) is a Japanese culture with heart
Hanami is a unique Japanese culture. To admire flowers is one of the traditional Japanese culture and is said to have been an event since the Nara period (710 - 794). Originally, it was an event to admire plum trees, but it turned into cherry blossoms around the Heian period (794-1192). Nobles at the times admired the beauty of cherry blossoms in their waka (Japanese poem) and other songs.In the Kamakura period, hanami customs also spread to the samurai class. Famous are the cherry blossom viewing of Yoshino and Daigo hosted by Hideyoshi Toyotomi. It is said that there were more than 5,000 participants for this event including samurai warriors, teasmen and nobles.
Later, in the Edo period, cherry blossom viewing was passed on to the general public, and seemed to have taken root as a very common spring event.
Dumplings rather than flowers?! (A proverb similar to "
"Bread is better than the songs of birds")
Enjoy the cherry blossoms while eating delicious food!
From the Edo period, cherry blossom viewing had a habit of eating Dango (dumplings) while watching the cherry blossoms.
The three-colored dumplings are called "Hanami-dango". White means snowy colors and remnants of winter, pink means cherry blossoms and spring, and green means mugwort to make early summer.
Even now, some cherry blossom spots sell this hanami dumpling.
Nowadays, many people gather under the cherry trees to hold banquets. Bring a cherry blossom lunch as a companion for cherry blossom viewing, and enjoy a conversation by drinking and eating Hanami lunch.
The type in a box is common as Hanami lunch, which makes the feeling of lively with colorful ingredients.
In recent years, the number of people using catering has increased, and various types of menus, such as Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and French, and those that can meet a variety of needs, such as light to gutsy contents, have increased.
Seeing the cherry blossoms makes you feel spring and heals your feelings.
Follow the manners and rules of Hanami and enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms.
Recommended Cherry Blossom Viewing spots in West Japan
① Mt. Yoshino in Nara prefecture
- One of the best cherry viewing spots in Japan from Muromachi period!- The mountain is covered by approximately 30,000 cherry trees of many different varieties.
☆The mountain is divided into four areas (due to the large elevation change along the slopes, the cherry blossoms start opening around the Shimo Senbon area and move up the mountain in a long season).
◆Shimo Senbon (the lower section)【best time of the year on average: ～ April 10】
◆Naka Senbon (the middle section)【best time of the year on average: ～ mid-April】
◆Kami Senbon (the upper section)【best time of the year on average: ～ mid-April】
Mt. Yoshino : One of the best Cherry Blossom Viewing Site in Japan
② Himeji Castle in Hyogo prefecture
- Also known as White Heron Castle due to its elegant, white appearance.- During spring sakura season, Himeji Castle's cherry blossom viewing parties and nighttime illuminations are one of the best events in all of Japan.
【best time of viewing cherry blossom】 early April
Himeji Castle: 6 Things You should Know to enjoy more
③ Kaizu Osaki in Shiga prefecture
- Attracted by the cherry-tree-lined path along the Biwako coast- Four kilometers of about 800 cherry trees planted along the northern shores of Lake Biwa will be in full bloom.
- 【best time of viewing cherry blossom】 early April ～ mid-April
Kaizu-Osaki: 4 beautiful Cherry Tree Promenade
④ Osaka Castle in Osaka prefecture
- Nishi-no-Maru Garden, surrounded by important cultural properties, is known as a famous spot for about 300 cherry blossoms, centered on Yoshino cherry tree.- Night illumination of cherry blossom at Nishi-no-Maru Garden・・・From March 23 (Saturday) to April 14 (Sun) 《Entrance fee of Nishi-no-Maru Garden: JPY 350》
- 【best time of the year on average】 late March ～mid-April
Osaka Castle: 7 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting
⑤ Arashiyama in Kyoto prefecture
- Enjoy the magnificent cherry blossom scenery where the whole mountain is colored light-pink- It is recommended to see the great mountain view over Arashiyama's iconic Togetsu-kyo Bridge and Katsura River
- 【best time of viewing cherry blossom】 late March ～early April
Arashiyama : 8 Recommended Things To Do
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