Greetings. As an iconic feature of Japan’s landscapes and at the heart and soul of Japanese culture, Cherry blossom season is coveted and celebrated as a national festival spanning across three months. Cherry blossoms’ breathtaking presence are indeed short lived and that is why they are so symbolic – they represent the transient nature of life. As part of Japan’s sacred heritage, to view upon the trees in the festival is known as Hanami. The time itself is known as Sakura. It is celebrated night and day.
“The uniqueness of the Hanami experience is rooted in the beholding of the blossoms as you consider their short life, their beauty and delicate nature, and the fellowship of others.” – Jeffrey Miller, Director of Education and Family Programs at the Japan Society
With an estimated 300,000 Sakura trees in blossom this time truly heralds in Spring each year. The cherry blossom acts as a cultural symbol of renewal, hope and the unspoken promises of existence.
Good to know
Sakura-fubuki 桜吹雪 means cherry blossom snowstorm, Hana-no-ami 花の雨 means flower rain
Current forecast as of today (April 12th)
| Est. Opening | Est. Best Viewing | Current State | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Opened: March 21 | March 28 to April 8 |
past peak
|
| Kyoto | Opened: March 27 | April 5 to 10 |
past peak
|
| Osaka | Opened: March 27 | April 4 to 10 |
past peak
|
| Nagoya | Opened: March 22 | March 31 to April 9 |
past peak
|
| Fukuoka | Opened: March 21 | March 29 to April 8 |
past peak
|
| Fukushima | Opened: April 5 | April 11 to 19 |
best viewing
|
| Sendai | Opened: April 5 | April 11 to 19 |
best viewing
|
| Kitakami | April 19 | April 23 to 30 |
not open yet
|
| Kakunodate | April 24 | April 27 to May 6 |
not open yet
|
| Hirosaki | April 22 | April 26 to May 4 |
not open yet
|
| Hakodate | April 28 | May 1 to 8 |
not open yet
|
| Sapporo | May 1 | May 3 to 10 |
not open yet
|
KANTO AND CHUBU
| Tokyo | Opened: March 21 | March 28 to April 8 |
past peak
|
| Nagoya | Opened: March 22 | March 31 to April 9 |
past peak
|
| Yokohama | Opened: March 21 | March 29 to April 9 |
past peak
|
| Kanazawa | Opened: April 1 | April 7 to 13 |
best viewing
|
| Takayama | April 17 | April 21 to 29 |
not open yet
|
| Fuji Five Lakes | Opened: April 7 | April 14 to 22 |
blossoms opening
|
| Matsumoto | Opened: April 7 | April 14 to 22 |
blossoms opening
|
KYUSHU, SHIKOKU AND CHUGOKU
| Fukuoka | Opened: March 21 | March 29 to April 8 |
past peak
|
| Kumamoto | Opened: March 26 | March 30 to April 8 |
past peak
|
| Hiroshima | Opened: March 22 | March 30 to April 9 |
past peak
|
| Matsuyama | Opened: March 22 | March 30 to April 9 |
past peak
|
| Takamatsu | Opened: March 26 | April 4 to 10 |
past peak |
Enjoy your local blossom!
For this blog we photographed Cherry blossoms native to the Cotswolds
© Hendy Curzon Gardens 2019
