Experience Breathtaking Cherry Blossom in Japan

Think of Japan, and most people think of bustling streets, peaceful pagodas, distant volcanic peaks, serene water gardens and shopping for high-tech electronic gadgets. However, one of the biggest attractions for tourists is the cherry blossom season in Japan.

Japan Cherry Blossom
Japan Cherry Blossom

However, the Cherry Blossom season is relatively short, making it tricky for tourists who want to catch this breathtaking view. Full bloom is usually reached within a week after the first bloom and a week later the blossoms would start falling from the trees. Luckily, the blooming time of the cherry trees is different across different cities so if you missed it in one city, you may have a chance to catch it in another. For 2015, below is the forecasted Cherry Blossom blooming period across Japan:

Japan Cherry Blossom Blooming Forecast 2015
Japan Cherry Blossom Blooming Forecast 2015

The earliest cherry blossom is found in the southern half of Japan. Kyoto is famous for its weeping cherry blossom trees that display a delicate cascade of these pale petals draping down to touch the floor.

White Cherry Blossom at Chidorigafuchi Park, Tokyo, Japan
White Cherry Blossom at Chidorigafuchi Park, Tokyo, Japan

If you plan to visit Japan a little later in the year, head for Hokkaido, the northernmost island, or Tohoku. Their cherry trees blossom about a month after Kyoto and Tokyo, prolonging the season until well into May.

If you want to make the cherry blossom a focal point of your visit to Japan, a guided tour is a great way to achieve this as it includes a guide, accommodation and transport all included in the price.

Cherry Blossom Festivals in Kyoto

Cherry blossom flowers are called sakura and they burst forth on the bare branches of the Prunus trees long before the green leaves appear. Japanese culture sees the short-lived cherry blossom as a symbol of life, quickly followed by death. They celebrate the season by picnicking beneath the blossom trees, a practice called hanami.

Be sure to buy a picnic lunch and sake and join the local families in this beautiful tradition during your visit. The best places to enjoy a hanami in Kyoto are in Maruyama Park near the Yasaka Shrine or beside the canal between the Nanzenji Temple and the Silver Pavilion at Ginkakuji.

Hanami in the Maruyama Park, Kyoto, Japan
Hanami in the Maruyama Park, Kyoto, Japan. Photo credit: Japanexperterna

The Cherry Blossom Festival itself takes place near the UNESCO-listed Daigoji Temple but there are many other places to enjoy a profusion of cherry blossom. You will find a breathtaking array of cherry blossom trees around the Togetsukyo Bridge on the outskirts of the city, or view them from a boat tour on the Okazaki Canal.

Plum Blossom in Japan

If you are planning to visit Japan earlier in the year, the plum blossom, called Ume puts on a splendid show of colour. The arrival of the plum blossom is an important part of Japan’s cultural heritage as it heralds the end of winter and the start of spring. This is celebrated with Plum Blossom Festivals (Ume Matsuri) in temples, shrines and parks.

Plum Blossom, Japan
Plum Blossom, Japan

The advantage of visiting to see the Plum Blossom is that flights are generally cheaper at that time of year. Also it is less well-known than the Cherry Blossom season and consequently is less likely to be booked up ahead of time. If you can’t tell the difference between the plum and cherry blossom, rest assured you are not the only one!

Autumn Color in Japan

If you plan to visit Japan in autumn, there will be another chance to see a different show of colour. Maple trees, gingko, vines, shrubs and other trees turn brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange in parks and streets. From the end of September through early December this spectacular sight will enhance any visit to Japan.

Autumn at Tofukuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan
Autumn at Tofukuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan
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2 Comments

  1. Boon Kien
    1/2/2016
    Reply

    Autumn colours is very pretty in Kyoto & Miyajima. However, all is dependent on weather. Visited Kansai area in mid Nov 2015., as this autumn is warm, hence the colours were not intense at all.
    One piece of advice is to book your hotel early, very early. catching autumn colours is easier than catching sakura. As it is super peak season, would strongly encourage one to look for hotel and book it first. Of course, pick a hotel that requires you to pay only upon check in.

    Cheers & Happy planning for those planning to go in Autumn 2016

    • Etravel
      1/3/2016
      Reply

      Hi Book Kien, thanks for the advise. Totally agree with you about booking hotels early 🙂

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