The Story of Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Japanese cherry blossoms are famous around the world and visitors come from all over the globe to see the spectacle for themselves.

There are a number of cherry blossom tree varieties in Japan, and the blossoms are a big part of the country’s festivals and art. It is thought the tradition of blossom viewing, known as hanami, started around the eighth century, and it remains a beloved ritual.

Ranging in color from pink to white, the blooms make for a beautiful sight. The trees tend to blossom in spring, which comes around late March or early April.

This is a peak time for visiting Japan, and accommodation prices spike every year. However, it is a risk to plan your trip to far in advance as the blossoms generally only last around a week. In 2020, the blossom is predicted to arrive earlier than usual due to warmer weather, which means full bloom in Tokyo will hit about March 27.

The capital is a good place to see the trees, known as sakura, but Osaka and Kyoto are also popular destinations. Here full bloom is expected April 1, while the northern city of Sapporo will be around a month later, on May 5.