JAPAN

Season of Sakura

As springtime begins, Japan waits with bated breath for the first flushes of the pink blossom of Sakura.

Every year is different when it comes to the blossoming of the Sakura. Generally it starts blooming in mid to late March in Tokyo and Fukuoka; and in the cooler north, such as Hokkaido, in late April to early May. A typical blooming period tends to last only around 14 days.

Sakura has become the  symbolic flower of the spring in Japan, a time of renewal, and the fleeting nature of life. The beauty of the cherry blossom peaks after about two weeks, from then the blossoms start to fall. This transience is part of their appeal and is one of the reasons why Japanese people love Sakura so much. They appreciate a graceful end and this is why Sakura is the symbol of Japanese spirit. In addition, the graciousness that this life cycle represents is also seen as being symbolic of the bushido or warrior spirit in Japan.

There are many places throughout Japan to view Sakura, however this article highlights some of the best locations.