Japanese Cherry Blossoms: Everything You Need to Know

You may be here because you've heard about how spectacular Japanese cherry blossoms are and you're curious.

Perhaps you are one of those who have never heard of this phenomenon and the title of the post seemed to you like that of a novel by Haruki Murakami; you know, a story in which everything happens in bucolic Japanese locations.

Or is it that for years you have been dreaming of witnessing the wonder of nature that is the blossoming of Japanese cherry trees and you are finally seriously considering it.

Be that as it may, we are going to tell you what all the fuss is about with these trees and the best places to enjoy Japanese cherry blossoms in all their glory.

Let's go there.

Why Japanese cherry blossoms are on everyone's lips

It's not that Japan is the only place on the planet where there are a lot of cherry trees. What's more, in Spain we have the Jerte Valley, which also offers fabulous prints when the cherry trees are bursting.

But, the Japanese rituals surrounding cherry blossoms are a real treat for the eyes and make this time of year an event.

At the beginning of spring, locals and foreigners take to the parks and gardens, which are dyed pink and white by the joining of the cups of hundreds of specimens at the peak of flowering.

To finish understanding this event and catch it at its best, we need two very important variables: a glossary of terms and the places where Japanese cherry trees are of another level.

Let's go!

Basic vocabulary for Japanese cherry blossom hunters

To immerse yourself in the phenomenon of Japanese cherry blossoms better than a cupcake in a coffee with milk, you have to know a few words in the Japanese language.

The good thing is that it's very easy to pronounce and one of those languages where everything sounds better.

In addition, as you read the definitions you get the feeling that they tell a story: the flowering process. Well, enough of the poetry, we get doughy. Here are the words to learn to be a pro in Japanese cherry trees:

Sakura: is the name given to the Japanese cherry blossom event that has conquered the world.

Hanami: this is the tradition that leads thousands of Japanese families to take part in festivals held all over the country every spring. The ritual consists of having a picnic under the blossoming branches of a cherry tree in good company.

Kaika: The end of winter is coming and the first flowers appear on the branches of the cherry trees. Spring is coming and even the news reports talk about it in the weather forecasts. At that time it is called Kaika.
Mankai: Now yes. Spring comes and makes its way through the big door, making sure that almost all of the Japanese cherry trees are in bloom. That moment when the vast majority of trees are at their peak is the Mankai.

You know: if you want to experience the phenomenon Sakura From the Kaika Al Mankai and mark yourself a Hanami As the canons dictate, start by including these terms in your vocabulary.

Or rather, write them down in your Japan Trip Planner so that they stick with you and you can speak like an expert.

And let's move on to the subject of when to go to sushi country so you don't miss the Japanese cherry blossoms.

Choosing the best time to go see Japanese cherry blossoms

If you can't or don't want to spend more than two weeks in Japan, but you have a clarinet, you don't want to miss the experience of admiring Japanese cherry blossoms, it matches the time you choose.

Watch out, because The flowering of cherry trees varies each year and is different in each area of the country.

If you think about it, it's normal: depending on the weather each year in winter, how fast the temperature transitions when the seasons change, and whether you go north or south, the ideal time changes.

In other words, pick up a calendar and a map and start organizing your trip to see the Japanese cherry blossoms in full bloom, because this is a trip with a mission.

What is known is that, in general, The Sakura It starts in the south of the country and gradually reaches the entire territory. The speed at which it does so is already a matter of the meteorology of each year at that time.

But don't worry, it's a matter of international interest and you won't have a hard time finding up-to-date and quality information about it.

And just one thing you need to know to program yourself: the cherry blossom takes a week to fully open and lasts another seven days.

And so far for today's botany lesson.

Let's move on to the best places to do a Hanami.

The Best Places to Be Amazed by Japanese Cherry Blossoms

This is not easy, let it be recorded in the minutes.

Japan is a fascinating country where there are several places where seeing cherry blossoms becomes a great experience. And of course, deciding on one costs its own.

But since in life you have to get wet, here are four of the coolest there are, for you to choose from:

Shinjuku Gyoen, in Tokyo, it's a park in the heart of the capital with thousands of cherry trees that contrast with the frenetic pace of the surrounding city. It seems incredible that he's stuck there.
Hirosaki Park, in the north of the country, is a special place to see Japanese cherry blossoms because it offers the advantage of having a Castle that you can admire while taking a boat ride on the river.
Mitsuike Koen, in Yokohama, is in every Rakings of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan. And with good reason, because the print is amazing with its thousands of copies and three ponds.

Chureito Pagoda, in the Fuji Five Lakes region: attention to lovers of photography, posture, Instagrammers and other fans of iconic places because, in addition to the pagoda, from here there are views of Mount Fuji.

And one last detail...

Now that you have the Japanese cherry trees in your Wish list...

Now that you know everything about this fantasy of Japanese cherry blossoms, you've probably added a visit to the country of mochis to your wish list.

So that you don't miss anything, to rent out the getaway, go to the most Top ―in addition to getting to know Japanese cherry trees at their best― and so that there you don't have to invest time in anything other than enjoyment, pull your Planner from Japan And happy! Sakura!

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