During spring the days are longer, the temperatures more pleasant and we can enjoy nature in all its splendor. All this entails the flowering of the trees, a spectacle of vibrant color that enlightens the eyes of those who contemplate this beautiful phenomenon.
Their observation is a tradition in countries like Japan, to such an extent that they have an exclusive term to define this activity, hanami, which in Spanish translates as "seeing flowers."
Spring is probably the most popular season to get to know the country, as the icy cold of winter has already gone and the infernal heat of summer has not yet arrived. Also during this time the cherry blossoms burst, which attracts many foreign tourists to Japan.
If you are thinking of taking a trip to Japan, this may be the special occasion you have been waiting for. Here we will tell you all about hanami and its wonderful cherry blossoms.
What is hanami?
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It is a term used to describe the observation of cherry blossoms in the arrival of spring. It is a tradition highly respected by the Japanese, which they carry out as a family from generation to generation since the XNUMXth century.
During hanami, Japanese people flock to the country's parks and gardens to have a picnic and enjoy this spectacle of nature. Nothing like spending a spring day in the sun and enjoying a snack in good company while contemplating this delicate phenomenon.
The hanami fever is such that the news broadcasts the weather forecast to follow the cherry blossoms across the country, from south to north as temperatures rise. There are even apps for it.
Types of cherry trees planted in Japan
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There are different types of cherry trees, each with different flowers. Among the most frequent varieties are:
- The Shidarezakura: cherry tree with pink flowers whose branches seem to fall to the ground.
- The Somei Yoshino: cherry tree with white-pink flowers whose variety is one of the most appreciated and cultivated in Japan.
- The Yamazakura: this variety of cherry is spread throughout the country but it is less spectacular than the previous ones because its flowers develop at the same time as its leaves, reducing the impact of the whole.
Duration of flowering
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Perhaps the reason why hanami is so appreciated in Japan is because of the short life of the cherry blossom. Its fragility is part of its charm and that is why the Japanese feel true devotion to this flower that they call sakura and to the hanami.
Cherry blossom usually lasts a couple of weeks. In the first, the flowers sprout from the branches until they reach their maximum splendor (mankai in Japanese) while in the second the flowers wither and fall from the trees. The process can be sped up if there is wind or rain, which is why hanami is so fascinating.
When do they bloom?
This 2017 the Japan Meteorological Association has predicted that the cherry blossoms will bloom on March 23 in Fukuoka, on March 25 in Tokyo and the island of Kyushu, on March 28 in Osaka, on March 29 in Hiroshima, on March 30 in Kobe, on March 31 in Kyoto, on April 20 in Sendai, on April 21 in Aomori and on May 5 in Sapporo to name a few cities.
However, It is always important to check the meteorological information in case there are changes since we are talking about a natural phenomenon closely linked to the climate. If it is cold in the weeks before flowering, the cherry blossoms will bloom later, and if it is hot, then the sakura will appear earlier on the tree branches.
Where to enjoy hanami?
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The destination of your trip will be a key factor in answering this question. Cherry blossoms begin to bloom in Okinawa towards the end of January and the process progresses through places like Kyushu, Shikoku or Honshu until it reaches Hokkaido, where the flowers bloom in May.
In the main Japanese tourist cities such as Kyoto or Tokyo, the flowering season usually occurs between the end of March and the beginning of April.
For example, in Tokyo some of the best areas to enjoy cherry blossoms are Shinjuku Park, Ueno Park, Sumida Park or Yoyogui Park while in Kyoto you can see hanami in Maruyamma Park, the Temple Kiyomizudera, the Philosopher's Pass, the Ninnaji Temple or in the Natural Park of Mount Kagasi on the outskirts of the city.
Whichever place you choose, if you have the opportunity to enjoy hanami in Japan, you will take home a unique and beautiful memory of your trip to the Far East.