Sakura, the Japanese Cherry Blossom Phenomenon

The unofficial national flower of Japan, Sakura, or the Japanese cherry blossom, holds tremendous symbolic and cultural meaning to the Japanese people. Contrary to the name, sakura does not bear actual cherry fruit; sakuranbo (cherries) actually from another type of tree.

Sakura can be observed in almost every aspect of Japanese culture. Whether it is the traditional kimono, ceramics, and sweets, or the fact that is difficult to turn on the radio in April and not have a song about (and not to mention titled) about Japan’s beloved sakura during this time.

It may seem incredibly bizarre to one who has not lived in Japan, but the whole country of Japan even dedicates weather forecasts to predicting the blooming schedules of the sakura.

Of course, there is good reason why the sakura have taken such deep root into Japanese culture. To the Japanese, sakura symbolize a time of new beginnings. As both the Japanese fiscal and school year both begin when the sakura bloom in April, the Japanese are raised from childhood with a distinct fondness for the white and pink blossoms produced by the tree.

Japan’s love of sakura is so deeply ingrained into the culture that its blossoming is used as a way to bring people together as well. Companies and friends have picnics during the cherry blossom season called hanami, where they drink, eat, and watch the sakura together.

Interested in taking a peek at Japan’s beautiful cherry blossoms this year? Let Sunrise Tours help you navigate through Tokyo’s cherry blossom-laden forests this late March/ early April and bring you to some of Tokyo’s best sakura sightseeing locations:

Tokyo Cherry Blossoms Night Cruise Tour
Take an evening cruise on Tokyo's Sumida River, which is famous for its cherry tree-lined banks. As you enjoy the scenery outside the pleasure boat, you can also enjoy a performance by apprentice geisha, known as furisode-san in Tokyo, as well as photo opportunities.

Historical Tokyo and Cherry Blossoms Walking Tour
Get a feel for old Tokyo while surrounded by beautiful cherry blossoms! This tour starts off with a visit to spacious Ueno Park which is one of the most famous and popular places in Tokyo for cherry blossom-viewing. Besides the beautiful blossoms themselves, you can experience the festival-like atmosphere of the park this time of year. Then, make a stop at a traditional restaurant for a short break and enjoy some green tea and Japanese snacks. Afterwards, continue to historical Yanaka, an old part of Tokyo where Buddhist temples and old buildings from the Edo period still remain. As you stroll through these history-laden streets, you can also enjoy the beautiful seasonal addition to the scenery that is the theme of this tour: rows of Japan's famous cherry blossoms. The delicate blossoms embrace the thoroughfare, creating almost a tunnel of white and pink petals.

[ Cherry Blossoms, Sunrise Tours | published 2012.02.06 | PermaLink ]