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Viewing Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Cherry Blossom Time Japan
Cherry Blossom Time Japan

When we decided to take a trip to Japan during Cherry Blossom season I didn’t realize what a big event it is in this thriving civilization once closed to Westerners in Asia. 

Cherry Blossom Time Japan
Cherry Blossom Time Japan

Yep.  They are gorgeous.  Thousands and thousands of cherry blossom trees all over the country spring into glorious profusion, painting the country in shades of pink and white.  

Cherry Blossom Time Japan
Cherry Blossom Time Japan
Cherry Blossom Time Japan
Cherry Blossom Time Japan

It coincides with the fiscal and school calendar year in Japan.  Students start school.  Businesses begin again.  And it is beautiful.  It’s a time of hope and good wishes.  Gatherings and happy times.   

But interestingly, it  has more meaning than being a “pretty time of year.”  

 

Cherry Blossoms are tied to the Buddhist expression of life, death and renewal. 

The spring time bloom is a lavish spectacle, glorious and lovely, but remarkably brief.  Sakura, as it is known in Japan, lasts about two weeks and then the precious blooms swirl and fall to the ground a bit like snow with the ebb and flow of the wind. 

The Japanese see it as a visual reminder that our lives, too, are fleeting.  

So, how do the Japanese observe Cherry Blossom Time? 

First, they wait with eager anticipation.  There are Cherry Blossom Forecasts and a Declaration of the official beginning of the season by a team of experts.  

Shops transform into pink extravaganzas  with specific merchandise geared to the season. 

 

 

Hanami parties are held day and night. Hanami literary means “viewing flowers” but specifically refers to Cherry Blossom parties. All kinds of businesses have sprung up catering to the obsession with observing the season from providing the food and drink to even saving the best Hanami spots under the fullest Cherry Blossom trees.  

People take time to think about how the Cherry Blossom Time on earth is fleeting and so is the person’s life viewing them.  It’s a time to slow down and to savor the day.  

 

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We traveled to Japan with TinyWorldTours who made sure we thoroughly enjoyed the Cherry Blossom Season. 

 

Post Author
Susan J. Smith
Susan's career includes writing for newspapers, lots of community work and a wonderful family life. Now she is enjoying traveling, photography and writing for DesignDestinations and Grand Rapids Magazine. She welcomes you on her journey and appreciates your comments.

Comments

7 Comments
  1. posted by
    Julie
    Jun 24, 2019 Reply

    I really enjoyed your post Susan – I also had no idea what was involved in the season in Tokyo – so found it very interesting – gorgeous photos!

    • posted by
      Susan J. Smith
      Jun 24, 2019 Reply

      Thank you for your nice comment. I didn’t understand the significance of Cherry Blossom Time either. TinyWorldTours did a great job of exposing us to the Cherry Blossoms and lots of art and garden experiences. I understand Mark is doing this trip again next April. Hope to see you in Michigan this summer

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    Oct 7, 2019 Reply

    […] interesting place to visit.  So much to share.  I have already done a post about the meaning of Cherry Blossom Season and another one about the Kimono Rental […]

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    Oct 22, 2019 Reply

    […] more about this trip to Japan, click on Viewing Cherry Blossoms blog post and come back for more.  You might also enjoy the blog post about teamLab: Borderless […]

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    Mar 23, 2020 Reply

    […] For a blog post and more on the Cherry Blossom season in Japan, click on  Viewing Cherry Blossoms in Japan […]

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