When does sakura season start?
Usually, the cherry trees bloom for only 7 days. Despite this, the sakura season in Japan lasts a little more than a month: from the end of March to the beginning of May. The country has 4 climatic zones. In warmer regions, for example, on the island of Honshu, the flowering period comes earlier. Sakura blooms later on the northernmost Japanese island – Hokkaido. However, global warming has affected the schedule of this spring’s premier event. In recent years, cherry blossoms have begun earlier almost all over the country.
What kind of cherries bloom in Japan?
Botanists distinguish 16 types of sakura and more than 400 of its varieties. Naturally, the majority of cherry trees can be seen in Japan: 9 types of sakura and a large number of varieties grow there. The most common variety is somei-yoshino which is characterized by its five-a-piece baby-pink petals. The second most popular type is yaezakura (in the picture) which features several layers of overlapping petals. The third one is called Shidare-Zakura. It is a small deciduous tree with charming, fully double, rich pink flowers.
What is hanami?
Hanami is a Japanese national custom of welcoming spring through the magnificent cherry blossom festival. According to some sources, this tradition originated in the 8th century. Nowadays, it has become even more popular. Many Japanese people enjoy walking through the blooming garden with their loved ones, arranging photo shoots, and picnics there. Interestingly, the night hanami, which is called yozakura, has recently become more widespread in Japan.
Where to admire sakura bloom?
In Japan, you can admire the beauty of blooming cherry trees literally everywhere from the ryokan window or next to the subway. However, it is better to witness a display of various cherry blossom varieties at specially designated for this event places; in numerous parks and gardens. By doing so, you can get the most vivid emotions. The most popular place for viewing the sakura season is Mount Yoshino (in the picture) where more than 30,000 cherry trees grow. During the cherry blossom period, this area looks like a pink cloud floating in the sky.
How does Japan earn from cherry blossoms?
Every year during the cherry blossom season there is a surge in inbound tourism in Japan. Tens of thousands of foreigners visit Japan from late March to early May. Japan is literally immersed in the atmosphere of hanami: hotels, restaurants, and shops. In many cafes, desserts and cherry-flavored drinks are offered to guests. A number of brands, including Western ones, for example, Starbucks, Nestle, and Mars, release limited sakura-style products to the Japanese market by the beginning of the season.
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