Japan is a country filled with culture, ancient history and heritage. Spring in particular sees a celebration of all three of these characteristics: Hanami.
Hanami is the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers. The particular flower being celebrated at this time is the impossibly beautiful cherry blossom or ‘sakura’.
Spring is a very busy time of year for Japan as foreign travellers flock here to witness the country transition into a blanket of pink and white petals. The cherry blossoms saw 8 million foreign visitors last year, according to NPR.
Many flock to parks for picnics under the canopy of cherry blossoms, where snacks and sake are enjoyed. Interestingly, cherry blossom trees flower at different times across the country.
In the south, where the climate is more subtropical, islands such as Okinawa can experience cherry blossom blooms from as early as January, according to Japan Specialist. In the northern island of Hokkaido, flowers can bloom as late as May. In the central areas, like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, cherry blossom season usually begins in early April.
The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC)’s cherry blossom forecast helps visitors and locals plan their travel arrangements. A number of factors go into the forecasting process. These include cherry tree growth status, low autumn and winter temperatures, past area data and cumulative temperatures, according to Live Japan.
Pour over the glorious pink and white petals below.
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