Each spring, the cherry blossom or sakura season transforms Japan into a breathtaking landscape of pink and white blossoms. The event sweeps across the islands, typically from late March to early April, and draws foreign travelers and locals to scenic spots across the country.
Beyond the beauty of hanami (flower viewing), this short period also influences other aspects of Japanese life. It is connected to historical sites, traditional artwork, and seasonal dishes across the archipelago. Let’s take a look at some of the interesting places and delights that are all tied to this cherished time of year!
Which Japanese artworks feature cherry blossoms?
Cherry blossoms can be seen in everything from ancient scrolls to modern art. Painters and poets have long used cherry blossoms or sakura to symbolize beauty and fleeting moments. Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are one art form that depicts cherry blossom trees in full bloom. Artists like Utagawa Hiroshige and Katsushika Hokusai often framed these blossoms against Mount Fuji’s iconic peak. Mount Yoshino Hokusai’s Mount Fuji Seen Through Cherry Blossoms is one of the most famous of these prints.
What food can I try this sakura season?
Japan’s bloom season brings together springtime picnics and delicious treats under sakura trees. These range from delicate sweets to hearty snacks. They are usually infused with the seasonal flower’s flavor to enhance the cherry blossom festival atmosphere.
Usuyaki
This is a thin, crepe-like pancake with origins in the wheat-based traditions of Edo. It is filled with sakura-an, a sweet bean paste infused with cherry petals. It has a light yet satisfying flavor and a simplicity that perfectly suits hanami gatherings.
Karinto
This crunchy, deep-fried snack has its roots in the rustic past of Japan’s Tohoku region. Its popularity spiked in the Meiji era when street food became popular during blossom season. This doughy snack is sweetened with brown sugar and flavored with cherry blossom essence or matcha.
Belgian Waffles
When the cherry blossoms bloom, street vendors, bakeries, and cafes serve Belgian waffles topped with blossom cream, syrup, or preserves. The waffles’ fluffy texture contrasts well with lattes or teas. Japan embraced this treat decades ago when it accepted Western influence in the post-Meiji era.
Are you looking for great snacks for the sakura season? Check out Sakuraco! Sakuraco delivers traditional Japanese snacks, teas, and sweets from local Japanese makers directly to your door so you can enjoy the latest treats directly from Japan!
What castles should I visit this year?
Japan’s castle grounds are often decorated with sakura trees to accentuate their historic architecture. The grounds become hotspots each spring when hundreds of trees bloom.
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle in Kyoto was Built in 1603 during the Edo-era power shifts. The 400 trees in its gardens make it a prime cherry blossom viewing location. The scenic pathways of Seiryu-en Garden are particularly popular for their weeping cherry trees. In early April, there are special evening illuminations. The castle is a 10-minute walk from Nijojo-mae Station.
Maruoka Castle
Maruoka Castle is a 15-minute walk from JR Maruoka Station in Fukui Prefecture. It puts on a stunning display when the hundreds of cherry trees surrounding its ancient walls are illuminated at night. The magical atmosphere is complemented by the amazing views of the surrounding landscape, which turns to a sea of pink.
What can I do in Kawaguchi City?
This city lies just north of Tokyo in Saitama Prefecture. The area is well-known for its production of potted plants, flowers, and bonsai, but it also offers great opportunities for flower viewing.
Kawaguchi Green Center
This expansive botanical garden houses many seasonable flowers, including plum, Wisteria, and Azalea. Visitors travel great distances to view the unique tropical plants stored in its large greenhouses. It also features walking paths that become peaceful settings for hanami picnics in Japan during cherry blossom season. The park also hosts springtime flower festivals, adding to the experience with additional floral displays.
Arakawa Riverbank
The Arakawa River flows for over 170 kilometers through Saitama and Tokyo. For a few kilometers of its length, near Kumagaya, rows of trees line the riverside. This area is another prime location, where the bright petals contrast sharply with the backdrop of the flowing water. For petal chasers, it is ideal for leisurely strolls and photography. The food stalls during peak bloom create ample opportunities for riverside picnics. The area is easily accessible on foot from Kumagaya Station.
Why is sakura season so important in Japan?
Sakura season is very important in Japan because it celebrates the beauty of spring. The sudden emergence of such pink flowers makes the season’s arrival impossible to ignore. And their just-as-sudden disappearance forces people to pause and consider the passing of time. The sakura-flavored foods also allow picnickers to appreciate the blooms using many senses at once. This all makes for a positive environment in which to socialize. Displays at historical sites create a cultural backdrop to the festivities.
The important role that sakura plays in Japanese design is reinforced in springtime. Even away from the festivities, ancient works are glimpses into celebrations of the past. Traditional works have preserved scenes from some of Japan’s most famous viewing sites for future generations. And the season continues to inspire contemporary art in the form of clothing, ceramics, paintings, photography, and even digital design. Year after year, this season continues to unite the past and present in a vivid display.
What experiences or tips come to mind when you think about sakura season? Do you have any favorite spots or foods you’d like to share? Leave a comment below!
