There is nothing more delightful than a natural high and Tokyoites are looking forward to seeing their favourite cherry blossoms (sakura) more than ever. This year the cherry blossom season is expected March 21 in Tokyo. Last year Tokyo's cherry blossom season began earlier than usual on March 14, when some blossoms opened on a cherry tree at Yasukuni Shrine. If you haven't yet witnessed the spectacle yourself, it's hard to imagine the emotional pull these blooms have over us mere mortals. The Japanese have given in to it and rightly so. Here we share more about the lauded blossoms, why they have become a national obsession and how to enjoy them like a local in the nation's capital.

What is a cherry blossom and why is it so famous in Japan?

A cherry blossom is the flower from a Prunus tree, and there are many different species found throughout the world, more commonly in northern hemisphere temperate clients. Japan is famous for its cherry blossom due to the large number of varieties it has and the significance the Japanese people attach to the blooms, leading to festivities and celebrations across the nation.

What is the significance of cherry blossoms?

The blooms represent a change in season, the end of winter and the beginning of spring, a time of renewal and optimism.  The soft scent of the blossoms brings a vibrancy and sense of joy to the streets.

What's the deeper meaning and symbolism of cherry blossom?

The breath-taking beauty of the much-anticipated blooms does not last long at all, and the short blooming season symbolises the delicate transience of life, a major theme in Buddhism. They shroud the trees like a pale pink mist of fluffy clouds, and just like clouds they can suddenly disappear with a gusty breeze. The blooms remind us to ponder the brilliance and fragility of life, the inevitability of death and the possibility of renewal.

How do locals celebrate the season?

Apart from becoming the most common topic of conversation, locals can be seen everywhere, gazing up at the blooms transfixed. Everywhere decorations appear of pink blossom shapes, in shops, on products, there are even many ways to consume the blossoms with sakura themed and flavoured sweets and drinks. As the buds burst, locals throw picnics under the trees known as hanami (flower viewing) parties eating and drinking.  These are informal gatherings of friends and families, and companies also hold their own celebrations, in parks near their offices. In Tokyo, Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen are popular locations with people going very early to reserve their spot. At night many parks and areas with cherry trees have night-time light-ups and raucous joyful banter can be heard as the picnickers celebrate the transient beauty of the flowers and welcome the new season.

Where are the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms in Tokyo?

You will see sakura trees planted in parks, gardens and by rivers throughout Tokyo. There are many planted around castles and by moats throughout Japan (like the Imperial Palace moat in Tokyo) you will also find them at schools. The highlight viewing spots in Tokyo are many, all with different atmosphere and festivities. Check our 2022 Hanami Guide for selected highlights.

If you can visit Japan during cherry blossom season, it is an opportunity not to be missed and will make an unforgettable trip, if not, do not fret, Tokyo has floral highlights all year round. We have created a quick reference seasonal highlight calendar with some of the best places to view. Download your SEASONAL HIGHLIGHT CALENDAR here. Note: All flowering periods are given as indicators for optimum viewing and are subject to change according to nature and climatic conditions.  

Please visit the Official Tokyo Guide for COVID-19 updates:  LINK