Planning a Trip to Japan? Guide to Cherry Blossom Season

Japan’s cherry blossom season is a time of celebration and beauty. Cherry blossoms, called Sakura in Japanese, has been a national obsession for centuries. Japanese, and people the world over, look forward to cherry blossom season, where beautiful seas of delicate pink flowers inspire awe and wonder, the short-lived nature of the flowers only adding to people’s appreciation of their beauty.

Sharing similar status as Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, some people goes as far as saying one has not been to Japan if one had not experienced the beauty of cherry blossom season!

When is the Japanese Cherry Blossom Season?

When does the cherry blossoms bloom? In general, the warmer the weather, the earlier the blossoms open.

Cherry blossoms start blooming as early as January in Okinawa and as late as May in Hokkaido! Meanwhile, in most major cities in between, including Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, the cherry blossoms usually bloom in early April.

Hence depending on which part of Japan you want to go to, the timing to admire the cherry blossoms can vary.

As the blooming of the cherry blossom is dependent on the climate, it can vary from year to year as weather conditions change, especially with the current problem of global warming. It is recommended to check for the latest cherry blossom updates from Japanese tourism guides for the blooming schedule when planning your visit.

What to do during Cherry Blossom Season?

The favorite activity of everyone during cherry blossom season is Hanami, which literally translates into “flower viewing”. Hanami is easy-peasy to do and loved by all. Hanami can just be a walk in the park, or more conventionally, it is a picnic party under the blooming trees. Hanami parties have been held in Japan ever since there were cherry blossoms. They are held in public and private gardens and parks across the country.

Take note that popular cherry blossom spots can get very crowded. You may have to reach very early to secure a spot with your picnic mat!  

Tips for travelling to Japan

Planning your first ever trip to the land of the rising sun? The first question to ask is do I need a eVisa to go to Japan? If you are a Singaporean reader, the good news is that you do not need one for a stay of up to 90 days.

As there are four seasons in Japan, be sure check the local weather conditions and pack the appropriate clothes. There is no need to worry if you forgot to pack any items, you can always buy what you need from any of Japan’s world-class departmental stores! Other tips include being respectful of Japanese culture and customs; do not litter or eat while walking along historical sites.

Have fun in Japan, a country with beautiful natural scenery, historical heritage sites and glitzy and modern entertainment districts that should be on anyone’s bucket list!

Header image credit: Flickr