When does sakura bloom and how? Cherry blossom festival in Japan. Japanese people in kimonos walk past sakura

I wish you a good day to all my readers, small blog! In this article, I will tell you when sakura blooms in Japan and how the residents of this country spend these special days. Let me remind you that in the Land of the Rising Sun, there are two main, symbolic flowers - chrysanthemum and sakura (I will talk about this in the next article). They have different meanings, but treat them equally reverently. But I don’t think I’ll be wrong if I say that when many people hear the word “Japan,” they associate it with a cherry blossom branch or a tree decorated with numerous delicate, airy petals. I confess for a long time, and I had this associative chain: Japan - samurai - geisha - sakura - sake - sushi - emperor - sun - anime (or in any other order:). What about you? And I think you'll be right! After all, since ancient times, in paintings, postcards, national clothes, Japanese cherry blossoms are often depicted.

What is she like?

Let me remind you that Japanese cherry is an ordinary, medium-height tree. Belongs to the plum subfamily. It is also sometimes called mountain cherry or wild cherry. Fruits do not grow on it; it is purely aesthetic in nature. Surprisingly, there are a lot of types of sakura. There are 16 of them, and there are hundreds of subspecies.

Sakura can be the usual soft pink or almost white, and there are also bright reddish shades. The arrangement of flowers on the branch, depending on the variety, may also differ. The sakura tree looks interesting, with branches unusually directed downward. Whereas, on the trees we are familiar with, all the branches stretch upward, it is called “shidarezakura”.

And the species we often encounter is “someyoshino”; its flowers are almost snow-white. It is interesting that many Japanese, and not only others, believe that the most luxurious and beautiful sakura blooms in Kyoto. Therefore, every spring, many tourists come here.

Where it blooms

Considering that the climate is warmer on the southern islands, cherry trees They begin to bloom in this part of the country. Starting from Okinawa. On the other islands, spring cherry blossoms come later. Gradually reaching and stopping at the northernmost part of Japan - Hokkaido. This smoothly moving wave is called the “sakura blossom front.”

In cities, delicate flowers bloom near temples and palaces, in parks and squares. Since the cherry blossom period is not particularly long (on average 7-10 days maximum), the local population tries to spend as much time as possible near the trees. By the way, if it rains, the flowers are overwhelmed by rain, and this period becomes much shorter.

Theoretically, you can travel around the country, along the cherry blossom route, from one province to another and admire the magic. If you are interested, there are numerous special tours to Japan to watch the buds bloom. Sometimes, you can even visit several islands during a trip.

When it blooms

As a rule, beautiful cherries begin to bloom at the end of March. But in the northern regions, the flowers begin to hatch by the end of January, while in the northern regions, sakura pleases residents only at the end of April-May. Every year, flowers appear on the trees, a little in different times, or rather, on different days. It depends on the weather; the warmer the spring, the earlier the buds will form. In each city, flowering days will always be different.

Japanese people like to make predictions about this. And the media constantly reports the exact dates when everything will begin and recommends the best places to admire cherries. By the way, in 2016, sakura trees in Japan bloomed from March 26 until approximately May 2. The Japanese will always welcome spring and rejoice as long as the sakura blossoms.

What does it look like

Sakura blossoms look magical and enchant at first sight. Imagine how tens of hundreds of trees are enveloped in an airy white and pink shawl, lush and delicate. And a subtle sweetish aroma flows around. The beauty of this cannot be expressed in words!

Hanami Festival

This is the name of the beloved and long-awaited cherry blossom holiday (花見・はなみ). From the Japanese words “hana” - in Japanese it means “flower”, and “mi” - to admire, to look. So it turns out - the tradition of “sakura admiring”. Which the Japanese consider a symbol of life. (read more about the symbolism of the flower here). In order to celebrate the days of admiring sakura, a headquarters is created in the capital of Japan, which oversees preparations for the celebration and coordinates events in all cities. Holidays start at . The venue has so far been chosen as Shinjuku Park. The imperial family, prominent politicians and other highly respected Japanese come to admire the blossoms.

Tourists from all over the world come to see the cherry blossoms. You can look at the cherry alleys not only during the day, but also in the evening. Interestingly illuminated, the trees look fabulous in the dark. This creates a slightly mysterious, but at the same time, cozy atmosphere. Photos and videos of cherry blossoms can be taken at any time of the day, the pictures are sure to turn out beautiful.

Where did the holiday come from?

Almost seventeen centuries ago, the emperor and Japanese aristocrats decided to hold a holiday for themselves, where they would admire the cherry blossoms with their family. The tradition became annual, and all the nobility, samurai and subsequently ordinary people joined it. In the name of this day, poems and songs were composed. Wonderful treats were being prepared everywhere.

The holiday was associated not only with spring, new life, but also over time, when it is necessary to plant rice. Therefore, people rejoiced and hoped for good harvest. To do this, they brought ritual gifts to sakura, like a deity. Now days of admiration are celebrated throughout Japan, and none of its residents will allow themselves to miss them.

How the Japanese celebrate

Different than the Europeans. During celebrations, they try to be with their family, preferably in a park under the arches of flowering trees. They are
calmly contemplate the beauty of spring nature. People walk or sit on rugs, on the grass in the shade of cherry trees. They chat, smile, have a snack. Impromptu picnics take place both during the day and at night, when everything around is illuminated with multi-colored lanterns. Many people have barbecues and fry meat in
surrounded by your family or a group of friends, drinking a can of beer and enjoying the beauty and free moments.

There is no official day off for sakura viewing. People gather after work, or on Saturdays and Sundays. To celebrate flowering day like real Japanese, you need to follow a certain ritual.

For those who want to enjoy the sight and scent of sakura at any time of the year, some Japanese museums have presented an interesting option. You stand, look at a picture of a Japanese cherry blossom, and feel its sweet, indescribable aroma (i.e., a scented exhibition). Great? I think it's a great idea.

In the meantime, I am finishing my story about the flowering of this magnificent tree. Thank you for reading my article. I would like you to share my story on social networks. Yes, and be sure to subscribe for updates! There will be a lot more interesting things to come. Have a wonderful mood!

Hanami is a Japanese national tradition of flower viewing that originated with imperial court. The courtiers spent hours under flowering trees, enjoying socializing, light drinks, parlor games and writing poetry.

In the short and brilliant period of flowering of spring flowers, plums and sakura, which lasts from 7 to 10 days, a deep meaning was seen in the Land of the Rising Sun. Falling flower petals were identified with the beauty and transience of life, with courage and purity of thoughts.

Admiring the cherry blossoms - O-Hanami

It's easy to admire cherry blossoms. Just enjoy the flowers on one tree or a whole group of them. From afar, trees look like clouds, and the beauty of individual flowers is revealed at close range.

Sakura in bloom looks especially beautiful in combination with castles, temples and shrines. In some places, the trees are illuminated in the evening, which creates an amazing spectacle.

O-Hanami traditionally includes not only a walk in the park, but also a picnic under flowering trees. The cherry blossom festival has been celebrated in Japan for many centuries, and today is celebrated in many public and private parks and gardens.

In especially popular parks, picnic areas are reserved in advance. A common practice in Japan is to lay out a mat early in the morning with the name of the group and the time they plan to occupy it, or one of the group stays there all day and waits until the others arrive.

Employees of companies specially set aside a day for admiring sakura, something like a corporate event. That is, on this day they go to work, but spend it in the park with their boss and colleagues, have a picnic with various goodies and alcoholic drinks. They even sing special songs composed on the occasion of Hanami.

Cherry blossom season in Japan in 2015

According to forecasts, cherry blossoms in Japan in 2015 are expected to bloom around March 21 in Kyushu and March 26 in Tokyo and Kyoto. The flowers will fully open in about a week.

Below is a cherry blossom forecast based on data from the Japan Weather Association and japan-guide.com. Naturally, the forecast is only approximate, and weather changes can significantly affect the period of flower opening. Follow the news; already at the beginning of March, news in each individual area reports the timing of cherry blossoms, as well as the number of trees in each of the parks.

The best places to admire cherry blossoms in Japan

Tokyo

Shinjuku-Gyoen

10 minutes walk from JR Shinjuku Station.
Entrance fee: 200 yen. Opening hours: from 9:00 to 16:30

Shinjuku Gyoen Park is home to over a thousand cherry trees of over a dozen varieties, including numerous early and late flowering trees. There are large lawns for picnics in a tranquil atmosphere. This is a great place to admire the cherry blossoms, for those who really miss spring.

Ueno Park

A few steps from Ueno Station. Free admission

This is one of the most crowded, noisy and popular places in Japan for the cherry blossom festival. Ueno Park has more than 1,000 trees along the street leading to the National Museum and around Shinobatsu Pond. The cherry blossoms in this park usually open 1-3 days earlier than in other places in Tokyo.

Chidorigafuchi

Kudansita. Free admission

Hundreds of cherry trees line the moats of Edo Castle and Kitanomaru Park, creating one of the most amazing cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. Here you can rent a rowing boat and enjoy an unforgettable boat trip.

Sumida Park

A few steps from Asakusa. Free admission

The park extends several hundred meters along the banks of the Sumida River overlooking the Tokyo Sky Tree. You can also watch the cherry blossoms here from the water. The walk will be especially romantic in the evening hours, when the trees are specially illuminated.

Kyoto

Path of the Philosopher

Free admission.

Filosov's Path is a pleasant path to a canal that connects two amazing historical temple complexes: Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion) and Nanzen-ji Temple. More than 100 cherry trees grow here.

Maruyama Park

Near Yasaka Shrine. Free admission

Maruyama Park near Yasaka Shrine is Kyoto's most popular public park for cherry blossom viewing. Its centerpiece is a large weeping cherry tree. The tables of many cafes are located under tree branches.

Heian Temple

Behind the main building of the temple. Admission: 600 yen. Opening hours: from 8:30 to 17:30

Behind the main building of the Heian Temple grows large number weeping cherry blossoms, making this one of the best places to visit in Kyoto. These cherries reach full bloom a few days later than others, which will be of interest to tourists who miss the main flowering season.

Osaka

Kema Sakuranomiya Park

Sakuranomiya Station (JR Loop Line). Free admission.

More than 5,000 cherry trees are planted in the park along the Okawa River for several kilometers. This seemingly endless row of cherry trees can be viewed from the embankment or from a ship on the river. The park itself also has plenty of lawns for picnics under the trees.

Castle in Osaka

Castle park in Osaka. Admission is free (except Nishinomaru Garden).

As you approach Osaka Castle, more than 4,000 cherry trees are planted. A particularly good place for a picnic is Nishinomaru Park in the western part of the castle citadel, with wide lawns, views of the castle baths and illuminated trees in the evening.

Expo 70 Commemorative Park

Banpaku Kinen Koen Station.
Admission: 250 yen. Opening hours: from 9:30 to 17:00 (longer during the cherry blossom season).

The site of the 1970 Osaka World's Fair is now a large public park with over 5,000 cherry trees. The cherry blossoms are very beautifully illuminated in the evenings.

Japan Mint (Osaka Mint Bureau)

10 minutes walk from Temmabashi station.
Admission is free and open to the public for one week only.

More than 100 varieties of sakura grow in the park at the Osaka Mint. The cherries here bloom in mid-April, about a week later than the main flowering season. The courtyard is open to the public only during cherry blossom season.

Yokohama

Sankei-en Garden

10-25 minutes by bus from Negishi or Sakuragicho Station.
Admission: 500 yen. Opening hours: from 9:00 to 17:00 (entrance until 16:30).

Sankei-en is a classic landscaped Japanese garden with a central pond. Here you can watch not only the blossoming of several hundred cherry trees, but also admire the historical architecture of Japan.

Mitsuike Park

Mitsuike Koen Kitamon Bus Stop (city bus No. 104 from Shin-Yokohama or TSURUMI Stations). Free admission.

Mitsuike Park is one of the TOP 100 best places to watch cherry blossoms in Japan. The park has three ponds surrounded by more than 1,000 cherry trees.

Kamakura

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

A short walk northeast of Kamakura Station.
Free admission.

Danzakura Alley, more than 500 meters on the approach to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Temple, is lined with cherry trees, creating one of the most spectacular “cherry blossom” tunnels in Japan.

Izu Peninsula

Kawazu village

The village is one of the most beautiful places in the Tokyo area to admire the cherry blossoms. Cherries here bloom, as a rule, in late February and early March, which attracts many tourists who miss spring.

Five Fuji Lakes

Northern shores of Kawaguchiko

15-25 minutes by retro bus from Kawaguchiko Station.

Amazing scenery awaits you on the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko. You will never forget the cherry blossoms, the smooth surface of the lake and the view of Mount Fuji. Best view you will be provided with early morning, it is at this time that the rays of the sun illuminate the area most beautifully.

Chureito Pagoda

15-20 minutes walk from Shimo-Yoshida Station
Free admission.

This pagoda is relatively recently built on the hills opposite Fuji. During the cherry blossom season, the pagoda seems to be surrounded by a sea of ​​flowers. The best lighting is early morning.

There are countless more places throughout Japan where viewing the cherry blossoms will leave you with an unforgettable experience. Numerous parks at castles, temples and sanctuaries where they are preserved centuries-old tradition Hanami.

As we already said, stay tuned. In Japan, the cherry blossom period is heavily covered in the media, so the opening dates of the flowers are announced in advance. And make sure to book your hotel on time before numerous tourists take up the available seats.

With the arrival of spring, Japan completely changes - the sacred period of flowering of the decorative Japanese cherry tree - sakura - begins. About a hundred trees are covered with white-pink or white flowers. A large number of people gather in squares, near palaces, parks, and temples to enjoy the excellent spectacle.

Sakura blossom Considered a very important event, the tradition of observing flowering trees is very ancient and universal.

Meteorologists report on the approximate timing of cherry blossoms long before the season arrives, and all media outlets give forecasts about the blossoming of decorative cherries every day. The cherry blossom season officially begins in Shinjuku Park, where the imperial couple are present and many of the country's leading government officials are also invited.

In different climatic regions, so the flowering of decorative cherries will not be simultaneous. Sacred sakura opens the season in the south, namely in south island countries of Japan - Okinawa. Sakura trees begin to bloom closer to February. But on the northernmost island of the country - Hokkaido - trees can begin to bloom only with the arrival of summer time.

The beginning of cherry blossoms and its duration changes every year. It is generally accepted that in Sapporo the flowering season lasts from the twelfth of March to the twentieth of April, in Tokyo it blooms from the twenty-seventh of March to the seventh of April, the flowering period is considered to be from the fifth to the thirteenth of April, in the city of Kyoto - from the fourth to the sixteenth of April.

But it is worth saying that these are only approximate dates; a lot will depend on the weather. If it is cold, the flowering period will shift, and the first buds will bloom much later than the official date. If the weather is warm, without sudden changes in temperature, the flowers will bloom one week earlier than planned. It is generally accepted that the most beautiful trees grow in the most ancient capitals of Japan, for example: Kyoto, Nara, Kamakura. The most beautiful flowers are those of the weeping sakura - an unusual soft pink color.

Sakura usually does not bloom for long. The most delicate flowers cannot withstand strong weather changes, such as rain or gusts of wind - and unopened buds and flowers fall to the ground. IN good weather Sakura can remain in bloom for 2 to 7 days; in unfavorable weather, this period is literally 2-4 hours.

Very soon what all Japanese have been waiting for all year will happen - the country will plunge into the white and pink haze of cherry blossoms. In honor of this, we decided to put together everything you need to know about the main Japanese symbol of spring.

1. Flowering time

Sakura blooms for only about a week and blooms gradually throughout the country. Blooms typically begin in January in Okinawa, reach Kyoto and Tokyo by late March or early April, and reach Hokkaido a few weeks later.

During flowering in Japan, a special headquarters is created that monitors sakura zensen - the cherry blossom front. And he tells residents in advance when sakura will bloom in their city and where is the best place to watch it.

2. Hanami

The Japanese tradition of admiring cherry blossoms has its own name - Hanami. The official opening of Hanami in Shinjuku Central Park in Tokyo is attended by famous politicians and members of the imperial family.

Hanami refers to picnics under flowering trees. And in especially popular parks, the Japanese take their places in advance - from early morning they leave mats with the name of the group and the time when they will arrive. In Japan, there are even special companies that can take your place for you.

3. Team building

The whole team often goes to hanami from work, organizing unique corporate events. Among the snacks, the most popular are onigiri rice balls and dango rice flour balls, and sake among drinks.

According to legend, sakura pollen falling into a cup of sake gives strength and health. In addition, during hanami there is a special ritual “ikki” - a competition “who can drink the most and stay on their feet.” Therefore sake cherry blossoms drink quite a lot.

4. The most famous trees

Some cherry trees have already become symbols of Japan. The most famous sakura grows in the city of Hokuto. The Sakura of the Age of the Gods (Jindaizakura) tree is about 2000 years old and has received the title of a national natural monument.

Another famous tree can be found in Fukushima Prefecture - "Sakura Falls in Miharu" (Miharu-takizakura) over 1000 years old.

5. Flower sweets

It is believed that sakura fruits are inedible - they are small, hard and sour. That's why the Japanese make wine from them. And sakura leaves are used for cooking.

The Japanese salt and pickle sakura leaves and wrap national sweets - wagashi - in them. They have a specific taste - salty-sweet-sour-spicy. But during flowering, everyone should try the sweets in sakura leaves.

April 26th, 2013 admin

There is a pleasant aroma of spring in the air of Evpatoria, fruit trees and bushes are blooming. Tender pink flowers Sakura blossomed in Evpatoria in the park near Theater Square. In October last year, ten Japanese cherry trees were planted on the initiative of the liquidators of the Chernobyl accident, in memory of the victims of the Chernobyl disaster and the tragedy at the Japanese nuclear power plant Fukushima-1.

Japanese cherry blossoms bloomed in many cities of Crimea - in Kerch, Simferopol, Sevastopol, Yalta, and the Nikitsky Botanical Garden.

Eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring, Sakura rejoices in the affectionate sunlight and amazes the eyes of passers-by with the lush splendor of flowering. The cherry blossoms won't last long, don't miss this wonderful moment, hurry up to enjoy the beauty of its wild blossoms.

They call it sakura in Japan decorative tree finely serrated cherry, and its flowers. There are more than 305 species of sakura in Japan, blooming from March 27 to mid-April in all shades of pink and white. Sakura variety. Somei Yoshino blooms with white flowers, the petals of which are colored pale pink color right at the stem.

Blooming similar to that of white sakura can also be observed in Russia, when the closest relative of sakura, white bird cherry, blooms in the spring.

The bird cherry blossomed under my window,
It was as if snow had wrapped the branches in silver.

Sakura for Japan is a symbol of beauty, youth and transience of life. Admiring the amazing beauty of sakura blossoms, the Japanese think about the frailty of life and the impermanence of existence - very soon the petals of beautiful sakura flowers will fall and the wind will pick them up and carry them away to God knows where.

In Japanese poetry, sakura is associated with passing youth and lost love. Just as sakura quickly fades, the freshness and delicate, touching beauty of flowers fades, the beauty of youth fades just as quickly, and human life passes just as fleetingly.

Sad world!
Even when the cherry blossoms...
Even then...
(Kobayashi Issa)

Cherry blossoms in the Land of the Rising Sun national holiday. Forecasters and biologists make forecasts for flowering dates for different varieties sakura, starting from the south to the north of Japan. On television in the daily news they report where the cherry blossoms began, and tourists go there. Wanting to extend the cherry blossom holiday for a month, the Japanese follow the cherry blossoms from city to city from south to north of the country.

Anxiety is taking over!
Where, at what peak
Surrounding mountains
Long-awaited cherry blossoms
Will they be the first to bloom?
Saigyo

The holiday dedicated to admiring cherry blossoms is called Hanami in Japan. Hana in Japanese is a flower, but in the word “hana” the Japanese include the concept: “flourishing”, “the best time of life”, “pride”. The word "hana" is included in many compound words - "hanamuko" - groom, "hanayome" - bride, "hanabanashi" - brilliant, "hanagata" - theater star.

The Japanese tradition of the Hanami holiday goes back to the distant past. The first mention of the cherry blossom viewing festival in the emperor's palace dates back to the 3rd century. The Japanese aristocracy, admiring the cherry blossoms, enjoyed music, writing poetry, light drinks, and parlor games. Sitting under the sakura, the poets composed “chains of poems” known as “renga”.

To those who love good wine,

I'll take the branch as a gift.

In those ancient times, sakura was a symbol of the harvest, and its blossoming announced the beginning of field work to plant rice. Caring for the future harvest, Japanese peasants made offerings to cherry blossoms. The favorite folk holiday of viewing cherry blossoms coincides with the arrival of the New Year in Japan.

According to the ancient popular belief, each sakura flower tells about the fate of a child. In Japan, there is a sad legend that tells how the elder of the village of Sakura brought his children to the ruler Shogun to show their beaten backs, with traces of beatings with a bamboo stick inflicted by the servants of the cruel Prince Hotta. Ruler Shogun punished Prince Khot, but the prince harbored anger at the complainant and planned to take revenge on him. Prince Hota ordered Sakura and his children to be secretly captured, tied to a cherry tree and beaten to death with sticks. The legend says that since then, sakura in Japan has bloomed pink, stained with the blood of innocent children.

The Japanese believe that the souls of deceased ancestors live in sakura flowers. Contemplating the beauty of a flowering tree, the Japanese mentally communicate with their ancestors, ask them for advice and help, talk to the blooming sakura and listen to what the flowering branch whispers when the wind blows, showering their heads with rain of sakura flower petals.

The blossoming of Sakura has always inspired and continues to inspire poets, musicians, and painters who glorify the beauty of the blossoming of youth and the fleeting nature of life.

The famous Japanese poet Kobayashi Issa (1763–1827) is considered one of the best masters of haiku poetry.

“How ridiculous
Life,” I thought, stopping
At the cherry blossoms.
***

Spring is leaving
But they hesitate in indecision
Late cherries.

***

“Cherry trees, cherry blossoms!” -
And about these old trees
Once upon a time they sang...

***
There are no strangers between us!
We are all each other's brothers
Under the cherry blossoms.

***
This is amazing -
Live as if nothing had happened
Under the cherry blossoms.