By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin
The arrival of cherry blossoms in the warm spring air of March signals that “spring is here.” The blooming of cherry blossoms in Japan tugs at people’s hearts. From the moment the first flower blooms on the branches, people eagerly await their gradual unfolding, painting the mountains white as snow and red as rouge. When strong winds blow, petals transform into thousands of butterflies, dancing brilliantly in the sky. A full 358 days of anticipation leads to just a brief seven-day encounter, making cherry blossom viewing both rare and special. According to weather forecasts, due to the particularly cold winter this year in western Japan, cherry blossoms awoke early and began preparing to bloom. It is expected that the cherry blossom season will begin from late March onward.
River and Lisa happened to be in Japan for research during the cherry blossom season—what special experiences did they have? Check out the next page.
The reason why Japanese people are especially fond of cherry blossoms is that, in their short blooming period, the flowers do everything they can to bloom beautifully, then fall without regret when the wind blows. This symbolizes the impermanence of life, allowing people to witness the fleeting nature of beauty and youth, and to cherish the present. Therefore, every March and April, there is an unexpectedly fervent “hanami” (cherry blossom viewing) craze. Groups of friends gather together for the occasion, singing, drinking, and chatting under the cherry trees, enjoying the vibrant beauty of the blossoms. But when night falls, night blossoms take on a poetic quality. Under the glow of lights, the flowers blur into pink clouds. Nighttime cherry blossom viewing offers a different experience from daytime—cherry blossoms shift moods between day and night. At night, the flowers emit a faint fragrance. For those wanting to dive deeper into cherry blossom appreciation, try night viewing. Dancing under the cherry trees offers a whole other kind of charm.
The stunning beauty of night cherry blossoms is another choice for a cherry blossom viewing trip in Japan. (Photo provided by the Taipei Office of the Interchange Association, Japan)
An ancient, evocative castle surrounded by colorful cherry blossoms takes on a poetic ambiance. (Photo provided by the Taipei Office of the Interchange Association, Japan)
Under the dim glow of lanterns, the flickering sight of night cherry blossoms has long been beloved by the Japanese. Recently, some cherry blossom viewing spots have enhanced the experience during peak season with lighting, offering visitors a view different from that of the daytime. Famous night cherry blossom spots span Japan from north to south, including Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, Meguro River, Inokashira Park, and Rikugien in the Tokyo area; Maruyama Park, Hirano Shrine, Heian Shrine, and Kiyomizu-dera in the Kyoto area. Additionally, Japan’s three most famous night cherry blossom viewing spots include Takada Park in Jōetsu City, which blooms around early to late April; Ueno Park, which blooms around late March; and Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture, best viewed from late April to early May.
Painting the annual scenery under the resplendent cherry blossoms. (Photo provided by the Taipei Office of the Interchange Association, Japan)
As for the three major night cherry blossom spots in the Tohoku region, they include Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture, Kakunodate in Akita, and Kamihashi Shosenkyo in Iwate Prefecture, with the best viewing time around late April to early May.
For a unique cherry blossom experience in Japan, you can also opt for “yakatabune (traditional Japanese houseboat) cherry blossom viewing.” Historically, viewing cherry blossoms from a yakatabune has been one of the more luxurious ways to enjoy the season, with Tokyo’s Sumida River (Asakusa) being a classic spot. Visiting Osaka’s Tenma Bridge Port, along the Okawa River near the Mint Bureau or near Sakuranomiya Park are also popular cherry blossom spots. Every year in late March when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, crowds flock in, making a boat ride to enjoy night cherry blossoms another great option.
Cherry blossoms burst into full bloom, radiating the vibrant energy of spring. (Photo provided by the Taipei Office of the Interchange Association, Japan)
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