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Japanese cherry blossoms seem to be synonymous with spring.
But there are many flower viewing gossips on the Internet
Flowers from all over the world look very similar
They are all the same pink and beautiful
So, what are the characteristics of various cherry blossom viewing spots?
Where should I go to enjoy the flowers?
The thoughtful You Xiaojun has compiled a Sakura Treasure Book for everyone
We guarantee that you will have the ability to distinguish the major flower viewing spots in one second!
Kawazu-zakura are the earliest cherry blossoms to bloom in the Japanese archipelago. They bloom from early February to early March each year in Kawazu Town, Kamo District, Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture.
The Izu Peninsula's warm climate makes Kawazu cherry blossoms the earliest to bloom in the Japanese archipelago, beginning in early February and continuing through mid-March, a month-long bloom. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, held annually in Kawazu Town, Kamo County, draws crowds of tourists during the blooming season, from February 10th to March 10th.
Mount Yoshino is undoubtedly Japan's top cherry blossom viewing spot. Famous for its cherry blossoms since ancient times, all of its mountains are designated World Heritage Sites.
Every spring, tens of thousands of cherry trees bloom across Mount Yoshino, creating a scene known as the "Yoshino Thousand Cherry Blossoms." From early to mid-April, the vibrant blossoms blanket the mountain in breathtaking beauty, transforming Mount Yoshino into a sea of pink petals. The gusting winds between the peaks swirl the petals into a dazzling display of falling blossoms, bathing the mountain in a sea of cherry blossoms, which drift down in a shower of petals in the crisp air.
Mount Yoshino offers the most beautiful cherry blossoms in the world, a spectacle of snow. Thanks to the ever-shifting sea of clouds, the scenery of Mount Yoshino changes rapidly. The mist lingers between the mountains, resembling a layer of light sand, like cotton wool or smoke.
Enjoy Kanto's largest cherry blossom viewing experience. Built during World War II, Lake Sagami hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including lantern festivals, fire festivals, and fireworks displays. Enjoy the delicate Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms and the charming wild cherry blossoms.
A vibrant display of blossoms, a dazzling array of colors, immerse you in the rich atmosphere of Japanese culture. This breathtaking scenery truly embodies the ancient poetic sentiment: "The scenery is infinitely beautiful!" Have you ever experienced cherry blossom viewing from above? Not yet? You're out of luck! Enjoy the exhilarating feeling of a skywalk amidst the sea of cherry blossoms at Lake Sagami from a dedicated cherry blossom viewing cable car. Enjoy the thrill of a stroll through the air while admiring the blossoms!
The charm of Kyoto's ancient city can best be experienced by wandering its streets and turning corners. The Keage Incline, a section of railway that has been decommissioned, is now a prime spot for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto.
Cherry blossoms line both sides of the railway. Together, the train tracks and the cherry blossoms look like something out of a cartoon. Standing on the bridge at the end, the view from the bridge, shaded by the flowers, is truly breathtaking.
Maruyama Park, Kyoto's oldest park, is home to nearly 900 cherry trees, the most famous of which are the Gion weeping cherry trees, which have been passed down from generation to generation since 1866.
The park's most famous weeping cherry tree, over 200 years old, has been known as the "Gion Night Cherry Blossoms" since the Meiji era. During the hanami period, this graceful tree is illuminated after dusk, emitting a soft halo of light. The cherry blossom branches, like a giant fan, are outlined in a dreamlike scene. Walking through it, you can faintly smell the subtle fragrance, which makes you hold your breath in admiration!
Meguro River's night cherry blossoms are the perfect spot for viewing the "night cherry blossoms." In April, the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, clusters of pink cluster together in a joyful and lively atmosphere. An occasional breeze blows, petals fluttering in the wind, petals falling onto the river surface in a vibrant display of color, the blossoms drifting and the water flowing freely.
As night falls, the red lights lining the riverbank illuminate. The cherry blossoms, shrouded in the night, appear especially delicate and sweet. Strolling along the riverbank, shops line the banks, stalls selling a variety of snacks and fine wines. Under the bright moonlight, accompanied by the fragrance of flowers, people recount the beauty of the world.
Nara, Japan, is an ancient cultural city boasting numerous ancient temples, shrines, and historical relics. Hundreds of wild sika deer live on the vast meadows of Nara Park. The deer are delightful to behold, quietly foraging for food, frolicking with one another, or even approaching you to bend down and rub against you.
Can't make it to see the flowers in March or April? No problem! Hokkaido residents say you can still enjoy the blossoms in May! Hokkaido boasts numerous flower viewing spots, but Goryokaku Park outside Hakodate is undoubtedly the most unique. Originally a star-shaped fortress built by the shogunate in the late Edo period, Goryokaku Park is now a designated cultural heritage site. During cherry blossom season, climb Goryokaku Tower to gaze upon the vibrant pink five-pointed star!
Next, You Xiaojun will teach you how to cosplay as a local in three steps
What's a beautiful view without delicious food? Spread out a carefully prepared picnic blanket under the greenery and enjoy the beauty of spring like a local.
As for the food, there is sakura sushi made with pink ingredients such as salmon, sakura shrimp, and tuna, sakura noodles with a beautiful pink color mixed with sakura powder and perilla powder, as well as sakura senbei, sakura mochi, hanami dango, sakura tea, sakura wine and other traditional foods that incorporate the characteristics of the season.
Experience Japan's unique culture in exquisitely designed kimonos. Every girl has a little princess inside, and when cherry blossom season finally arrives, of course she needs to dress beautifully for photos. I've heard that kimonos and cherry blossoms go together beautifully! There are many kimono experience shops in Tokyo and Kyoto, and booking in advance can help you avoid the hassle of waiting in line.
It should be noted that the pattern of kimono should be ahead of the season. In other words, kimono with cherry blossom pattern should be worn before the cherry blossoms bloom, otherwise it will be disliked as tacky by old-fashioned Japanese.
In Japan, the ultimate way to relax is with a hot spring bath. A Japanese-style onsen ryokan with an open-air bath is the perfect choice. After changing into the ryokan's yukata and enjoying a delicious onsen meal, take a stroll through the ryokan's grounds before heading to the open-air bath. Many ryokan's open-air baths offer cherry blossoms. Soaking in the hot water while gazing at the blossoms overhead, enjoying a hot spring egg and a cup of warm tea, any fatigue will melt away.
This concludes our flower appreciation guide.
Babies, after reading this, you will never be confused about cherry blossom viewing again.
