Japanese cherry blossoms are a wonderful image of spring, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world. However, cherry blossom blooming time is not the same nationwide but varies depending on the region and local weather. Furthermore, Japan can be pleased with the diversity of cherry blossom species, each of which has its own unique beauty. collective Journey to 5 continents Find out the blooming time of this iconic flower and discover the ten hottest cherry blossom varieties in the land of the rising sun!
1. In what month do Japanese cherry blossoms bloom?
Japanese cherry blossoms usually bloom in spring, from late March to early April, but the actual time may vary depending on the region and weather conditions. In southern areas like Okinawa, cherry blossoms can start blooming from mid-January, while in northern areas like Hokkaido, cherry blossoms bloom later, around mid-May.
The peak is in late March and early April, when Japanese cherry blossoms cover parks and roads everywhere, creating a wonderful spectacle. The short cherry blossom season only lasts about 1 week, but it is enough for people and tourists to enjoy the wonderful mystery of this flower.
2. 10 hottest varieties of Japanese cherry blossoms
To add more fun to your cherry blossom viewing journey, join the 5 Chau Journey to discover the ten hottest varieties of Japanese cherry blossoms, each with its own beauty and unique stories.
2.1. Kawazuzakura – The earliest cherry blossoms in Japan
Kawazuzakura is a symbol of welcoming spring because this flower usually blooms from early February, earlier than all other cherry blossoms in Japan. In particular, Kawazu city in Izu province is where you can enjoy the overwhelming beauty of more than 8,000 Kawazuzakura bushes. Through the annual cherry blossom contest right here, visitors will admire rows of cherry blossom bushes stretching along the riverbank, mixed with bright lights at night to create a magical house.
This Japanese cherry blossom has a shiny pink color, large petals, and younger green buds, creating a picture full of vitality. The Kawazuzakura's life cycle can be longer than other species, giving visitors more time to benefit from the blooming season.
2.2. Someiyoshino – the most beautiful cherry blossom in Japan
Someiyoshino, also known as Yoshino cherry, is definitely one of the hottest flower varieties, accounting for 80% of the cherry blossoms grown in Japan. This flower is pale pink, at first glance it seems pure white, with 5 delicate and poetic petals.
Yoshino bushes are sometimes planted in famous locations such as Hirosaki Park, which has historical Yoshino bushes from the Edo period. During the blooming season from early to mid-April, the park hosts a Japanese cherry blossom contest with a series of attention-grabbing activities similar to rowing a boat to see the flowers on the lake. This is a perfect choice for you to enjoy the wonderful things of nature and learn about the long history of this iconic flower.
2.3. Takato Kohigan – Attractive pink cherry blossoms
Takato Kohigan Sakura is a typical Japanese cherry blossom that can only be found in Takato Fortress Park, Nagano Prefecture. This flower stands out with its red pink color symbolizing splendor and tenderness. Here, more than 1,500 cherry blossom bushes bloom together, turning the park into a romantic scene, attracting thousands of tourists every spring.
In particular, Takato Kohigan flower branches often droop gently, making flower viewers really feel like they are standing under a large flower umbrella. During your visit in mid-April, don't miss the standard cultural activities held at this colorful arena.
2.4. Shidarezakura – Beautiful weeping cherry blossoms
Shidarezakura, also known as Japanese branch cherry blossoms, has a novel appeal thanks to its branches that comfortably stretch and droop as if touching the viewer's shoulders. One of the famous places to admire this flower is Kakunodate, where rows of Shidarezakura trees line traditional streets, creating a scene that looks like something out of a fairy tale.
This flower has two variations: the simple 5-petal type and the Yaeshidarezakura type with dozens of stacked petals creating a rare, splendid beauty. If you want to see this flower, go to Fukushima to admire the Miharu Takizakura tree, one of the largest Shidarezakura cherry trees in Japan, which has existed for more than 1000 years.
2.5. Yamazakura – Wild mountain cherry blossoms
Yamazakura, also known as Japanese mountain cherry blossoms, has pure and wild beauty. In spring, the mountainside in Yoshinoyama (Nara) turns into a paradise with thousands of blooming Yamazakura bushes, protecting your sky. The pale pink color of the petals blends with the pink color of the leaves creating an impressive difference.
Compared to the Yoshino species, Yamazakura has smaller petals but is no less attractive. The cherry blossom slopes in Yoshinoyama are also home to traditional flower viewing festivals, attracting millions of tourists every year.
2.6. Yaezakura – Lovely multi-petal cherry blossoms
Yaezakura stands out with flowers with many petals, usually from 20 to 40 petals, creating a splendid and noble beauty. Unlike Someiyoshino, which has only 5 fragile petals, Yaezakura has a full shape, like a delicate fabric flower. This Japanese cherry blossom is often dark pink or light purple, standing out in the cool green landscape of spring.
One of the great places to see Yaezakura is Ueno Park in Tokyo, where the flowers bloom later than other varieties, lasting until late April. Through the flower contest here, traditional food stalls and cultural performances add to the bustling atmosphere, helping visitors fully enjoy the wonder of this special flower.
2.7. Kanhizakura – Unique bell cherry blossoms
Kanhizakura, also known as bell cherry blossom, has a unique and splendid beauty thanks to its small flower shape and drooping like bells. This flower is popular in southern areas of Japan similar to Okinawa, usually blooming in January, earlier than most other cherry blossoms.
The deep pink color of Kanhizakura especially attracts bees and butterflies, creating a vibrant natural scene. The roads in Okinawa lined with rows of Kanhizakura trees are a truly perfect vacation spot to take a walk and enjoy the cool air at the beginning of the year. In addition to viewing flowers, visitors can even participate in traditional activities such as Taiko drum performances or tasting island specialties.
2.8. Jugatsuzakura – Featured cherry blossoms in October
Not all Japanese cherry blossoms bloom only in spring, and Jugatsuzakura is an exception. This flower, as its name suggests, usually begins to bloom in October and lasts until early spring of the following year. Jugatsuzakura's appearance brings unexpected joy to those who cannot enjoy the main cherry blossom season.
Jugatsuzakura has white or light pink color, compact but delicate petals, symbolizing simple and pure beauty. Rikugien Park in Tokyo is definitely one of the famous places to admire this flower. When you come here, you will really feel like you are entering a peaceful house, completely separate from the noise and bustle of the town.
2.9. Usuzumizakura – Cherry legend over 1500 years old
Usuzumizakura is not only a Japanese cherry blossom but also a symbol of longevity and history. This flowering tree is located in Gifu Prefecture and is said to be over 1500 years old, making it one of the oldest cherry trees in Japan.
The name “Usuzumizakura” comes from a special phenomenon: when in full bloom, the flower is pure white, then turns pale pink and finally silver gray as if swept away by time. During the flowering season, this ancient tree attracts thousands of tourists from all over to admire it not only because of its splendid beauty but also because of its profound historical value.
2.10. Mamezakura – Pretty little cherry blossoms
Mamezakura, also known as the tiny Japanese cherry blossom, is a small shrub that often grows in high mountains or remote areas. With its small size, the Mamezakura flower has stunning beauty but enduring vitality, demonstrating the resilient spirit of Japanese nature.
This flower is commonly discovered in the Kyushu and Shikoku areas. Despite their small size, white or pink Mamezakura flowers stand out among the countless pristine mountain landscapes. It is the right choice for individuals who love peace and want to explore wild nature.
3. Summary
Cherry blossom season in Japan is not only an opportunity to admire the mystical beauty of this national flower, but also an opportunity to connect with nature and the unique traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun. Each type of cherry blossom has its own nuance and story, making the flower viewing experience richer and more memorable.
Whether you like the stunning beauty of Kawazuzakura or the gentleness and serenity of Someiyoshino, Japan's cherry blossom season will definitely leave you with unforgettable memories. So why hesitate? Plan your trip to Japan this spring to immerse yourself in the grand home of cherry blossom petals falling gently in the spring sky.
See more: Top 10 beautiful and famous Japanese tourist destinations
