“All you need to know about Cherry Blossom Festival 2024”
Cherry blossoms also known as “Sakura” (cherry blossom in Japanese) are deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Every year in the spring season, the pink bloom blankets the whole country while attracting its locals and visitors from all over the world. The festival symbolizes the fleeting nature of life, in fact the delicate flowers serve as a touching reminder to cherish each moment and move on into life that God has blessed you.
Importance of the Festival
The arrival of cherry blossoms infused the air with a sense of hope, rejuvenation, and new beginnings following the winter chill. For the Japanese, cherry blossoms evoke a sense of nostalgia and admiration, making them an integral part of their cultural identity. During this season, everything revolves around sakura, from merchandise to food and drinks, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves fully in this cherished tradition. It’s a time to indulge cherry blossom viewing parties, where loved ones gather to admire the beauty, share joy, and forge lasting memories.
When the Cherry Blossom Season Begins in Japan?
The cherry blossom season typically begins in late March in Kyushu, the southern region of Japan, where temperatures rise earlier. From there, the blooming progresses northward, reaching Hokkaido by early May. It usually takes about a week for the flowers to reach full bloom after the flowering starts, and this full bloom period typically lasts around a week as well. The timing of sakura blossoms varies across the country, with areas experiencing milder winters blooming earlier. Factors such as wind, rain, and temperature can influence the timing and duration of the blooming season.
Cherry blossom flowering and blooming dates in Japan for 2024
The Japan metrologies department has recently released the official tentative dates of flowering and blooming, however the weather conditions can affect the process:
Kochi – Flowering on March 18; Full bloom on March 27
Fukuoka – Flowering on March 21; Full bloom on March 31
Tokyo – Flowering on March 22; Full bloom on March 29
Hiroshima – Flowering on March 22; Full bloom on April 1
Nagoya – Flowering on March 20; Full bloom on March 30
Osaka – Flowering on March 25; Full bloom on April 1
Kyoto – Flowering on March 23; Full bloom on March 31
Kanazawa – Flowering on March 31; Full bloom on April 6
Sendai – Flowering on April 5; Full bloom on April 10
Sapporo – Flowering on May 1; Full bloom on May 5
Wakayama – Flowering on March 22; Full bloom on March 31
Kagoshima – Flowering on March 29; Full bloom on April 9
Aomori – Flowering on April 18; Full bloom on April 23
Nagano – Flowering on April 5; Full bloom on April 10
Things to-do while on a trip to Sakura Season
Following are the activities and places to do while planning your trip to Japan in sakura season:
Indulge in Hanami
\Hanami is a grand social affair that gathers families, friends, and colleagues under cherry blossom trees, laden with picnic baskets and blankets, to indulge in food, drink, and happiness. Popular locations boast stalls vending snacks and beverages.
- As dusk falls, the tradition of yozakura unfolds, with delicate lights adorning the branches, casting an amazing glow upon the blossoms. As the moon rises and saké flows, the festivities increase, by inviting all to take part in the delight.
- Grab a picnic blanket and stop by a supermarket to get a spring-themed bento box—featuring ankake meatballs, inari sushi, strawberries, and red bean mochi—along with exclusive hanami-inspired treats like pink sakura beverages, chocolate and other snacks.
Finding a spot to enjoy the custom of hanami won’t be difficult, as sakura can be found in over 1,000 locations across the country.
5 best places to see cherry blossom Season in Japan
1-Yoshino, Nara prefecture
In Yoshino, Nara prefecture is renowned as Japan’s ideal cherry blossom spot, where moreover 30,000 sakura trees adorn the Kii Mountains which indicates the arrival of spring starting in late March. The focal point is Mount Yoshino, boasting a majestic cherry tree whose branches gracefully fall towards the earth. As night falls, the tree becomes a mesmerizing spectacle, illuminated until midnight, captivating visitors with its ethereal beauty.
The projected full bloom for 2024 is anticipated to grace the landscape on April 5th.
2-Hirosaki Castle, Aomori region
Experience the allure of cherry blossoms at one of the nation’s most picturesque sites, an ancient three-story castle encircled by a fortified trench and expansive tree-lined park. In the evenings, the park comes alive with illuminations, enhancing the beauty of the surroundings. With two varieties of cherry trees, visitors can enjoy blossoms peaking at different times.
- Plan your visit for late April to witness the captivating full bloom, expected around April 29, 2024.
3- Himeji Castle, Hyogo region
Surrounded by the timeless white walls of the 14th-century UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, the thousand cherry trees eagerly await their annual spectacle. Typically, the first delicate blooms grace the scene in late March, hinting at the imminent explosion of vibrant colors. In 2024, anticipation mounts for the full bloom, projected to dazzle visitors around April 2nd, painting the historic fortress with nature’s brief masterpiece.
4- Tokyo
Of course, Tokyo has an eminent position while categorizing flower season display.
- In Tokyo, cherry blossoms abound, with Ueno Park being a vibrant hotspot boasting 1,000 of these delicate blooms alongside museums, shrines, and serene ponds. During the anticipated two-week season starting in late March, a 4km stretch dazzles visitors with nightly illuminations from 5pm to 9pm.
- For a quieter experience, venture to the English Garden in Shinjuku Gyoen, offering expansive lawns ideal for leisurely picnics.
- Alternatively, immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of night-time viewing along the tranquil banks of the Naka-Meguro canals. And be sure not to overlook the stunning flowering spectacle along the Chidorigafuchi Trench, adjacent to the Imperial Palace.
- With a predicted full bloom on March 30, 2024, Tokyo promises an unforgettable cherry blossom season.
5- Kyoto, Kyoto prefecture
Anticipated to reach its full splendor around March 31st, the former capital of Japan emerges as the nucleus of sakura season. From late March till early April, the enchanting blooms grace Kyoto’s landscapes.
- Seek solace from the bustling crowds at Yamashina in the southeast, where nearly 700 cherry trees adorn the tranquil canals.
- Alternatively, immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of Maruyama Park, home to a magnificent illuminated shidarezakura, or stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, edged by hundreds of cherry trees.
- For a truly distinctive experience, venture to the Arashiyama district and embark on the Sagano Scenic Railway, traversing a tunnel enveloped in sakura.
Make unforgettable journeys through a floral paradise…!
Tips to go before a trip to Sakura season
- Decide the date of the trip after doing all initial research
- Be a local while on a trip,to enjoy the fuller
- Carefully develop an itinerary
- Avoid the popular cherry blossom attractions at weekends to avoid the biggest crowds
- Wear modest clothes while keeping in mind the culture and essence of the season
Have a Great Journey…!!!
HMN Holidays are making travel easier for its customers.
Let’s pack your bags and get ready for the trip of a lifetime with the best holiday packages.
For further information,
Click on the link below
