Industry News
After an unseasonably warm winter, Japan’s famous cherry blossom is expected to arrive early this year. Typically, cherry trees will blossom in Japan in late March or early April, but this year the earliest pink flowers can be expected to be seen in Tokyo from as early as mid-March. The popular cherry blossom season is anticipated to start up to 10 days earlier than usual.
The forecast of the cherry blossom is based on the observation of various Somei-Yoshino trees in 53 locations across the country, from Hokkaido in the north to Kagoshima on Kyushu island in the south. Somei-Yoshino is just one of several varieties of cherry blossom trees that produce the beautiful pink flowers so cherished across the nation.
There are thousands of spots across Japan for spotting cherry blossoms, stretching across the entire country. While the blossoms will start in March this year, full bloom is not expected until April, typically five to seven days after the start.
Viewing the ‘sakura’—Japanese for cherry blossom—is an annual highlight in Japan, capturing the attention of an entire nation each year. News of the blossom is broadcast across the nation, with forecasts announced months out on national TV and newspapers. The sakura bloom heralds the end of winter but also serves as a symbol of mortality as the beautiful, delicate flowers only bloom for about two weeks.
If you happen to be in Japan in March or April, make sure to catch a cherry blossom festival or view the delicate pink blossoms at one of the many stunning locations across the country.
