Sakura – The Season for Cherry Blossoms
South Africa has its jacaranda trees, Australia has tumbleweed but Japan has something nobody else has – it has its cherry blossoms called sakura – possibly the closest thing we’ll get to heaven on earth.
Sakura 2020 – The (Japanese) Season for Cherry Blossoms
Japan Start Date: 15/03/2020 End Date: 06/05/2020
Sakura – The Season for Cherry Blossoms
South Africa has its jacaranda trees, Australia has tumbleweed but Japan has something nobody else has – it has its cherry blossoms called sakura – possibly the closest thing we’ll get to heaven on earth.
The arrival of spring is announced with clouds of decorated pink cherry trees, promising a new season, a new life, and a very welcome end to the cold winter.
If you arrive to Japan in April, you can also see the Kanamara Matsuri in Kawasaki
While the cherry blossom trees don’t bloom around the same time every year, it usually happens between the end of April, into May. Out of 365 days, a year visitors are only able to witness the floral phenomenon for two weeks. Part of the fun of the festival is keeping a lookout for all the updates of when the very first cherry trees will blossoms.
So What is Hanami?
Hanami is the word that refers to the specific viewing of cherry blossoms all around Japan, called sakura. Hanami is roughly translated to “flower viewing”. It’s a custom as old as time that encourages people to stop, and literally, smell the flowers.
The tradition is significant in so many ways, for people to appreciate the transient nature of things, like a season to live and to die.
Temperatures in Japan start rising end of March, trees come out of hibernation and everything starts to bloom. For me, what makes it so incredibly special is that the celebration is short-lived, with the blossoms only lasting a week or two. Boy oh boy, what a magical two weeks they are.
A cherry tale
Steeped in history and tradition, it’s the perfect opportunity for people to celebrate with families and friends, with picnics, street festivals, and outdoor parties. Trees are decorated with paper lanterns and lights and it like Narnia, only in Japan.
Traveling with a small group of friends, we didn’t only get to appreciate the beauty of the cherry blossoms, but we also experienced a new found passion in the simpler things in life, like family, nature, the very essence of life. We all left feeling our lives’ perspectives had been put back into balance.
Summary
There are no words to describe the wonder of Sakura, the evening comes to an end the trees sway, as if they’re saying “good night”.
It is a time to contemplate the things that matter in life, like family and friends. And as I ready to pack up and get ready for the trip home my only regret is never getting the chance to experience hanami with my mum.
Sakura festival Hanami tips
1# Day and Night
We made a point of seeing hanami during the day and night because there is such a change in atmosphere and even the trees looks different in the dusk light. The soft colors against all the lanterns and fairy lights are nothing short of magical.
2# Book well in advance
Also, if you’re planning on visiting Japan for the cherry blossom festival it’ll be a good idea to book as well in advance as possible. Some even suggest six months prior, and if you time it right you can get to enjoy a whole lot of other sights unique to Japan, like the hot springs where monkeys literally relax all day.
Where to stay?
Booking.com
We figure when in a foreign country experience as much ‘foreignness’ as you can, which is why we have suggested the Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort.
Booking.com
The resort open-air hot spring baths, with ocean views and it’ a quick 15-minute drive from the JR Hakodate Station. There is free parking for guests and the most deliciously prepared Japanese meals are available.
Inside the rooms, there are traditional futons and wooden-straw flooring. They have an en-suite bathroom with a gorgeous bathtub.
And then there’s Pension Jokura. Don’t let the name fool you – it’s not a rest-home for golden-oldies. The accommodation is close to the Omachi Tram Station and a quick 5 minute walk to the Red Brick Warehouse, a popular tourist destination. The rooms are heated and have simple, but beautiful, wood furniture, free WiFi and an LCD TV.
Booking.com
There are shared showers and baths, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but we didn’t mind.
It’s conveniently located: a six-minute drive from the JR Hakodate Train and a quick 20-minute drive to the Hakodate Airport.
Where to eat?
I think one of my absolute favorite things of the entire cherry blossom festival, is the Hakodate-style of socializing. You simply find a spot under a tree (cherry blossom no doubt), throw down a blanket and enjoy a picnic.
Jingisukan
People do a Mongolian mutton BBQ, known as a “Jingisukan” in the park, and while it isn’t allowed the rest of the year, it’s permitted for the two-week sakura celebration.
To get into the real swing of things do as the locals do: visit a supermarket or food hall, buy the necessary foods or go the easy route and get a convenient Bento box. Grab your picnic blanket or rug and find a great spot in one of the many parks. Take in the beauty of your surroundings while enjoying the local delicacies.
You can also try a few sakura snacks like crisps and dumplings. There also a canned drink that you need to try. But be aware, you’ll only taste it once – apparently, it’s a combination of soap and lavender.
The town is also known for tasty seafood, especially squid, which is its specialty. And sushi… Try and eat as much of it as you possibly can. If you’re not allergic to it, of course!
How to Get There?
By Air
You can travel by air, with Tokyo-Sapporo being the world’s busiest air route, by train too and even by ferry.
By Streetcar
Getting around Hakodate is easy with streetcars running every six to twelve minutes and because they’re geared for it, they are able to take you to all the major touristy places including Goryokaku. The fares are fair, costing between 200 – 250 yen, which you pay when you get in the streetcar.
By Bus
Buses are also a great way travel, again taking you to the major tourist attractions. Just in front of Hakodate Station there is an information desk and loads of helpful people to get you where you want to go.
Sakura Festival Hanami History
Dating all the way back to the 8th century, hanami began with the mindful observing of plum blossoms. Over time people started to believe the trees possessed spirits and made off kinds of offerings as a way of honoring them. In the 18th century hundreds of cherry blossom trees were planted in order for the tradition to the continued, and it has. With people from all around the world celebrating this spectacle!
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