About the Festival
The arrival of the Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) marks the beginning of spring in Japan and is celebrated with immense joy and tradition. For a few fleeting weeks, the country is painted in shades of soft pink and white, transforming parks, riversides, and temples into ethereal landscapes.
This natural phenomenon is more than just beautiful scenery; it's a deep-rooted cultural event. The tradition of hanami (flower viewing) dates back over a thousand years. Families, friends, and colleagues gather under the blooming trees for picnics, drinking sake, and appreciating the transient beauty of nature—a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life itself.
The "Sakura Front" moves from the warm south (Okinawa in Jan/Feb) to the cool north (Hokkaido in May), but the main season in Tokyo and Kyoto typically hits full bloom in late March to early April.
