Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are easily among the most iconic symbols of Japan’s beauty and culture. Every year, people from all over the world flock to Japan to witness the beauty of blooming sakura trees. The season usually starts in March and lasts until May, depending on the region. The best time to see sakura in full bloom is mid to late April. During this time, the trees are covered in pink and white flowers, creating an impressive sight. Not only is the sakura blossom celebrated and observed in Japan, but many are found in the United States as well.
Here are some places in the United States to consider visiting this Sakura season:
1. National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington DC
2. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York
3. Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California
4. Descanso Gardens, Los Angeles, California
5. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon
6. University of Washington Courtyard, Seattle, Washington
7. Lake Balboa Park, Van Nuys, California
8. Branch Brook Park, Newark, NJ
9. High Park, Toronto, Canada (not in the US but close!)
10. Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois
11. Towpath Trail, Akron, Ohio 12. Fred Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids, Michigan
This year we will be attending and selling kimonos at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Fort Wayne Indianaand in akron, ohio.
To fully experience the sakura season while in Japan, visitors are encouraged to use yukatas, a traditional Japanese garment worn during the summer. Yukata is a perfect way to blend in with the locals and immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Many places rent yukatas for the day, and some even offer hair and makeup services to complete your Japanese look. Visitors can dress up in this type of casual kimono, or even go to a kimono rental shop where they can choose their yukata and be dressed by a licensed professional kimono dresser.
One of the most popular places to see sakura bloom in Japan is Ueno Park in Tokyo. This park is famous for its 1,200 cherry blossom trees, an impressive number of trees that attract locals and visitors from around the world alike. The park hosts various events during the sakura season, including traditional food stalls and music performances. Another must-see is Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto, a picturesque walkway lined with hundreds of sakura trees. It is the perfect place to take a leisurely walk under the flowers while wearing a kimono.
For a more unique experience, head to Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture. The castle grounds are home to more than 2,500 sakura trees, making it one of the most impressive sakura tourist destinations in Japan. During the sakura season, visitors and locals alike can also partake in hanami, which is a traditional Japanese picnic among and under the blossoming sakura trees. It’s a great way to take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying a variety of traditional food and drinks from various street vendors and restaurants.
The culture and enthusiasm for the sakura season in Japan is well earned and captivates the attention of people from all over the world. Wearing a yukata adds an extra layer of fun and authenticity to the experience. Whether you are in Tokyo or Kyoto, there are plenty of places to see sakura bloom while enjoying Japanese culture and tradition.
If traveling to Japan is not an option for someone, there are countless cherry blossom trees all over the world, some stunning ones located in the US. The US is home to several famous gardens, many of which have become major tourist attractions for themselves. Many of these destinations also host their own cherry blossom festivals. Like the festivals that take place in Japan, most cherry blossom festivals will take place in the spring.
