Cherry blossom in Japan
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When to see cherry blossom in Japan
You can trust the technological whizz kids of Japan to come up with a flashy way to predict the cherry blossoms. They try to forecast the momentary prettiness as it spreads across the country in what is known as a sakura zensen, or cherry blossom front, from north to south, depending on the latitude or climate conditions of the region. So you can keep your eyes peeled on the Japan Meteorological Agency website for maps and dates of deliciously full bloomers. They start as early as January in the southern region of Okinawa, end of March and April in Honshu, and in Hokkaido May is a panoply of pink. Mount Yoshino, one of the most popular spots for spectacular arrays, starts around late March and reaches full bloom early-mid April. And for a double whammy, plum and cherry trees blossom at the same time on Hokkaido. Who knew cherries were so complex?Blossoming words
The history of celebrating cherries
The cherry blossom has been revered in Japan for generations. It started as an aristocratic pastime, with poets and philosophers also weaving this fleeting flower into many an occidental oeuvre. Although it is worth noting that the Chinese do claim that the phenomenon began in their country, but best not go there, as there have been near international incidents over who claims the cherry. What is known, however, is that it was actually the Ume or Japanese plum blossoms (also known as apricot, so a tad confusing) that created the first grand outing during the Nara Period (710-784AD) and which also still blossom before the cherry. Which is around February and March around the Tokyo area.

Why cherry blossom is spiritual
One of the best ways to describe the emotional connection that Japanese people have with cherry blossom is in the words of 18th century Edo scholar Motoori Norinaga: mono no aware. This translates in several ways but, in short it is about having empathy towards all things ephemeral. Or understanding transience as an important part of our lives. Things come and then they are gone. You can see why poets and philosophers go to town on the blossom, connecting these flighty flowers with a sense of mortality, karma or destiny. It is, of course, the national flower, and was used during WW2 to incite a strong sense of patriotism representing Japanese spirit, and was even painted on the sides of planes by Japanese pilots going on suicide missions. Today, the cherry blossom represents a more joyful time, thankfully with parties and celebrations in full swing as well as spiritual contemplation at many of the country’s sacred spots.Our top Japan Vacation
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