The petals fall like snow

Location Ogi Park

Temperature 12

As the temperatures gradually rise, another forecast becomes available online alongside the usual weather updates. This forecast, which is reviewed monthly until April, predicts the blooming of Sakura, or cherry blossoms, indicating when they will begin to flower and how far along, they will be by specific dates.

Sakura needs little introduction; in brief, it refers to the pink or white blossoms that appear worldwide as spring arrives. There are many kinds of blossom, but Sakura mainly refers to that of the cherry blossom tree. Although not the official flower of Japan, Sakura is strongly associated with the country. The design of Sakura is featured on a wide variety of items, and there are even Sakura-flavoured foods and drinks, like the way pumpkin spice dominates the market around Halloween.

Sakura has become synonymous with the arrival of spring, and its timing aligns perfectly with the beginning of the school year. For many Japanese people, this association evokes nostalgia, reminding them of their youth. Many schools incorporate the flower's shape into their logos. This iconic design is also found on fabrics, souvenirs, and even in drink chains like Starbucks, among many other items. Additionally, "Sakura" is used as a name in Japan and can informally refer to the colour pink.

The arrival of spring brings with it a beautiful tradition in Japan known as Hanami, or flower viewing. This event primarily involves holding a picnic or party beneath the cherry blossoms in a park or public space, which can occur during the day or at night. A nighttime picnic under the stars can feel quite romantic, even if it is a bit chilly. Many parks celebrate the Hanami season with festivals and food stalls. Additionally, temporary paper lanterns are often hung during this time. I noticed a few whilst visiting Nagasaki the following weekend.

Where did this tradition originate? Historical records indicate that it dates to the Nara period, when people admired plum blossoms. Plum blossom viewing remains popular among older generations, and many plum viewing parties are considered calmer and more peaceful than the lively Sakura viewing events. The practice of Hanami has its roots in Chinese history, where individuals would enjoy wine beneath the blossoms. Hanami is even mentioned in "The Tales of Genji," a classical work of literature from the 11th century. It seems that the act of observing seasonal changes and the desire for tranquillity has remained consistent throughout history.

Understanding that this tradition has a rich history, it's no surprise that many shrines throughout Japan have their own sacred Sakura trees, some of which are several hundred years old. One school where I teach has a Sakura tree that dates back 600 years. This highlights two important points: first, Japan takes great care of its trees, and second, I was surprised to learn that Sakura trees can live for such a long time when I researched their typical lifespan.

How did I spend my first Sakura season in Japan? Given the fame of Sakura and Hanami here, I knew I wanted to take part in the experience. I had initially planned to visit a spot in Kumamoto, renowned for its rural train line, which is lined with Sakura trees and surrounded by peaceful, sleepy stations. However, I ended up visiting Kumamoto the weekend before Sakura season began.

Fortunately, fellow JETs in my prefecture organized a flower viewing picnic at Ogi Park. After some research, I learned that the park takes excellent care of its cherry blossom (Sakura) trees and hosts festival stalls in celebration of spring. Ogi Park is stunning, with pathways around the lakes and rows of blooming Sakura trees. They provided beautiful photo opportunities, and it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the flowers in the sunshine. I will always cherish my first flower viewing experience, especially since I also got adventurous in the kitchen. The Sakura blossoms only last a few weeks and can be damaged by rain, so I was fortunate to have also seen the flowers at Saga Castle.

The window for viewing cherry blossoms (Sakura) is very brief, which is also reflected in the symbolism of the flowers. Their beauty and youth are fleeting and should be cherished. For those wanting to see the Sakura, planning a trip around the predicted blooming period is my best advice in case the blooming window shifts by a few days. This year, the predictions only differed by one day, so the forecasts can be a useful guide. The early forecast is typically released in early January, which may not allow enough time for last-minute planning. However, you can refer to the predictions and official bloom dates from the previous year for the town or prefecture you plan to visit.

With this blog, I hope you’ve gained some insight into the fleeting pink and white blossoms that signify the beginning of spring. I encourage you to include a Hanami experience during your trips to Japan, taking the time to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life to slow down and watch the petals dance in the gentle breeze. As I write this at the end of the Sakura season, I can see petals falling outside my window, swirling through the air like a blizzard at times. While all things must come to an end, a whole new chapter is always on the horizon.