Hanami (Cherry-blossom Viewing)
From the end of March through the beginning of April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom all throughout Kyoto, people gather in parks in a Japanese tradition known as "Hanami" or cherry-blossom viewing.
In
Maruyama Park, revelers eat, drink sake and beer, and sing beneath the beautiful cherry blossoms. The atmosphere is always festive.
Hirano-jinja Shrine, near
Kitano-tenmangu Shrine, features hundreds of cherry trees and is especially popular with people who gather here to enjoy the cherry blossoms, eat, and drink, and celebrate late into the night.
The banks of the Kamo-gawa River, which runs through downtown Kyoto, are beautifully colored by the cherry blossoms. Nakaragi-no-michi Street between Kitayama and Kita-oji is famous for having the most beautiful blossoms in all of Kyoto.
About the Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossoms mainly appear in temperate zones throughout the northern hemisphere, but there are still many varieties of gorgeous cherry blossoms in Asia, particularly on the islands of Japan. The country has nine basic types of cherry blossoms, including Prunus Jamasakura and Prunus Speciosa. If you included hybrids and other novelties, there are over a hundred types of native cherry blossoms, with Okinawa boasting its own special breed.
Starting at the end of January, cherry blossoms begin to bloom on the southern islands of Okinawa, gradually creeping northward over a four-month period until finally sweeping into Hokkaido. This advancing cherry blossom front moves in accordance with the weather and has been mapped and presented by the Japanese media since 1967. Recently, however, the "heat island" effect has complicated this link, and the first cherry blossom buds might first appear in the center of Japan before the south, calling into question whether this can be properly called a cherry blossom "front."
The Kyoto Local Meteorological Observatory uses the Prunus Yedoensis as a yardstick for predicting the arrival of the cherry blossoms. In most years, they begin to bloom on April 2nd, but this will depend on differences in latitude and elevation. For example, a 500 meter difference in elevation can influence the arrival of cherry blossoms by as much as a month. Of course, different varieties begin to bloom at different times. In Kyoto, the Prunus Jamasakura cherry blossoms typically are open from early to mid April.
Cherry blossoms began to replace plum blossoms in popularity during the Heian period (794-1185), when aristocratic families came to prize the flowers in their festivals. Cherry blossom viewing did not become popular among the masses as entertainment until the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1603). Especially Arashiyama, in West Kyoto, came to be known as a popular, but informal place to enjoy the pink treasures.
Cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums stand together as Japan's national flowers. The cherry blossom is one of Japan's most recognizable icons, and can be seen in *kimonos* and traditional crafts, and even on the 100 yen coin. Cherry blossoms reflect Japan's climate and culture, representing the spirit of its people. In a flash, they appear; in a flash, they are gone. Pleasure in the ephemeral quality of nature remains at the center of Japan's distinctive aesthetic.
Popular Hanami Spots
Cherry blossom season is tourist season. Illumination events and other special events are held by the Kamogawa River, along the banks of Lake Biwa, and at parks, temples, and shrines throughout Kyoto.
The evening streets are packed with visitors. Illuminated cherry blossoms are a truly magical sight, revealing a face of Kyoto hidden from view during the day. During cherry blossom season, temples and shrines host special viewings of temple treasures not normally open to the public. Why not take advantage of some of these rare opportunities?
Ninna-ji Temple
Hirano-jinja Shrine
Nakaragi-no-michi Street
Kamo-gawa River
Takase-gawa River
