Japan is transformed into a sea of stunning pink splendour during the spring, as more than 350 types of cherry blossom decorate the landscape.
From late March to late April or even May in some regions, the scenery becomes coated in a wide array of shades of to the country’s iconic ‘sakura’.
Flower viewing is a Japanese custom once the winter weathers have departed and hundreds of thousands of people flock to see the trees in bloom.
The tradition is said to have begun back in the eighth century when the event was seen to welcome in the New Year harvest and the start of rice-planting season.
The fragrances are divine and the colours are a sight to behold, making a visit to Japan during the spring months, a more than worthwhile venture.
Many Japanese rulers held celebratory feasts under cherry blossom trees while their use slowly expanding until many different parts of the population began to celebrate.
Traditional parties – known as ‘hanami’ – held under the trees go on long into the night with the moon illuminating the blossoms in the early hours.
Many of the trees have stood for centuries and many magical gardens and slopes can be found that are packed full of pink, wherever you look.
Some of the earliest cherry blossom viewings are possible in Okinawa, around the ruins of Nago castle.
Around 20,000 trees light up the slopes and enhance the views of the main island, as well as the city and bay of Nago.
The castle town of Hirosaki hosts a huge festival that attracts people from around the world while Mount Yoshino has more than 30,000 cherry trees on its slopes and in its surrounds.
The mountain is considered to be the best viewing spot in Japan because of the sheer scale of blossoms that can be seen.
The Japan Mint in Osaka also opens its grounds to the public for a week every April so that people can enjoy the cherry blossom there.
More than 100 varieties of trees bloom at the Mint, meaning visitors can actually differentiate between the types, smells, shapes and colours of the flowers.
Ueno Park in Tokyo is also popular, thanks to the 1,200 cherry trees that bring the area to life in the spring.
There’s plenty of museums around the park too, including Japan’s first ever zoo!
Nagoya Castle is one of Japan’s greatest castles and houses many arts and treasures that have survived the various wars that the country has been involved in.
The top floor serves as a scenic observatory, with spectacular scenery available during cherry blossom season, as a large number of trees are found around the castle moat and in the surrounding area.
Maruyama Park is the oldest is the oldest in Kyoto and its huge cherry trees are illuminated every year, making it an ideal location for an evening stroll.
Kyoto is home to many different cherry blossoms, providing many opportunities to explore the history and culture of Japan, amid some truly wonderful surroundings.
It’s safe to say that photos don’t really do the magic of Cherry Blossom season justice. But if you do visit Japan in the spring, it’s certainly worth going a little out of your way to see this stunning natural phenomenon.
Here is some information on sending parcels to Japan.