Japan’s annual cherry blossom festival, known as hanami, is dedicated to welcoming spring. The tradition is celebrated by families and groups of friends that gather under blooming trees to marvel at the beauty and celebrate the new season.
The tradition of hanami began in 1598 when a Japanese warlord held an extravagant party in Kyoto celebrating the sakura (cherry blossom) trees.
This year Japan’s cherry blossom season will begin in March, the earliest it has ever started in recorded history. Flowers are expected to start blooming on 18 March in Kochi, on the island of Shikoku. Japan’s capital, Tokyo, can expect flowering to take place on 22 March and by 29 March the city will be in full bloom. Kyoto will begin flowering on 25 March and be in full bloom by 2 April. In the city of Sapporo in Hokkaido, flowering will start on 4 May and be in full bloom by 8 May.
Japan Meterological Corporation (JMC) has released a flowering forecast and you can also download an app that will guide you to were the sakura are blooming, called “Sakura Navi”（App Store / Google Play).
The JMC forecast predicts these dates for 1,000 locations across Japan. The forecast data is essential not only for tradition but plays a major role in the tourism industry, as hanami is a major tourist attraction.
According to the JMC, the flowering and full bloom dates depend on a number of factors. The temperature pattern of Japan from as far back as autumn from the previous year are taken into consideration. From the winter months, the coldest temperatures experienced are also considered. Other factors include the growth status of the cherry trees, cumulative temperatures and past data from the areas where cherry trees grow.
The entire season, from flowering to when the petals fall off the trees lasts approximately two weeks. In this time there are various tours that visitors can partake in, including viewing the cherry blossoms on foot, by boat or bus. Hanami is considered to be an extremely beautiful and culturally enriching experience. Although the forecasted dates are not likely to change very much, if you are heading to Japan to view the cherry blossoms it’s best to build in a few days on either side of your trip.
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