The Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan, DC, is proud to present Exploring Hiroshige and His Influence on Social Media, an exhibition looking at the work of the seminal ukiyo-e artist, Utagawa Hiroshige, as part of the 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival. Hanami literally means "viewing flowers," but it generally indicates cherry blossom viewing. Cherry Blossom Festival Japan Naha (Okinawa) Credits: Pedro Cambra In Okinawa, the estimated average first bloom is said to start in late January. 0 Cherry blossoms are often featured in works or art and even tattoos to depict the Japanese concept ofmono no aware, the wistful realization that "nothing lasts forever.". On the southernmost sub-tropical islands, for example, cherry blossoms can open as early as January. Free. It is also one of the most densely covered trees, with over 100 petals per bloom, giving the Kikuzakura a look and feel of a cloud of soft pink petals. We also gather and archive basic Website logging statistics including the daily number of visitors to our Website, originating server locations and server or browser domain names. Nishi Park also offers some fantastic views out across Hakata Bay and the islands that lie on the edge of the ocean from the observation deck that is popular all year round. Swipe to check out the photos below from previous Sakura Matsuri Festivals! The park is also home to the Peace Memorial Museum which is dedicated to documenting the tragic events of 1945. Nishi Park is located in the center of Fukuoka City and offers a stunning urban oasis in the heart of an industrial city. For more information on our advertisers, see here. The peaceful banks of the Kusaba River are home to around 1.5 kilometers of cherry trees that line the banks. One of the biggest festivals in the U.S. is in Washington, D.C. Sign up for early access to our community of travelers around the globe. Click here to see a list of advertisers that we work with. Be careful how much fun you have during your hanami celebrations, as the cherry trees are sensitive to cuts and bruises. Join us for a ceremonial cherry tree planting at National Harbor celebrating the 110th anniversary of the gift of the cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington DC. The period from late March through to early April is the best time to see the sakura. Takada Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 Dates: Early April to Mid April 2023. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the premier events each year in the nation's capital. The National Japan Bowl is America's national Japanese-language competition for high school students. For those who would like to enjoy a more scaled-down celebration of spring, there are plenty of lesser-known viewing spots where visitors can picnic in peace. Wherever you are in Japan, there are so many great places to view the blossoms. The Japanese embassy has remained deeply involved in their maintenance and in the . During early April, visitors come not just to see the castle but also to experience hanami season, as more than 1,000 cherry trees bloom in the immaculate grounds and gardens. Hirosaki Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 Dates: April 23rd to May 5, 2023. Capture pink clouds of blossoms set against the ancient ruins of the original castle as you enter through the famous Ote Gate, or enjoy a long meander through the castle grounds during hanami. There are over 600 different varieties of cherry trees that grow in Japan, a few of which are native to the country, with many more having been cultivated for decorative use throughout the centuries. The legendary Japanese animator passed away suddenly at the peak of his career leaving behind a dazzling collection of films that continue to fascinate audiences from around the world. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival (, Kawazuzakura Matsuri) is held yearly from early February to early March in the city of Kawazu, located . 2023 FESTIVAL: MARCH 20 - APRIL 16 . There are no set dates for the season, as there are certain extenuating factors that can affect the timing of the blooms all across the country. Join the JICC and others at the Blossom Kite Festival. When does the cherry blossom festival start? That said, do not expect to see the flowers wherever you go, as the trees bloom at different times throughout Japan. In general, the cherry blossom season runs from late March through early May every year, but some trees can begin to bloom as early as January. While you may have had the chance to spot cherry blossoms in the US, nothing beats cherry blossom season in Japan. And dont forget to check out this regions bonus festival: the Fuji Shibazakura, or Pink Moss Festival, that is held just 3km from Lake Motosuko and invites visitors to walk and picnic amongst a blanket of vibrant pink flowers, perfectly contrasting the iconic crisp blue mountain. Visitors come to join friends and family as they picnic in the park, enjoy a boat ride on the lake, and capture some of the earliest examples of the sakura to appear every season. The festival also spotlights travel and tourism opportunities and innovative Japanese technologies. This year is special because it is the 110th anniversary of the gift of the cherry trees. Join Rui Hachimura and the Washington Wizards for a special cherry blossom-themed basketball game! The Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan and the National Museum of Asian Art have teamed up to present a retrospective of the influential anime director Satoshi Kon, including a new documentary about his life and work! Arts & Culture Japan Now! Ginza Marketplace Taste of Japan. Hot Tip: It is important to remember that not all trees bloom at the same time. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. While all the blossoms are beautiful, not all are the same. Even today, the newly emerging blossoms of the cherry trees are considered to be a representation of hope, beauty, and new life all of which most definitely deserve to be celebrated. They are now a peaceful and enjoyable location for coming together to capture the hanami. They also light 3,000 lanterns at night (between 6-10pm), which makes this a breathtaking place to take nighttime pictures or just watch the amazing contrast of illuminated flowers, castle, and lanterns. The capital city is host to the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Since sake is flowing throughout the day by the time evening approaches, the festivities often turn more into good-natured revelry. We really appreciate it! The Japanese embassy has remained deeply involved in their maintenance and in the . For Southern regions such as Jeju Island and Busan, cherry blossom season may start mid-March and end in late March. Hanami is also celebrated to a lesser extent in China, Korea, and Taiwan. The Lantern Lighting Ceremony is a yearly tradition that kicks off the Cherry Blossom Princess Program organized by the National Conference of State Societies. In this exhibition, the JICC, in collaboration with American University, wants to showcase the works of Hiroshige and celebrate his legacy on social media by presenting recent photographic interpretations of Hiroshige's ukiyo-e, submitted to us through our call for entry! Welcome to the online portion of the Cherry Blossom Festival! Blossom viewing areas are the perfect places for people to enjoy the transitory season together, usually accompanied by performances, stalls, and activities. has . Another late bloomer, the Ichiyo tree, doesnt even start to flower until mid-April when it starts to produce fresh green leaves and soft pink petals. Terms of Service apply. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. all week except from November to March when it closes at 5 p.m. The Kusaba River becomes busy with locals and visitors celebrating the sakura, and enjoying a peaceful stroll along the river banks. Enjoy the blooms at the Tidal Basin while experience live performances that celebrate the friendship between the US and Japan. The forecast is based on various factors, including temperature lows in autumn and winter, and past area data. Here are some of Japans best Cherry Blossom festivals and where to find them: Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 Dates: Mid-March to Mid-April 2023. As one of the most modern temples in Japan, visitors also come to enjoy the extensive grounds and see the Shwa Daibutsu, the tallest seated bronze figure of Buddha in Japan. Celebrate the beginning of the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the 110th anniversary of the gift of the cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington DC with a one-time-only performance that features artists with ties to both the US and Japan. Various spots located in the Fuji Five Lake region offer amazing views of the cherry blossom trees, and from mid- to late April, you can experience hanami while taking in this world-famous landmark. Bottom Line: Tokyo is a modern, fast-paced city that still embraces its traditional roots. While soaking up the spring, dont forget to check out some of the parks coolest sights shrines and the famous Last Samurai statue make amazing additions to the festivities. Festival of a very early blooming tree variety. Photograph by Evy Mages. We may be compensated when you click on links from one or more of our advertising partners. Home to over 4,500 different plant species, Kyoto Botanical Gardens is home to the largest conservatory in Japan and a popular destination for those looking to join in with the hanami celebrations. 2022 NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL The Embassy of Japan is proud to present a fabulous lineup through the Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC) during the 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. The tree itself spreads gracefully to create a sea of color, and the semi-double flowers hang in clusters to give the appearance of depth and density. That said, do not expect to see the flowers wherever you go, as the trees bloom at different times throughout Japan. Click here to view! The grounds of the castle are the perfect place to find a picnic spot during hanami, or you can take to the water on a rental rowing boat. The other 2 are the Uzumi Sakura in Motosu at 1,500 years old and the Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima which is estimated to be 1,000 years old. The trees famously form a spectacular pink tunnel, which makes for some amazing photos. Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry trees and their blossoms. Elderly Japanese sometimes opt to visit Japanese plum parks to viewplum blossomsinstead, as these areas are often less busy and rowdy. Hanami is the ancient tradition of going to enjoy the blooming of cherry blossoms (sakura) and sometimes plum blossoms (ume) in parks and throughout the countryside in Japan. Situated within the grounds of the castle, Nishinomaru Garden is the perfect place for cherry-viewing picnics and parties, set against the stunning backdrop of the ancient castle steeped in Japanese history. Over 200,000 visitors drive along the road every year, and there is usually plenty of space to park up and walk the path through the blossoms before enjoying the food stalls and other attractions that come during the hanami season. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The Golden Route Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour per person 2023/2024 CHERRY BLOSSOM TOURS BOOK NOW SAVE US$100 BOOK NOW Japan Deluxe Tours Visit the must see sites of Japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people. From late March through to mid-April, the castle grounds are perfect for enjoying a picnic under the cherry trees while the sakura blossoms gently fall around you. You can check tour prices and availability here. The copper-colored leaves and creamy-yellow petals create a cloud-like scenery that really does stand out from the rest. There are over 1,200 spell-binding cherry blossom trees at the park and picnic spots are set up in the grass for folks to enjoy. Playing catch up, Amar embarked on an 11-country round-the-world gap year after graduation and then became well and truly hooked. With its playgrounds and exercise facilities, it is a great spot for families to enjoy watching the cherry blossoms fall. Fans of taiko drumming, teriyaki chicken, sake and Japanese artwork and wares won't want to miss the Cherry Blossom Festival - "Sakura Matsuri" in Japanese. During late March through to early April, the cherry blossoms reach full bloom, creating a beautiful sea of pink blossoms contrasted against the blue of the ocean where the castle grounds jut out to meet the water. Admiring the flowers fleeting beauty is a practice that dates back over a thousand years. The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Places. Japans famous cherry blossom festival season begins around the end of March and lasts for approximately 2 weeks, depending on location. The cherry blossoms usually appear in Tokyo andKyotosometime between March and April, depending upon the climate earlier in the year. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer. Amar was born and raised in England and sadly didnt catch his bout of wanderlust until his early twenties. Seattle Center Festl is a year-round series of 24 free cultural festivals, produced in partnership with community organizations. The lantern is lit by the Embassy of Japans appointed Cherry Blossom Princess. If the park becomes too crowded, take to the water on one of the many boat cruises and capture a unique view of the blossoms from the other side. Experience Japan here in Washington DC at the Sakura Matsuri, Japanese Street Festival. From local websites and news reports to tracking apps, there is no reason for you to miss the start of the season. The park is about an hour away from the city center and can be reached by taking the bus from the JR Takatsuki station to Tsukawaki. The delicate flowers of the sakura are a huge part of Japanese life, culture, and history. With delicate petals that are light pink in color (almost white) and pretty 5-petal blossoms, the Somei Yoshino creates a blanket of color during the hanami season. Spending the day with wet feet can seriously impair your enjoyment. Revelers come to celebrate the season with picnics and parties that run late into the evening when lanterns light the way. While, a park in Newark, New Jersey, has Washington, D.C., beat with a larger number of blooming cherry trees than the nation's capital. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). In the evenings, the trees are illuminated with lanterns giving the castle and its grounds a fairytale feel. Guide to the 2022 Philadelphia Cherry Blossom Festival - Visit Philadelphia Event Shofuso Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia April 8-10, 2022 A spring celebration of Japanese and African American culture. Gorgeous flowers are the main attraction at the cherry blossom festivals, but there are a variety of traditional Japanese performances presented during these festivals. This year is special because it is the 110th anniversary of the gift of the cherry trees. 10 Interesting Facts About the Cherry Blossom Season, The Lifespan of the Blooms Is Only About a Week, Cherries Do Not Come From Sakura Cherry Trees, There Are More Than 600 Different Varieties of Sakura, Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo, Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto, Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms in Osaka, Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms in Kyushu, Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms in Hokkaido, Other Great Spots to View the Cherry Blossoms in Japan, 10 Popular Cherry Trees Youll See in Japan, The Best Ways to Fly to Japan With Points and Miles [Step-by-Step], ultimate guide to visiting, experiencing, and enjoying Tokyo, best ways to fly from the U.S. to Japan with points and miles, Japan Airlines Mileage Bank Loyalty Program Review, Japan Airlines Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses, The Complete Guide to Boingo Wireless for Travelers, The Business Platinum Card from American Express. The castle and gardens are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March to October 15, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October 16 to February. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle is a beautiful place to explore all year round. The festival features over 24 hours of Japanese cultural performances on four stages (including J-Pop, traditional Japanese music, and martial arts) and a diverse range of cultural exhibitors, artisan and commercial vendors of traditional and contemporary Japanese goods, and Japanese and other food and beverages. The castle sits an hour or so outside of Osaka but can be easily reached by train to Kintetsu-Koriyama station. You might want to consider joining a tea ceremony held under the cherry trees; it can be quite the memorable experience. Topics are wide and range from sake tasting to samurai-era castle building, and include a four-part miniseries about the renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki. Since then Amar has endeavored to turn his gap year into a "gap life" and has spent the last 13 years traveling the 7 continents. Likewise, if the winter has been exceptionally cold, the blooms will open later. The first gap year inspired a second which ended up being a 23-country down-the-world trip from Canada to Antarctica. Fast forward a few hundred years and the family members and the courtiers of the most important imperial families made it fashionable to hold gatherings to celebrate the occasion of the annual new bloom at the beginning of spring. It's also fun to patronize festival vendors who sell various foods and souvenirs, such as regional crafts and specialty food from the region. Activities will take place throughout Walb . From late April into May, some 2,500 cherry trees form beautiful blossom tunnels that are illuminated at night. Get ready for spring and check out all the attractions! During April, the petals are blown up on gentle breezes from the bottom of the valley to form a cherry blossom tornado that later settles on the ground to form a cherry blossom carpet that draws visitors from all around. Over 400 cherry trees can be found in the gardens themselves and on the grounds of the nearby Kanazawa Castle, and the extensive open spaces offer plenty of opportunities for visitors to find a quiet spot to enjoy the hanami. In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Festivities surround the foot of the castle, both day and night, and involve street food (lots of bento boxes), craft stalls for special trinkets, and traditional Japanese music and dance. The festival features over 24 hours of Japanese cultural performances on four stages (including J-Pop, traditional Japanese music, and martial arts) and a diverse range of cultural exhibitors, artisan and commercial vendors of traditional and contemporary Japanese goods, and Japanese and other food and beverages. These days, viewings are more about eating, drinking, and coming together to celebrate the beginning of spring. Northern parts of the country can still see temperatures dip below freezing at night time, so layers are your friend, and you may even want to consider thermal base layers when its really cold. What tourists should know about the tradition. With 800 cherry trees lining the moat, this pretty little castle has undergone reconstruction to offer one of the most scenic spots from which to view the sakura in all of Osaka.

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