World is full of beautiful view everywhere. For this time, I choose Japan as destination. Japan is full of natural wonder; the lake, the Fuji mountain and many more. One of the natural wonder that I choose this time from Japan is Sakura.
Have you ever heard of the Sakura festival or Sakura viewing in Japan?
Sakura is the famous cherry tree which produces the beautiful cherry blossom. It is said that there are over 200 varieties of cherry blossom tree in Japan.
Cherry blossoms in Japan can be viewed in different regions, mostly on March to May. Every year Sakura’s top viewing destination will be crowded by Japanese and tourist flying across the country just to see this event. This viewing Sakura event is called “Hanami” by Japanese. Hana means flower and “mi” means seeing.
For Japanese, Hanami (viewing flower) is combining with eating home-cooked meals or take-out food under the cherry blossom tree, combine with drinking sake, talk and sing songs. The Hanami event is generally running until evening. There are also food vendors nearby to buy the traditional food such as Yakisoba and Takoyaki. Before April is a very busy period of time for working Japanese; account has to be finalised, deadlines, school graduate ceremonies, finishing company reports etc. And then April is like breathing a fresh air. April is when most of the Sakura blossomed.
Hanami in some region is also followed by Cherry Blossom Festival, which include a lot of Japanese arts presented, including the tea ceremonies which held under cherry blossom tree. It is such a great experience to be around during Cherry Blossom Festival.
Top destination of Cherry Blossom Festivals:
Kumamoto Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
Kumamoto Castle located in the Kumamoto City in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu. Kumamoto Castle is a gorgeous castle that was built about 400 years ago. There are more than 800 Sakura trees. And during the cherry blossom festival the Sakura breathtaking view, combined with the illuminated castle at night, create an amazing view.
Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival
This festival is located in Motobu Town, Okinawa Prefecture. This is known as the earliest cherry blossom festival in Japan. The hills are coming alive with the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Mount Yaedake is the island’s second highest point, and it is also known as the orchid capital of Okinawa.
Matsuyama Shiroyama Koen Cherry Blossom Festival
This festival is located in Matsuyama-city, Ehime. Matsuyama Shiroyama is a park that surround The Matsuyama castle. The castle is on the hilltop and surrounded by more than 300 cherry blossom trees. During the cherry blossoming, the castle will be lit up by the cherry blossom.
Tsuyama Kakuzan Koen Cherry Blossom Festival
This festival is located in Tsuyama-city, Okayama. Cherry blossom festival is well known in Okayama as the place place to view Sakura. There are more than 5000 sakura trees standing among the Japanese castle ruin. Tea ceremonies and Japanese music performances are also perform during the festivals.
Takato Joshi Koen Cherry Blossom Festival
This festival is located in Takato-machi Ina-city, Nagano Prefecture. The cherry tree in Takato Joshi Koen is famous in the whole Japan for its beauty and height. There are over 1000 cherry tree in Takato, including the one over 100 years old!Some of these Cherry tree found in Takato can only be found in Takato. The blooming of cherry tree complement with the beautiful white Chuo Alps, bringing the city to life! Its sure a jewels of Nagano Prefecture.
Takada Koen Cherry Blossom Festival 2010
This festival is located in Joetsu-city, Niigata prefecture. It's known as one of the most beautiful illuminate cherry blossoms in Japan. There are over 4,000 cherry trees.
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
This festival is located in Hirosaki Koen Hirosaki-city, Aomori Prefecture. Hirosaki-koen is one of the best spots for viewing cherry trees in the area. Hirosaki has more than 2600 Sakura trees. In the park, there is also ancient castle which was build by Tsugaru Family.
Matsumae Koen Park Cherry Blossom Festival
This festival is located on Matsumae Town, Hokkaido. The town is known for 17th century Matsumae Castle which is surrounded by more than 10,000 Sakura trees in more than 200 varieties. Not only there is castle in the park, the park also has a library where you can learn more about the cherry tree and see the cherry blossom paintings.
When will be the best time to view Sakura (cherry blossom) in Japan? Cherry blossom date changes every year, be sure to check before planning your next trip if you want to view Sakura because the blooming period of sakura is short. Usually, Sakura begins blooming in January in Okinawa, and they are in full blossom in late March to April in Honshu region. In Hokkaido, Sakura usually reaches their peak in late May.
Be sure also to book your hotels earlier so that you can benefits from great discount hotel deals as not only overseas tourists are interested in viewing the Sakura, but viewing Sakura also has become a custom for Japanese. In addition, it is always a great idea to research on travel blogs online to get some local insider information from other traveller’s experience prior to your departure. This will ensure that you get the most out of your travelling experience.
Author Resource:
Rebecca Smith is a consultant who loves travelling and share her travelling on travel blog about discount hotel information. She is also experienced in building phone card website.
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