Cherry Blossom 2023 in Tokyo, Japan.
#tokyo cherry blossom 2023
Cherry blossoms, also known as sakura in Japanese, are an important symbol of springtime in Japan. The blossoming of cherry trees is a highly anticipated event that draws crowds of people to parks and other public spaces all across the country.
The cherry blossom season typically begins in late March or early April, depending on the location and weather conditions. The blooms only last for a few days, making the fleeting beauty of the flowers all the more cherished.
Many Japanese people celebrate the arrival of the cherry blossoms with hanami, which is a custom of picnicking and enjoying the beauty of the flowers with friends and family. During this time, many parks and public spaces are decorated with lanterns, and food and drinks are often enjoyed under the blooming trees.
Cherry blossoms are also an important cultural symbol in Japan. They represent the fleeting nature of life, as well as the beauty and transience of all things. The flowers have been celebrated in Japanese art, poetry, and literature for centuries, and are deeply ingrained in the country’s cultural heritage.
Following a two-year absence due to the effects of the coronavirus, we are delighted to once again bring you the latest updates on this year’s cherry blossom season. With Japan’s meteorological agency marking the official start of Tokyo’s season yesterday, I visited four of the city’s most important cherry blossom viewing spots to check on their progress so far.
After several weeks of warm and sunny weather, the blossom appears to be on track for one of the earliest full blooms on record with optimal viewing from as early as around March 21. Tokyo was the first major city on Japan’s four main islands to announce the start of the blossoms’ opening this year. Nearby Yokohama followed suit today.
At the sites I visited today, trees belonging to the most common Somei Yoshino variety were generally beginning to open, typically showing just a handful of blossoms. Earlier blossoming varieties meanwhile were approaching or in some cases already past full bloom, making for some very pleasant scenes.