Hanami - admiring flowers. Hanami - Japan's Sakura Blossom Festival Sakura Blossom Festival

Japan. It is held annually during the flowering period of the sakura tree common in Japan.

The time for Hanami is not constant, it depends on weather conditions, usually it is the end of March or the beginning of April. Since in the south of Japan, sakura blooms earlier, and later in the north.

These days, the Japanese with their families go to places where sakura grows and admire the flowering, arranging a kind of picnics in nature.

Hanami tradition

Sakura is a kind of national symbol of Japan. A great many poems and songs are dedicated to this so short-lived flowering tree in Japan. The flowering time of the Japanese is considered special. These days everything around is covered with amazing white and pink flowers.

The people rejoice and in every possible way are trying to spend these days as best as possible, bring joy to family and friends and rejoice at the very arrival of spring. All the gardens of the Land of the Rising Sun, of which there are quite a few, are incredibly transformed.

Thousands of trees seem to be shrouded in clouds or covered with snowflakes. In the country at this time, the holiday of Hanami is widely celebrated, which in Japanese means "looking at flowers."

Where did this veneration for this, quite common in other countries, period come from? What is the reason for this? In Buddhism, this phenomenon of such a short-term sakura bloom is considered a kind of symbol, a constant reminder to people of the frailty and impermanence of being. Indeed, sometimes one small gust of wind is enough, and delicate flowers, not yet having time to fully bloom, will fall to the ground.

In the ancient writings already in the seventh century, since the reign of the Tang dynasty, it is mentioned that the Hanami festival was held at this time by members of the imperial family. Since in the Land of the Rising Sun the emperor was idolized and tried to imitate him in everything, this holiday began to be celebrated, close to the imperial family, the nobility, then samurai began to celebrate it, and then the entire population of the empire. For this day, they prepared treats, wrote poems and songs, feasted and had fun, praising God for the joy in the form of this beautiful flowering of nature.

Over the centuries, this unusual holiday has become a national tradition. The sakura blossom meant for all people not only the arrival of spring, but also the beginning of the rice planting time, it was identified with the future rich harvest. The Japanese believed in the power of cherry blossoms, worshiped him as a deity, presented him with ritual gifts.

To strengthen this tradition, during the Tokugawa dynasty, plum trees were ordered to be planted throughout the empire. Blooming sakura, at some time, began to be considered a symbol of real samurai and their way of life. This was the reason that in the 19th century, in the era of "enlightened rule" and the reforms of Emperor Mutsuhito Meiji, sakura, as a symbol of feudalism, began to be mercilessly cut down. But time passed, and the holiday of "admiring sakura flowers" was revived again, but already as a symbol of the new life of the Japanese people. Today Hanami is one of the most beloved folk holidays in Japan.

Actually, although sakura refers to cherries, it does not bear fruit, it is a purely decorative tree. There are quite a few varieties, but the most famous are the someyoshino, which blooms with white flowers, and the weeping shidarezakura, which has pink flowers. The Japanese believe that the most beautiful sakura grows in Kyoto, in Nara and Kamakura.

The time when sakura begins to bloom is almost impossible to determine. Moreover, the Japanese islands are located in both subtropical and temperate latitudes. In southern Okinawa, sakura often begins to bloom in late January, early February, in northern Hokkaido, sakura sometimes blooms only in May. In addition, the duration of cherry blossoms often changes. In a warm year, cherries begin to bloom a week, two earlier, in a cold year, the same period later.

It is generally accepted that sakura blooms in Tokyo from March 27 to April 7, and in Osaka - from April 5 to 13. So the flowering season can last almost a month, gradually moving from the south to the north of the country. Often, wealthy Japanese people follow and participate in festivities in several regions.

Usually, sakura flowers are open for no more than a week, so predictions of sakura blossoms are very popular among the Japanese population. Meteorologists are constantly monitoring the "Cherry Blossom Front". They write about this in newspapers, report on television, give information on social networks.

The Hanami celebration in Japan is universal. No Japanese would miss the cherry blossoms for any reason. Usually, families or in the company of relatives and friends go to admire the cherry blossoms. Moreover, this is, so to speak, a legitimate reason to leave work early and have fun in the company of colleagues. Some companies organize khans as corporate events for their employees in order to build a team.

People easily sit on the grass in parks, gardens and squares. They arrange picnics here on the ground, spreading blankets or rugs on the lawns. Often, a certain company chooses a place for their picnic ahead of time and in the morning sets up a sentry who watches until they arrive so that others do not occupy him.

Impromptu "tables" are set with treats and drinks, in honor of Hanami, many drink sake, but often other entertaining drinks. Quite often, picnics take place at night, and then, in the light of specially hung lanterns, the blooming sakura is especially beautiful.

At this time, a mass of tourists who want to take part in this event flock to Japan to celebrate "Hanami" at this time. This is perhaps the peak of the influx of foreigners. But the Japanese usually prepare for this, by any means freeing up places in hotels for this time, often even evicting their fellow tribesmen. A holiday is a holiday, and business is a business. In one week, "hanami" enterprising Japanese make a two-month profit.

In Tokyo, a special headquarters is established for the time of the Hanami celebration, which is in charge of the whole picture of the holiday. The headquarters informs in advance through the media about the beginning of the flowering season in each city. The official hanami starts at Tokyo's Shinjuku Central Park. The holiday is opened by the imperial family, members of the government and celebrities. Often, heads of other states are among the invited.

During the cherry blossom celebration, many travel agencies in Russia organize special tours. We strongly advise you to visit this world famous holiday. Enjoy your stay!

Sakura is a visiting card, a symbol of the land of the rising sun. The Japanese attach great importance to this tree. Many poets and artists still sing about sakura in their works.

During the flowering period of this beautiful tree in Japan, it is a real holiday. On such days, Japanese gardens turn into real works of art. The trees, covered with numerous white and pink flowers, delight the eyes of any passer-by. They seemed to be lost in the midst of lush clouds. These days, all Japanese people enjoy spring and beauty. The Japanese believe that the short-term flowering of this tree and its delicate flowers remind them of the fragility and variability of this world.

The history of the holiday dates back to the 7th century. In those days, the ancient Japanese Tang dynasty was in power. In ancient chronicles, it is mentioned that the emperor himself and numerous members of his family took part in this celebration. The ladies of the court adorned their high hairstyles with sakura flowers. Gradually, the samurai began to celebrate this holiday, and then ordinary peasants. On such days, people prepared delicious national dishes, arranged poetry and musical evenings, enjoyed life and the arrival of spring.

Over time, this holiday has become a real Japanese tradition. Now, the cherry blossoms were not only a symbol of spring, but also served as a signal to start planting rice. The Japanese claimed that the abundant cherry blossoms were indicative of a large rice harvest. There were times when sakura was deified and even offered various gifts to it.

During the Tokugawa reign, the number of cherry orchards in Japan tripled. The emperor believed that the cherry blossom is the symbol of all samurai. He argued that she was able to endow a warrior with strength and courage.

Therefore, in the 19th century, during the time of Mutsuhito, cherry orchards were destroyed. The new emperor believed that the sakura festival is a relic of the past and a symbol of feudal power.

Several hundred years have passed, and Sakura is celebrated again. The Japanese are very fond of this holiday. Currently, it symbolizes the strength of spirit and the prosperity of the people of Japan.

The flowering time of this magnificent tree cannot be determined. Depending on the climatic conditions of the area where sakura grows, it can bloom in January or May. In addition, in the spring months, the flowering time is longer than, for example, in January or February.

During the celebrations, people with their families take to the streets to admire the white and pink trees. Some modern companies arrange small corporate parties for their employees in order to unite the team and distract from work at least a little.

Many groups of people can be seen in parks, squares and gardens. They have small picnics right under the shade of trees. People bring different national treats and the traditional sake drink. Some people prefer to go for a picnic late at night. Sakura, illuminated by numerous lanterns, looks simply incomparable at such moments.

During the Japanese cherry blossom season, many tourists flock to Japan to admire this beautiful landscape.

In the Japanese capital during such periods, a special festive program is drawn up. There are numerous guided tours of the cherry orchards and various entertainment events and shows. Themed performances are performed in theaters in Tokyo, and musical works dedicated to this beautiful tree can be heard in conservatories. All restaurants and cafes are decorated with numerous flowerpots with cherry blossoms.

"In sequence
Terry cherry blossom petals fall
Fluttering in the wind. " (Masaoka Shiki)

“Spring fog, why did you hide
Those cherries that have finished blooming
On the slopes of the mountains
Glitter is not only sweet to us, -
And the withering moment is worthy of admiration! " (Ki-no Tsurayuki)

From the end of March, Japan turns into a pink fairy tale and the time of the most beloved and revered festival comesSakura Matsuri or O-Hanami, with a thousand-year history.

Sakura is so popular in Japan that it could become a symbol of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Thousands of cherry trees of various varieties are planted in the gardens and parks of the country's main cities. And even in small villages there is always a sakura alley.

Every self-respecting Japanese person considers it his duty to do the ceremony of admiring sakura or hanami, which for the Japanese has a deep religious meaning.

In ancient Japan, the sakura blossom was significant as it marked the rice planting season and was used to predict the harvest.

The fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms was a metaphor for life itself, praised in numerous poems.

Looking at the flying pink petals, a person should think about the transience of life (sakura bloom lasts about 7-10 days) and its beauty.

In addition, Shintoists revered the trunk of the wild cherry as a sanctuary for the ancestral spirits (kami) and believe that picnics and meditation under the cherry blossoms, as well as offering to the spirits of rice wine, will help propitiate the kami and enlist their support in the coming season.

Whole families, or with friends and work colleagues, the Japanese gather under the pink sakura crowns (serrata cherry) to honor the spirits of ancestors and welcome the arrival of spring. Despite the tough labor discipline in Japan, every employer makes sure to give their employees time to perform hanami.

Many Japanese people simply take a vacation during this time to admire the flowering trees.

The tradition of admiring sakura flowers originated at the imperial court in the third century AD. It was especially widespread in the Heian era (794-1185), when courtiers and aristocrats spent many hours under flowering trees, discussing lofty topics, conducting philosophical conversations, composing poems (hokku) and music, meditating and enjoying light meals and drinks.

Sakura worship really flourished in the Tokugawa era, when local authorities ordered the planting of cherry trees in every park and garden in Japan in order to perpetuate this tradition in the lives of ordinary Japanese people everywhere.

The term "hanami" is not just admiring sakura blossoms, but admiring flowers in general, and initially these were the flowers of the Japanese plum, which bloom earlier than anyone else. In Japan, there are also hanami of lilies of the valley, carnations and even sunflowers.

Although the term hanami has been used almost exclusively to refer to cherry blossom viewing since the Heian Period, historically the Japanese also organized hanami parties under wisteria and plum blossom(ume) ... Today, some older Japanese people still flock to see the plum blossom, which is a calmer alternative to the noisy cherry blossom parties for them.

Interestingly, in Japan, sakura is considered a male flower, a sign of courage and courage, a symbol of a samurai. After all, the petals of the Japanese cherry tree fall without withering when they are still full of life. This is how the metaphor of a Japanese samurai warrior was born, ready to die in his prime.

This is why some of the best places to see cherry blossoms are the gardens and parks around Samurai castles such as Matsue Castle or Hirosaki Castle, where the first cherry blossom trees were planted over 300 years ago and where the famous Sakura Festival is held annually.

Since the Meiji era (from 1868 to 1912), the image of sakura flowers could be found on the headdresses of students and military personnel as an indicator of rank. Nowadays, cherry blossoms are used on the coats of arms of the Japanese police and armed forces, and during World War II, cherry blossoms were depicted on kamikaze pilots' planes to inspire pilots. The government promoted among the population the opinion that the souls of the dead are reincarnated into sakura flowers. Today, cherry blossoms are featured on the 100 yen coin.

Sakura is ghostly and fleeting. The Japanese say that sakura reminds people of the fragility of everything around. Perhaps this is why, with their great love for nature and all that is beautiful, it is very rare to find sakura in private gardens. It is much more common to see a pine tree there as a symbol of strength and longevity.

With the arrival of spring, all of Japan is eagerly following the birth of a new "pink wave".

The "pink wave" of cherry blossoms travels from south to north of Japan, starting in late January in tropical Okinawa and ending with this fleeting natural splendor in harsh Hokkaido in late May. Depending on how early the spring is, the time of the coming of the khans of a given year also varies.

A harsh winter can mean that cherry blossoms will bloom later, while mild weather can mean an earlier bloom.

Weather conditions unfavorable for flowering - strong wind, rain, sudden drops in temperature, can delay cherry blossoms.

The Japan Meteorological Company (JMC) publishes cherry blossom forecasts for about 1,000 locations throughout Japan for the current year.

JMC says it has developed its own method for predicting flowering based on historical data and the ratio of autumn and winter temperatures, as the buds of future cherry blossoms are formed in the summer of last year.

Meteorological agencies and the media each year monitor the start of the cherry blossom season and report it as an event of national importance. Special maps of the country are drawn up, following which you can observe this magnificent sakura bloom will move from south to north from the end of January to the end of May.

Daily reports from the scene are broadcast on TV.

In 2018 n and in subtropical Okinawa, sakura blossomed back in January. TOOn March 20, cherries bloomed in Miyazaki and Kumamoto. In Tokyo, the "pink wave" surged on March 24, in Kyoto and Osaka - on the 27th. By early May, the blooming front will reach the northern island of Hokkaido.

The Japanese call the appearance of the first cherry blossoms by the term "kaika"; it is used to predict further cherry blossoms throughout the country. The peak of sakura blossom - "mankai" - the time when Japanese cherries are strewn with buds and flowers, the phenomenon is observed about a week after the beginning of flowering. In lush splendor, Japanese cherries flaunt for only about a week,

The blooming season is officially inaugurated at Tokyo's Shinjuku Central Park, home to 1,500 cherry blossom trees of 75 species, in the presence of the imperial couple.

The land of the rising sun is completely transformed during the cherry blossom season - pink clouds of flowers on trees in ancient gardens and parks, delicate petals circling in the wind aroundBuddhist temples and samurai castles, and settling in a pink veil on the slopes of Mount Fuji and on the water in rivers and canals. This unearthly spectacle is breathtaking, and it is not surprising that thousands of tourists from all over the world come to admire it.

The holiday continues even at night and is called yodzakura (night cherry) ... In gardens and parks at night, under the trees, special lanterns made of rice paper (washi) are installed, which beautifully and softly illuminate the blossoming crowns.

The trees along the Meguro River are especially beautifully illuminated, whereplanted more than 800 cherry trees, stretching along the embankment for many kilometers.

Cherry petals plucked by gusts of wind whirl in a white-pink gentle whirlwind, falling to the surface of the water.

The most common variety of Japanese cherry blossoms is Somei-Yoshino, a special variety in which flowers bloom much earlier than leaves. In the midst of flowering, clusters of flowers appear on the bare branches. And if you go into such a sakura grove, it is as if you find yourself in a soft pink cloud. Apparently this is exactly what the Japanese were striving for, planting these trees throughout Japan since the middle of the 19th century.

The most famous cherry blossom spot in Japan is Ueno Park in Tokyo's Taito District. At the beginning of spring, about 9000 cherry trees of various varieties bloom here at the same time. This event makes the park area a place of real pilgrimage for people from different parts of the country and tourists from all over the world.

Another popular hanami playground in the Japanese capital is Sumida-koen Park, located next to the Tokyo Skytree high-rise tower. More than 600 sakura trees grow in a picturesque natural area along the Sumida River.

For centuries, the Japanese have glorified the beauty of blooming sakura. CThe color and shape of cherry blossoms have become a symbol of purity and sincerity. In the same time, sakura symbolizes the fragility and transience of life.

Sakura is also sung in Japanese poetry - she was dedicated to five-verses (tanka) and three-verses (hokku).

“When would cherries be wonderful flowers
Amidst the open mountains they always smelled
Day after day
Such a great love
Such melancholy, probably, we would not know! "

(Yamabe no Akahito)

“The spring night has passed.
White dawn has turned around
A sea of ​​cherry blossoms. "

(Matsuo Basho, 1644-1694)

"By the moonlight
Poured cherries in the mountains.
I see in the wind
Trembling in the trees passed, -
So the flowers will fall off ?! "

(Kagawa Kageki)

“How enviable is their fate!
North of the hectic world
Cherries bloomed in the mountains. "

(Matsuo Basho)

“It's amazing -
As if nothing had happened to live
Under the cherry blossoms. "

(Kobayashi Issa)

"At the time of flowering
Cherries are like clouds -
Is it because
The soul has become more spacious
Like a spring sky ... "

(Kamo Mabuchi)

"Heaven with earth
Connected in a shaky plexus -
Mist flowing from the sea
Penetrated into flowering crowns
Sakura mountain. "
(Yosano Akiko)
“How good
When, waking up at dawn,
You look out into the garden -
And suddenly you will see that the buds
turned into cherry blossoms. "

(Tachibana Akemi)

"That's right, cherry blossoms
They gave their color
To the voices of nightingales.
How gentle they sound
At the spring dawn! "

(Saigyo)
"The petals beckon -
The temple flickers and flickers
Through the sakura branches. "

(Yosa no Buson)

“From where the seas are open,
The spring sun is shining.
Cherry blossoms on the mountains! "

(Yosa no Buson (1716-1783) “Like cherry blossoms through the fog
On the mountain slopes in early spring
Whiten in the distance, -
So you flashed
But my heart is full of you! "
(Ki no Tsurayuki) “On a spring day,
When it shines serenely
Eternal light
Cherries in heart anxiety
They drop their petals. "
(Ki no Tomonori)
“Every time I was sad
What the beauty of cherry blossoms
Didn't get drunk enough
But nothing beats
With my sorrow this night. "
(Arivara Narihira)

Sakura is an unusual, popular plant both in Japan and abroad. The image of sakura is found on many Japanese consumer goods. Sakura is sung in poetry and national songs of the Japanese. This is because great philosophical significance is attached to the flowering of this tree. V our tours to Japan You can also philosophize under the sakura.

Holiday time

Due to the limited flowering time, the beauty of flowering trees and sadness at the sight of falling petals, sakura has been compared to the transience of human life.

It has been customary to admire the cherry blossoms in Japan since ancient times, but initially it was the lot of the wealthy nobility. For ordinary people at that time, the blossoming sakura meant that it was time to sow rice.

The Hanami holiday has existed for over a thousand years. This is the time when you can enjoy the view and the delicate scent of cherry blossoms. The holiday gradually acquired national significance. Now the word "sakura" itself is associated with Japan. Indeed, the imperturbable and little emotional Japanese at heart are sensitive to the cherry blossoms and are sensitive to everything connected with it. Its snow-white and pale pink flowers are compared to the purity of thoughts, and the falling flower petals remind of the transience of everything earthly.

Due to the large extent of Japan, cherry blossoms can take months in different areas of the country. Since the beginning of flowering, cherry blossoms have been monitored continuously in the country, and all the media have published flowering charts.

Special places to admire cherry blossoms

There is a special association for cherry blossoms, and the best places to admire this plant have been compiled. These places are very popular with the locals. They try to occupy them in the morning by laying a mat with a name on them, or even leaving one of their relatives or colleagues so that no one intercepts a convenient place. There are even agencies that will take a convenient picnic spot for a fee. Then relatives, colleagues or friends gather there. They bring a picnic snack and drink, sake and national beer. At a picnic, they take a lot of pictures so that later they can remember the holiday all year round.

In the evening, sakura trees are skillfully illuminated with small lanterns so that you can admire the flowers until late at night. For those who miss the cherry blossom holiday during the year, the Museum of Fine Arts, which is located in Tokyo, presents paintings with drawings of this plant. One of the features of this place is the presence of the aromatherapy effect. Upon entering the building, you can smell the fresh leaves, and near the paintings you can smell cherry blossoms.

Sakura is associated with the lush clouds of flowering trees in the Japanese landscape and is known worldwide as a popular design solution. Meanwhile, it is one of the symbols of the land of the rising sun with deep philosophical meaning.

When sakura blossoms, a time of quiet joy comes for local residents, and for guests of the country there is an opportunity to enjoy the splendor of the symbolic tree.

Sakura belongs to the "pink-colored" family, the "plum" subfamily. The ornamental tree belongs to the type "finely sawed cherry". Sakura has over 400 varieties and is grown as a flowering tree. Some varieties give small and sour fruits, others do not bear fruit at all.

Often sakura is not called a specific tree, but a group of flowering trees. Currently, breeders in Japan have bred new varieties of sakura, the flowers of which do not have the traditional 5 petals, but the full middle, resembling a flower of a peony, rose or chrysanthemum.

The height of the tree depends on its age: mature trees grow up to 8 m, older trees can be even taller. Duration of flowering is about 10 days.

In a tropical climate, in which all the vegetation of Japan is located, flowering occurs rapidly and for a long time. Among such plants, the rapidly fading sakura stands out effectively and becomes the object of mystery and enigma.

On the fleeting beauty and splendor of sakura flowers, a Buddhist philosophy about the transience of life is built. Sakura fruits (sakura-no-mi) are used for making wine and as a seasoning for rice. Sakura leaves are pickled and wrapped in wagashi - Japanese sweets.

Why sakura is a symbol

Sakura symbolizes the foundations of the philosophy of Buddhism and the peculiarities of the Japanese mentality. The aesthetic principles of Japanese culture influencing consciousness ("mono no avare") are based on the beauty and grace of flowers.

There are two famous legends associated with the cherry blossom:

Thanks to this legend, each sakura flower symbolizes the soul of a child - pure and immaculate, fragile and defenseless. The same legend identifies sakura flowers with the abode of the souls of deceased ancestors. Taking a leisurely view of the blossoms pacifies and ensures the well-being and prosperity of the living. Being under a flowering tree is conducive to memories and humility.

The "falling petals" were of particular importance in the formation of the military culture of Japan. Since the reign of Emperor Meiji, all subsequent rulers have introduced not only visual, but also conceptual aesthetics into military operations and the death of soldiers on the battlefield. The symbol of the blossoming and rapidly falling cherry blossoms has become the main aesthetic image of the self-sacrifice of the Japanese soldiers.

When and how sakura blooms

When sakura blossoms in Japan, the soul of the samurai living in the tree decides. The Japanese are sure of this. In reality, the beginning of sakura bloom depends on the type and area of ​​growth. In addition, weather conditions affect the beginning of flowering. Flowering is usually late after a cold winter. Mild and warm winters, on the other hand, promote early cherry blossoms.

Heavy rains during flowering hit the petals, and flowering ends earlier than usual.

The general period is from January to June. Flowering begins on the southern island of Okinawa. Flowering gradually moves across the country to the north of Japan. The blooming marathon ends on the northern island of Hokkaido.

Territory name	The beginning of flowering
Okinawa Island (central Japan)	March, April
Tokyo	March 20-April 5
Kyoto	March 22 - April 8
Takayama	April 30 - May 2
Matsumoto	April 30 - May 2
Hokkaido island	May

The maximum flowering period of 10 days is achieved in dry, calm weather and an air temperature of +18 ° C. In order for all the inhabitants of Japan to have the opportunity to admire the flowering of the symbolic tree, and the guests of the country could plan a "vacation under the sakura", a special headquarters is being set up in Tokyo. For the inhabitants of Japan, tracking the emergence and development of buds is a very important task.

Residents report up-to-date information to the headquarters, which is engaged in its generalization, processing of meteorological reports and drawing up a schedule of cherry blossoms. When information about the beginning of cherry blossoms is prepared, it is disseminated in Japan through the media.

Cherry blossom festival

When sakura blossoms in Japan, admiring the bloom becomes widespread and turns into a national holiday called Hanami. The appearance of Hanami is attributed to the Nara period (VIII century). It belongs to one of the most beloved and revered traditions in Japan.

The holiday is associated with well-established rituals, folk beliefs, ideas for inspiration and creativity:

The most popular and widely visited place during the Hanami period is the capital of Tokyo.

There are three popular Hanami venues in the city:

1. Shinjukugeen National Park... The Metropolitan National Park ranks first in the list and has 1,500 plants, including 75 species of sakura. The opening of the Hanami takes place in the presence of the imperial couple. Places for admiring flowers are taken in advance. To do this, leave a rug under the tree with the name of the group or the name of the person and the time of stay. For guests, places are taken in advance by special companies.
2. Ueno Park... The second most popular place is Ueno City Park, which covers an area of ​​625 m². There are 1,100 flowering trees in the park.
3. Sumida Park... Sumida Park is the third place for a successful cherry blossom holiday. Traditionally, admiring flowering takes place during the day. However, in order to prolong the time and opportunity for contemplation, traditional Japanese paper lanterns are lit in all parks in the evening in the evening. This park has a unique evening illumination of flowering trees.

The Japanese calendar does not have a specific date for this holiday. Celebration dates are not fixed, but "floating". The onset of the holiday of admiring flowering is associated with a miracle of nature. Hanami is not an ordinary holiday, but a personal, conscious, emotional experience of each person. People are focused in their thoughts, but at the same time they are positive and the holiday turns out to be bright and joyful.

The short sakura blossom season is "prolonged" with the help of modern technologies. Joyful moments and a reminder of the most beautiful moments of spring can be seen all year round, contemplating artificial trees, on which small LED lamps are placed instead of flowers.

Thanks to the amazing combination of ancient traditions with the latest technology, to enjoy the cherry blossoms at any time of the year, many museums in Japan have special “surprise” exhibitions. Museum exhibits contain an aroma installation.

Visitors, when looking at paintings with images of sakura, feel the scent of a blossoming tree. In aromatherapy, it is sweetish. Slightly sugary aroma of cherry tones, relieves fatigue. The painted sakura does not fall, but reminds of the symbolic meaning of flowers.

The cost of tours for cherry blossoms

When cherry blossoms in Japan, tour operators organize group and individual tours from all over the world. The cost of travel (flight and hotel accommodation) during the cherry blossom season is higher than at other times of the year due to the large influx of tourists.

The choice of cities for the tour is dictated by the unpredictability of the beginning and end of cherry blossoms.

Therefore, cherry blossom tours run from mid-March to late April, starting in Tokyo and moving around the country towards Osaka. The base cities on any tour are Tokyo and Kyoto. Cherry blossom viewing takes place in the city where cherry blossoms bloom upon arrival in Japan. During the tour, other sights of Japan are examined along the way.

VIP-Tour "Sakura"

The duration of the tour is 12 days in a mini-group of 6 people. The cost of a room in a hotel (Marunouchi Hotel Tokyo 5 *, New Otani Hotel Osaka 5 *, Hakone Kowakien Tenyu 5 *) with breakfast from $ 6900. The cost of the tour does not include flight costs, incidental expenses, meals not specified in the program of stay.

The payment includes: 2 dinners in the ryokan, 9 excursions, travel by high-speed train. The tour price also includes payment of entrance tickets, transfer from the airport to the hotel and back.

Tour "Early Sakura" (economy)

Tour duration is 8 days. Requirements for the number of participants: at least 1 person. The cost of a room in a hotel (Hotel Lumiere Kasai 3 *, Hotel WBF Gojo Omiya 3 *, Hotel Ann Asakusa 3 *) without breakfast is from $ 1950. The cost of the tour does not include flight costs, incidental expenses.

The payment includes: services of a Russian-speaking guide, 4 lunches, 4 excursions, travel by minibus. The tour price also includes payment of entrance tickets, transfer from the airport to the hotel and back.

The tour includes visits to cities:

Sakura Blossom Tour (Optima)

Tour duration is 11 days. Requirements for the number of participants: at least 1 person. The cost of a room in a hotel (Hotel Bande DaBan 3 *, Hotel Sunroute Hiroshima 3 *, Hotel Keihan Tsukiji Ginza Grande 4 *, Nagoya Prince Hotel Sky Tower 4 *) with breakfast from $ 3350.

The tour price does not include flight costs, incidental expenses and food costs not provided for in the program. The payment includes: services of a Russian-speaking guide, 8 lunches, 8 excursions, travel by high-speed train. The tour price also includes entrance fees.

The tour includes visits to cities:

• Tokyo;
• Nagoya;
• Kyoto;
• Nara;
• Osaka;
• Himeizi;
• Hiroshima.

Cherry Blossom Tours

When sakura blossoms in Japan, excursions to palaces are held in Tokyo, which are usually surrounded by cherry blossom gardens.

They are:

In Kyoto (the ancient capital of Japan), the lush sakura blossom is contemplated in the gardens of the temple complexes:

Interesting information about the sacred and universally recognizable symbol of Japan can be learned from the basic facts about sakura.

For instance:

Sakura is a flowering tree and a multifaceted aesthetic image, the most recognizable symbol, part of the culture and mentality of Japan. When the gardens, parks, alleys of the city of Japan are in bloom, they find themselves in a blooming cloud, crying like rain from delicate petals.

Seeing cherry blossoms is not just an opportunity to get aesthetic pleasure and enjoy the beauty of nature. Contemplation and admiring the flowering of the sacred tree allows you to get closer to the mysterious spirit of a historically wise, brave and courageous people.

Article formatting: Lozinsky Oleg

Japanese cherry blossom videos

Japan. Sakura blossom in Tokyo (Ueno Park):