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 an aromatherapy effect. Upon entering the building, you can smell the fresh leaves, and near the paintings you can smell cherry blossoms.
One cannot fail to mention the main spring event in Japan - the sakura blossom, which is considered the national symbol of the country and embodies all the beauty of Japanese women. In Japan, sakura blooms everywhere - in the mountains and on the banks of rivers and in parks, in total there are more than 300 different species. The Japanese call sakura admiring Hanami.
The cherry blossom season is not an official holiday in Japan. There is no national holiday in the Japanese calendar, no special holidays or weekends associated with this magnificent natural wonder. But psychologically, this is undoubtedly a holiday, both for the Japanese themselves and for numerous tourists. On the days of cherry blossom, parks, squares, alleys, as well as the territory of Buddhist and Shinto temples with cherry blossoms are visited and spent in them by a huge number of people. The flowering period is relatively short, therefore, cherry blossoms are admired both in the daytime and in the evening. The evening viewing of cherry blossoms is incredibly popular: after 6 pm the trees are very skillfully illuminated, and a walk in such an atmosphere is filled with romanticism and some mystery. But, frankly, there is no way to retire in silence - there are a lot of people around!
The official starting point for the beginning of sakura blossoming is considered to be the time of blooming of the first flowers on sakura growing in the ancient Buddhist temple Yasukuni in Tokyo. As soon as the first pink flowers emerge from the buds, the meteorological services immediately announce the beginning of cherry blossoms this year. The approximate time for Tokyo and its environs is the end of March, approximately 20-25. The flowering period is approximately two weeks. But the fact is that Japan is significantly stretched from north to south, and in the south of Japan (Kyushu island and Okinawa islands) sakura blooms in February. By the way, in more northern regions there are such "warm oases" where you can admire cherry blossom alleys in mid-February. One of these "oases" is a place on the Izu Peninsula, about three hours' drive from Tokyo.
In the ancient capitals of Japan, Kyoto and Nara, and the adjacent prefectures, sakura blooms in about the first ten days (up to two weeks) of April. By mid-April - early May, the "wave" of cherry blossoms spreads further to the north of the island of Honshu. In the first days of May, luxurious parks and sakura alleys delight the eyes of residents of the northern prefectures of Japan (Akita, Iwate, Aomori). Around the 10th of May, the inhabitants of the island of Hokkaido can finally enjoy the sakura bloom.
history of the holiday
The tradition of admiring cherry blossoms arose at the imperial court in the Heian era (794-1185). The aristocracy, refined in grace and refinement of manners, spent hours under flowering trees, enjoying light drinks, parlor games and composing poetry. The aristocrats saw a deep meaning in the short brilliant sakura bloom: thinking about the transience of life, they identified the falling cherry blossoms with courage and purity of thoughts.
At first, the khans dedicated the flowering of the mountain plum (ume). Perhaps because the plum begins to bloom earlier than the sakura and thus becomes the first incarnation of reviving life in time. But the primacy of the alpine plum could have another reason. Ume was brought to Japan from China, and for a long time was considered one of the symbols of Chinese culture, whose traditions were a model for the educated strata of Japanese society in the early era. Then sakura joined the plum, then other flowers. The primacy of sakura is associated with the general turn of Japanese society at the end of the ninth century towards the acquisition of national identity. In 894, Japan abolished the practice of sending envoys to China, to the imperial court, and since then began a process of weakening dependence on the influence of Chinese culture. Basically, now hanami is dedicated to sakura, but many admirers of hanami and now primarily devote hanami to plum, which blooms no less beautifully than sakura: from white to dark pink.
During the Edo period, this hanami tradition spread widely and became an integral part of Japanese culture.
At the very beginning of the emergence of hanami, flowering meant the beginning of the rice planting season, and therefore it was a symbol of the harvest and the rebirth of life, the coming of the new year. Offerings were made to the spirit of flowers. Gradually, elements of a developed culture began to be included in the tradition, and hanami became one of the main customs of the Japanese classical tradition. A special flourishing of hanami is associated with the Tokugawa era, when the authorities ordered the planting of sakura in Japan everywhere, in order to strengthen the traditions of the Japanese nation. Then the khans from an aristocratic tradition began to gradually turn into a national one.
Interesting Facts
One of the most famous hanami sites in Tokyo is Shinjukugyoen National Park, which has 1,500 cherry blossom trees of 75 species. It is followed by Ueno Park, the largest urban park in Tokyo with an area of 626 thousand square meters, in which 1,100 trees grow. No less famous is Sumida Park, which has about 400 trees and unique lighting installed under them.
There are also khans of other flowers: lily of the valley, sunflower, carnation, cosme, tulips. The time of their flowering is reported by special magazines and broadcasts on radio and television.
Employees of firms go to the park every day and spend their working time outdoors, surrounded by their boss and colleagues.
Here is how Vsevolod Ovchinnikov writes about cherry blossoms in his book "Sakura Branch" *:
Life in Japan does not stand still. But even in a country where all spheres of human life are saturated with high technologies, there comes a time when the Japanese stop for a moment, freeze to enjoy the stunning spectacle of sakura blossom. In parks and squares, with the beginning of cherry blossoms, tents are set up selling a variety of food and drinks, toys for children. These days, everywhere - both on weekends and on weekdays - many people come to the parks who want to have a small picnic under the flowering trees. On the eve of the weekend, places with a beautiful view are often occupied from the night, spreading plastic rugs under the chosen tree. Sakura can be admired not only during the day, but also at night. To do this, municipalities are trying to pre-install lighting under the trees, shading the delicate cherry blossoms. In parks and gardens, small lanterns called wright-appu are installed under trees to illuminate them from below, and tall lanterns made of washi rice paper are installed to gently light the flowers. Night hanami is called yozakura ("night sakura"). Sakura flowers, which fall off, barely having time to open, the Japanese consider a symbol of their attitude to beauty: to perceive the beautiful as such is possible only because beauty is short-lived and fleeting and disappears before it has time to turn into something familiar and everyday.
- The cherry blossom period is very short, but the Japanese have come up with a way to extend it by creating an artificial tree. On its branches there are not fresh flowers, but burning LEDs. Also, for those who wish not only to constantly see, but also to feel the scent of sakura blossoms, exhibitions of scented paintings are arranged in museums.
The 100 yen coin is adorned with a cherry blossom image.
Since the days of Meiji, the image of sakura has been on the headdresses of students and military personnel as an indicator of rank. Currently used on the coats of arms of the Japanese police and armed forces.
Although there are over 300 types of cherry blossoms in Japan, no more than 10 species are natural.
An interesting fact is that cherry blossoms are celebrated not only in Japan. The fact is that at the beginning of the 20th century, the mayor of Tokyo presented sakura seedlings to Washington. The Japanese tree has taken root in the American capital, and since then its inhabitants have celebrated the National Cherry Blossom Festival every year.
Spring in Japan can only mean one thing: cherry blossom.
Between long, brutal winter months and humid hot summers, spring is the most popular season for tourism in Japan, both domestic and overseas. Sakura tours to Japan allow you to experience this infectious atmosphere as parks are filled with revelers and supermarket shelves are stocked with cherry blossom snacks and drinks.
The sakura bloom front spreads throughout the country, starting in February in Okinawa in the south and reaching Hokkaido in May. Cherry blossoms can be influenced by a number of factors: a particularly cold winter can mean that flowers will come late, mild weather leads to early blooming, and heavy rain can cause the petals to fall much faster. For this reason, before planning a spring vacation in Japan, you need to study the forecast of cherry blossoms.
Dates
Sakura usually begins to bloom in Okinawa around January / February, in central Japan in March and April, and in northern Hokkaido in May. In higher elevation areas, flowering begins later than in lowland areas. In Tokyo, flowering usually occurs in late March, reaching full bloom around April 5th. In Kyoto, sakura blooms a day or two later than in the capital, while the mountainous areas around Takayama and Matsumoto bloom in about two weeks, starting in mid-April.
Hanami
If you are lucky enough to buy a tour to Japan and find yourself in this country during the cherry blossom season, you should definitely go to the local parks and gardens, grab food and drinks for a picnic, and join the locals for hanami (“flower-admiring”). It is during this period that the Japanese are most relaxed, and all public places acquire a party-like atmosphere.
Typical hanami sites such as city parks, landscaped gardens, castle grounds and riverbank areas are crowded during the cherry blossom season. The flowers usually stay in the trees for a couple of weeks, sometimes less if it rains heavily, so visitors have a small window of time in which to enjoy the trees in full bloom. Hanami parties are so popular that some companies pay one employee to sit in the park all day, keeping an evening space for the office hanami.
Hanami parties can be arranged in the afternoon and evening. Sakura flowers are especially beautiful at dusk, when the trees are illuminated by lanterns.
History
The hanami tradition has a long history, which is believed to have begun during the Nara period (710-794), therefore, by taking part in hanami, a tourist joins one of the most beloved and most revered rituals in Japan.
Although the term hanami has been used almost exclusively to refer to cherry blossom viewing since the Heian Period (794-1185), historically the Japanese have organized hanami parties under wisteria and plum blossom. Today, some elderly Japanese still gather to see the plum blossom (ume), which is a calmer alternative to the noisy hanami parties for them.
In ancient Japan, the sakura blossom was significant as it marked the rice planting season and was used to predict the harvest. Moreover, its fleeting beauty was a metaphor for life itself, praised in numerous poems.
The Japanese believed that spirits lived in sakura trees, and made offerings to them in the form of rice wine. This grew into the tradition of khanami parties, a celebration of food, drink and fun, which is believed to have begun at the court of Emperor Saga and has become a tradition beloved by all walks of life.
Sakura-scented products
During the hanami season, a visitor to Japan may feel like the country has gone a little crazy over cherry blossoms. Not only are there many themed events and festivals, but even sakura-scented products on supermarket shelves reflect the upcoming season.
A trip to Japan in spring will give the tourist the opportunity to taste sakura-chu-hai (sweet alcoholic drinks), sakura-dumplings, sakura-KitKat, sakura-beer, sakura-chips and even Starbucks sakura-flavored latte! What does these foods taste like? Most people would agree that this is a taste to get used to, with a scent that is somewhere between lavender and soap!
Top 10 hanami places
Japan has a myriad of excellent hanami destinations, and anyone planning to purchase a Japan trip has their own personal favorite, so we've rounded up some of the best spots from our perspective to give the traveler a place to start.
1. Mount Yoshino, Nara Prefecture
With over 30,000 cherry trees, this mountain has been the most famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Japan for hundreds of years.
2. Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo
Tokyo is known the world over for being an ultra-modern metropolis with tall buildings and flashing neon lights, and while true, it also has plenty of green spaces where you can take time out from the hustle and bustle of the capital and unwind. One of the best places in Tokyo, where travelers who have bought tours to Japan, will be able to observe cherry blossoms, is undoubtedly Shinjuku Gyoen National Park, which has over a thousand cherry trees, where there are both early and late flowering varieties, which means The cherry blossom season lasts longer here than elsewhere in the city.
Other great hanami spots in the city include the Imperial Palace Gardens, Hamarikyu Gardens and Ueno Park, so be sure to check out a few of them.
3. Himeji Castle, Hyogo Prefecture
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has survived fires, wars, earthquakes and the Meiji Restoration to be one of the few original feudal castles still to be found in Japan. Surrounded by cherry blossom trees, Himeji is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in spring!
If a visit to Himeji isn't included on your sightseeing tour to Japan this spring, don't worry - almost all Japanese castles (original or remodeled) are great hanami spots as they are traditionally surrounded by cherry trees.
4. Mount Fuji
Arriving at Mount Fuji in spring is two treats for the price of one, as the mountain is surrounded by cherry blossom trees. There are many places with views of Mount Fuji, but our favorites are Hakone, the Five Lakes region, as well as the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko and Chureito Pagoda.
5. Philosophical Trail, Kyoto
The Kyoto Philosopher Trail is a road that runs along a stone-paved canal in the northern part of the Higashiyama area. The trail got its name from the philosopher Nishidee Kitaro, who meditated here on his way to Kyoto University. Along the road, 2 kilometers long, there are also restaurants, cafes, shops and, of course, sakura trees, which bloom magnificently in early April. This is one of the most popular hanami spots in Kyoto, and those who book a tour to Japan from Moscow, prices for which depend on its duration, will not regret visiting this place. At the same time, you can go on a tour to Japan from other large cities of the CIS countries.
6. Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa
Voted one of the top three landscaped gardens in Japan (considered the best of the three), Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa is a great place to visit any time of the year, but especially during cherry blossom season. The garden is so big that you can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around it.
7. Miharu Taki-zakura
Miharu Taki-zakura ("Sakura Falls in Miharu") is located near the small town of Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, in the northern Tohoku region of the Japanese island of Honshu. This massive weeping cherry, which is 12 meters high and has a trunk circumference of 9.5 meters, is more than a thousand years old. She is probably the most famous tree in Japan and is considered by many to be the most beautiful.
8. Hirosaki Castle, Hirosaki
From the end of April, the park around Hirosaki Castle transforms into a pink wonderland with over 2,500 cherry trees, cherry blossom tunnels, evening lights, petal pink moats, lovely picnic areas and rented rowing boats. If you visit this place from April 23 to May 5, you can become a member of the Hirosaki Sakura Blossom Festival. This park is one of the top 3 places to admire cherry blossoms in Japan, so if your trip to Japan in the spring includes a visit to this place, the tourist will have an unforgettable experience.
9. Hanamiama Park, Fukushima
Another attraction in the Tohoku region, Hanamiama Park ("Flower Mountain") is located on the slopes surrounding a rural farming community in Fukushima Prefecture. The park was founded by local farmers who started growing ornamental plants and trees in the area and opened to the public in 1959. Here you can admire various varieties of cherry blossoms and other flowering trees with beautiful views of the Azuma Mountains.
10. Ruins of Takato castle, Nagano
Last but not least on our list is Takato Castle Ruined Park in Nagano Prefecture. It ranks third in the official ranking of hanami places in Japan (along with Mount Yoshino and Hirosaki Castle). Situated on a hill in the city of Ina (Nagano), the park is about 60 kilometers from Matsumoto (where Black Crow Castle also provides an excellent place for hanami). In April, the park has many yatai outlets set up for the annual Sakura Blossom Festival, as well as wonderful illuminations that turn on from dusk until 10pm.
Like many places on this list, Takato Castle Park is packed with people during cherry blossom season, so tourists who don't like crowds are better off visiting it in the early morning and avoiding visiting it on weekends. Inside the park is the curved Onkyo Bridge, which is one of the most beautiful spots during cherry blossom time, but if you take the time to walk, you can find equally impressive spots.
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It's time for cherry blossoms to bloom.It's time for cherry blossoms to bloom.
History of the Japanese holiday hanami
Hanami is one of the finest festivals in the Land of the Rising Sun, a springtime Japanese tradition of flower viewing. It is associated with the time of the beginning of the flowering of sakura - a tree generous with its delicate flowers. For just 10 days - this is exactly how much time sakura needs for its flowers to bloom, and then release their petals to the ground - the whole of Japan turns into a wonder of the world: elegant and bright trees gather under them residents eager to taste the beauty of the coming spring.
The history of the holiday is in the AiF.ru gallery.
Literally translated from Japanese "hanami" ("hana" - a flower and "mi" - to look) means "admiring flowers." This Japanese national tradition originated at the imperial court in the 3rd century AD. : the courtiers, resting under the blossoming flowers of the tree, enjoyed light drinks, communication and games.
The mountain plum, brought to Japan from China, begins to bloom earlier than the sakura: perhaps that is why the khans first dedicated them to it. However, since the end of the 9th century, when society in Japan began to care about the acquisition of national identity and dependence on Chinese culture began to weaken, the Japanese began to devote sakura to hanami.
Sakura blossom is a short-term pleasure - it lasts only 7-10 days, then the petals fall off. If the weather is bad, then the petals begin to fall off already on the 5th day.
Even in the period when the hanami emerged, the sakura blossom for the Japanese meant, first of all, the beginning of the rice planting season and symbolized the rebirth of nature, the onset of the new year. Over time, when the authorities ordered the planting of sakura everywhere to strengthen the Japanese nation, the tradition from aristocratic turned into a popular one.
The Japanese see deep meaning in contemplating the blooming and falling of the petals: sitting under the trees, they reflect on the transience and beauty of life, on its impermanence and ephemerality.
The best temperature for cherry blossom is + 18 °. Already at the beginning of March, on television, the timing of the flowering of the tree in each separate region is reported: due to the climatic difference between north and south, the khans stretch for more than three months: from the end of February to the end of May.
Many Japanese come to parks and squares under the sakura cover on the days of the tree's flowering. Companies can consist of family members, colleagues, friends. The most convenient places for contemplation are often occupied from the night. People spread mats, rugs, blankets, sometimes put up tents, bring food and drinks.
Sakura is one of the main symbols of Japan. The flowering of these trees is considered a holiday called Hanami, which translates as “admiring flowers”. Millions of tourists from all over the world come here to participate in the celebration.
This tradition goes back more than one century. She appeared at the imperial court. During the cherry blossoms, the courtiers sat under beautiful trees, recited poetry, talked, played intellectual games. Gradually, the tradition spread throughout the country. 
Initially, the Japanese bloom festival was dedicated to the ume (plum), because she is the first to open flowers. But, since ume was imported from China, and at a certain period the Japanese began to try to get away from Chinese influence, they decided to choose sakura (cherry) as the revered tree.
Cherry blossom time
In Japan, cherry blossoms can be seen from February to May. Specific dates depend on the weather. The annual forecast for when the flowers will bloom can usually be found in the media. However, the estimated time to start flowering in each region is unchanged:
- End of February - Okinawa and Kushu;
- End of March - Tokyo and Kyoto;
- April - Fukushima and Sendai;
- Early May - Hokkaido and Sapporo.
Hanami usually lasts 7-10 days. They are not a weekend, despite the popularity of the spring tradition. The best landscapes can be seen at the moment of full blooming of flowers, and the most delicate - in the first days of the multi-day holiday.
The significance of the holiday of bloom and its philosophical meaning
The holiday of admiring cherry blossoms covers the whole country. People walk in parks, have picnics under the trees. The best places are taken from early morning, and often even at night. Guides often do this for their tourists. 
Sakura blossoms in Japan are observed not only alone or with family and friends. This often turns into a corporate event - colleagues get out to the parks together and admire the enchanting spectacle. People communicate, sing songs dedicated to Hanami, rejoice in spring and have philosophical conversations.
It is philosophy that is far from the last place in the Japanese festival of flowering. Beautiful flowers, their beauty and wilting symbolize human life and its transience. Every day and even a moment of flowering is identified with a certain stage of life.
The best spots to admire the bloom
You can admire sakura almost everywhere in Japan. However, there are established Hanami centers, and the Sakura Association regularly compiles ratings of the most scenic spots that are most popular with tourists in Japan.
Locations in Tokyo
Shinjuku Gyoen. One of the most popular parks in the capital, it is called the imperial park. Here you can observe flowering for a fairly long period of time, since about one and a half thousand trees grow on the park territory, and they bloom unevenly.
Ueno Park. The place where you can see flowering on holidays alone is unlikely to succeed. It is always noisy and crowded here. Over a thousand cherry trees grow around the picturesque pond and along the alley that leads to the National Museum. It is noteworthy that flowers bloom in Ueno first of all in Tokyo. Contemplation of flowering trees can be combined with a visit to one of the oldest zoos in Japan - it is located here.
Chidorigafuchi. Kitanomaru Park has Edo Castle, whose moats are decorated with cherry trees. In combination with the castle, they look especially airy and magical. The highlight of this particular place is that it is customary to celebrate Hanami on the water by boating.
Sumida Park. Located next to the famous Senso-ji Temple. The river divides the park into two parts and it is very pleasant to ride a boat along it, especially in the evening, when the lights are on.
The village of Kawazu. One of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in the Tokyo area. The trees bloom in the village very early - in February.
Locations in Kyoto
The Path of the Philosopher. The Nanzen-ji complex and the Ginkak-ji temple are connected by a canal, to which a scenic trail leads. About a hundred trees have been planted along it. When cherry blossoms bloom, the alley turns into a beautiful tunnel. Thousands of tourists come here to enjoy this beauty and take unusual photos. 
Maruyama Park. It is close to Yasaka Shrine and is also a popular cherry blossom spot. The park is great for relaxing walks and admiring the flowering trees. There are many pleasant cafes on the territory, the tables of which are set right under the spreading crowns. The park also has its own themed attraction - a huge sakura, which is more than 70 years old.
Heian Temple. Cherry trees grow directly behind the temple, a distinctive feature of which is their flowering time - they bloom later than anyone else in Kyoto. Picturesque plants and traditional Japanese architecture of the temple complement each other very organically.
Locations in Osaka
Kema Sakuronomiya Park. This is a real cherry forest - more than five thousand trees grow here, most of them are located along the Okawa River. You can contemplate the shores drowning in cherry blossom both from the ground or the bridge, and from the water - by boating. The park itself is full of picnic spots and pretty lawns. 
Osaka Castle. The castle itself is one of the main attractions of the city, and when sakura trees bloom, of which there are a lot (more than 4 thousand), the flow of tourists increases significantly. There are always a lot of people who want to enjoy the wonderful combination of the creations of nature and human hands. A significant role in the popularity of this place during the Hanami period is played by the nearby park, where you can have a picnic under the cherry crowns.
Park of the 70th Anniversary of the World Exhibition. On the site where the World's Fair was held in 1970, a huge public park was later laid out. Now more than 5 thousand cherry trees grow there, which are beautifully illuminated in the evening.
Mint of Japan. In the park, which is located next to the State Mint, there are about a hundred cherry trees. Flowers bloom here a little later than in the whole city, and the Courtyard itself is open to the public only during the Hanami period. 
Locations in Yokohama
Sankei-en garden. This garden is magnificent at any time of the year. Classic Japanese landscape design with a shady pond in the center, traditional architecture, many plants - here you can feel the peace and reunion with nature. Sakura trees at the time of their flowering give the garden a special flavor.
Mitswike Park. One of the most visited places during the bloom festival in Japan. An enchanting park with a thousand cherry blossom trees, they are perfectly combined with the three ponds located here.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura
A half-kilometer alley leads to the temple, consisting of beautiful cherry blossoms, traditionally blooming in spring. This flower tunnel is very impressive to everyone who sees it.
North Shores of Kawaguchiko
Perhaps, it is here that you can see exactly the landscape that is associated with Japan - the Japanese cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji and a calm lake. The most picturesque picture can be seen in the morning, when the first rays of the sun are just beginning to illuminate the shores of the lake. 
Chureito pagoda
The pagoda appeared on the hills opposite Fujiyama quite recently. It now consistently ranks among the top best places to celebrate Hanami.
These are just the most popular spots where millions of visitors to the country gather annually to take part in the Japanese tradition of flower viewing. However, in Japan there are still a huge number of such places, many of which are no less beautiful than the generally recognized centers. And it is in such secluded corners that you can relax and philosophize, thinking about the transience of life, as the Japanese have done for many centuries.
