Cherry blossom trees, also known as Sakura trees, produce the stunning cherry blossoms that are adored by many. These blooms come in over 20 different varieties that can be found across the globe. Predominantly, cherry blossoms are found in Asia, with Japan being a major location for these trees. However, the value of these trees goes beyond their aesthetic beauty as they hold cultural significance in many societies. Cherry blossom trees and their blooms are truly magnificent creations that are celebrated and revered by people all over the world.
During the springtime, cherry blossom trees are covered in delicate pink or white petals that last for only two weeks. This fleeting beauty has made the blooming of cherry blossoms a much-anticipated event in many parts of the world. In Japan, the tradition of viewing cherry blossoms, known as “hanami” (which translates to “flower viewing”) is deeply rooted in the country’s culture and dates back to the Nara period (710-794) in Japan.
The samurai culture in Japan is closely linked with cherry blossoms as they were considered a symbol of the fleeting nature of life. Samurai warriors regarded the short-lived beauty of cherry blossoms as a reflection of their own existence as warriors. They admired the cherry blossom so much that it was often depicted in samurai art and poetry. Additionally, the design of samurai armor and weapons was also influenced by the flower’s delicate and ephemeral nature.
Apart from their cultural value, cherry blossoms also hold symbolic meaning. Their brief existence reminds us of the fleeting nature of life as they quickly fall from the tree once they have bloomed. Despite their short life span, the beauty of the cherry blossoms continues to be celebrated, reminding us to cherish every moment of our lives.
Cherry blossom trees have been cultivated in many parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Europe. In 1912, Japan gifted thousands of cherry blossom trees to Washington, D.C., which has now become the most famous display of cherry blossoms in the United States. The blooming of cherry blossoms in D.C. is celebrated with a large festival that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Apart from the above mentioned countries, Cherry blossoms are also grown in Taiwan, South Korea, India, Thailand, New Zealand etc,.
1. Taiwan
Wuling Farm, located in the Shei-Pa National Park in central Taiwan, is a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing. The area’s high altitude and cooler temperatures create an ideal environment for cherry blossom trees to thrive, and visitors can enjoy the spectacular sight of rows of cherry blossom trees, as well as other flora and fauna, while hiking through the farm. Alishan National Scenic Area is another renowned location for cherry blossom viewing, with thousands of cherry blossom trees surrounding the region.
Yangmingshan National Park, situated just outside of Taipei, is also a favored spot for cherry blossom viewing. Visitors can participate in various activities such as picnicking, hiking, and local festivals and events that celebrate the arrival of spring and the blooming of cherry blossoms while appreciating the breathtaking scenery.
You can find the best places and time to view cherry blossom in Taiwan in this page.
2. South Korea
Cherry blossoms are a beloved symbol of spring in South Korea and are a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. The trees typically bloom from late March to early April, depending on the weather conditions.
There are various places in South Korea where the blossoms can be seen. Jinhae Naval Port in Chngwon City is where the annual festival to celebrate the blooming of cherry blossom takes place, we can witness some eye catching parades and performances during this time. Its called the Jinhae Gunhangie festival and its held in early April every year.
The Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, is also a very popular place to view cherry blossom in the country. It is in Gyeongiu an ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom where hundreds of cherry blossom trees can be found.
The Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year in Yeouldo Park in Soeul. This festival also attracts many visitors.
Due to the Japanese occupation of the country during the 20th century, the cherry blossoms have made an impact in the Korean culture as well. It symbolizes love, purity and new beginnings to the South Korean people. Visit this page to get detailed information about the best timings and places to see cherry blossoms in South Korea.
3. India
These blossoms are not widely cultivated in India as they are not a native species to the place. However, Himachal Pradesh, a state in India is known to grow some varieties of cherry blossoms during the beginning of spring. Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh is well known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees.
Due to the climatic conditions and other related factors, the cherry blossom trees may not bloom in the similar way as they do in its native regions, and this is the main reason for these trees to not be widely cultivated. Recently in order to promote tourism and develop the natural beauty of the country, the cultivation of cherry blossom trees are increasing in some parts of the country. For instance, in Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, the states Tourism Department has introduced the trees in the northeastern parts of the country. Bangalore and Darjeeling have also started the planting of this tree.
Visit this page to know about Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, and this site to get to know about places in India with cherry blossom.
4. Thailand
Due to its tropical climate, the cherry blossom trees are not native to Thailand and they do not grow in the similar ways in other places. To create a visual experience same as Japan, some parks and public places have started to plant the cherry blossom trees in the country to attract tourists during the season.
The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek, a botanical garden in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, is one of the most popular places to view cherry blossoms in the country. The garden has a special section dedicated to Japanese cherry blossom trees, which were donated by the Japanese government as a symbol of friendship between the two countries. The garden also hosts an annual flower festival, during which the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and visitors can enjoy various cultural performances and activities.
Other parks and public spaces in Thailand, such as Suan Luang Rama IX Park in Bangkok, have also started to plant cherry blossom trees to attract visitors and create a similar experience to that of Japan’s hanami season.
5. New Zealand
Cherry blossom trees are not native to New Zealand, and the country’s warm, temperate climate is not well-suited for their cultivation. However, some cherry blossom trees have been planted in parks and public spaces in New Zealand, to create a similar visual experience to that of Japan’s famous cherry blossom season.
The Auckland Botanic Gardens is one of the most popular places to view cherry blossom trees in New Zealand. The garden has a special section dedicated to Japanese cherry blossom trees, which were donated by the Japanese government in the 1980s as a symbol of friendship between the two countries. The garden also hosts an annual Cherry Blossom Festival, during which the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and visitors can enjoy various cultural performances and activities.
Other parks and public spaces in New Zealand, such as the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and the Wellington Botanic Garden, have also started to plant cherry blossom trees to attract visitors and create a similar experience to that of Japan’s hanami season.
The symbolic meaning of cherry blossoms varies across different cultures. To some, they represent rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings, while to others, they signify the start of spring. However, what remains constant is the joy and appreciation that cherry blossoms bring to people from all walks of life.