My Final Sakura Season In Japan

End of March-Early April 2009
Tokyo, Japan
Cherry Blossom Season

My assignment is up the end of the year so this is my final cherry blossom season in Japan. And it was a Magnificent One! Experts said it was supposed to be an early cherry blossom season but a cold spell delayed the estimated "full bloom" week to end of March. It seems the cold spell did some good as the cherry blossoms this season were spectacular.

Sakura is the Japanese term for the cherry blossom tree but the trees do not bear fruit. They are indigenous to Japan where over 200 varieties can be found. The most popular variety is the Yoshino. The buds of the Yoshino are a dark pink but the flowers are white with a touch of pink. The trees are big and spectacular. The tree itself is very dark almost black so the contrast with the flowers is stunning. Another favorite of mine is the Shidarezakura or Weeping Cherry. The branches fall like weeping willows with bright pink flowers.

Sakura season is very special to the Japanese and is serious business. Every year, the Japanese National Weather Agency tracks the blooming of the Sakura from Okinawa to Hokkaido. There are several Sakura tours available by JTB with the sole purpose on enjoying the Sakura. The tradition started during the Heian period and was borrowed from the Chinese. The Chinese celebrated the plum season by having flower viewing celebrations where poets, singers and aristocrats would gather underneath the plum trees. The Japanese also started with plums but Sakura took over in the later years.

There is also something Zen about Sakura. I've been told that Sakura symbolizes clouds because they blossom so spectacularly at once. It also symbolizes mortality because the blooms come to life with exceptional beauty but die so quickly (about 1 week after full bloom). But it also symbolizes love and good fortune so many weddings take place during this season. In addition, the fiscal and school year in Japan start in April to coincide with Sakura season is what I have been told. As a matter of fact, a cab driver in Kyoto told me he was worried the Sakura will bloom too early and thus will be a bad year for students and companies. But fortunately, it bloomed perfectly so I'm hoping its a sign that the economy will improve and things will get better for all.

Early March: the buds of the Yoshino Sakura tree

Many local Wagashi (Japanese Sweet) shops offers special wagashi made specifically for Sakura season. They are just too pretty to eat!

Yoshino Sakura at Night. Almost in full bloom

A type of Shidorezakura – Weeping Cherry

I took this at Roppongi Hills, the last week of March in the morning sun. It was totally accidental but I love the effect

3rd week of March: This is my favorite Sakura photo. I took it while walking Chidorigafuchi with Alfie, my photo teacher. Chidorigafuchi is probably the most famous place to see the Sakura in Japan. It is located in the area around the Imperial Palace moat. There is a pathway about 2 km long that is lined with over 200 Sakura trees. One can also rent a rowboat to view the cherry blossoms from the moat. It was quite crowded when we went but not too bad. During full bloom, its extremely packed. Its also tightly controlled where the path is divided so that people need to stay on the left hand side and continue walking. Fortunately, it was still early Sakura season, so we could stop and take photos

I actually like the colors during early bloom. They are all Yoshino trees so you get the dark pink buds mixed with the white blooms.

3rd Week of March: I had a business trip to Osaka, so on the way back we stopped in Kyoto for dinner at my favorite restaurant Omen. Its conveniently located close to the Philosopher's Path so was able to enjoy the early blooms of the Sakura in Kyoto

4th Week of March: Nihombashi. When I walk home, I have to go through Nihonbashi which is the business district. There is a small street though that is lined with Sakura. It provides some much needed softness to the district

Last week of March: Sakura in full bloom. These are night photos of the Yoshino tree in Akasaka that line the street by my apartment. Just beautiful.

I hosted a Hanami Party during full bloom for my work colleagues. I did get worried as there was a spectacular thunder and lightning storm the day before. But the Sakura survived and was glorious.

The Yoshino trees in full bloom that line the street by my apartment.

Tokyo Midtown: They were a bit disappointing. It will take a few more years for the trees to grow to full size

Aoyama Cemetery: I highly recommend this walk. Its an oasis in the middle of Tokyo. Just gorgeous and peaceful

I've walked through Aoyama Cemetery a few times but never saw the foreigner's cemetery. It was quite interesting as many of the graves were from the 1800s. I'd like to spend more time there and learn more about who are buried there.

Izumi Garden: The trees are small but quite showy and beautiful.

Zozoji Temple: One of the most important temples in Tokyo. The grounds are beautiful. Again, this photo was an accident as its overexposed but I quite like the effect.

1st week of April: Full Bloom weekend in Akasaka. Lots of ladies were out wearing beautiful kimonos and taking photos with the Sakura.

My friend Karyn had her best friend from Canada visiting so I asked if they could take a photo with them. A very Japanese moment!

2nd Week of April: End of Sakura season. Its so short!

Chidorigafuchi on April10. If you look carefully, you will see white spots. They are Sakura petals falling from the sky. I could not get a good photo of it but its quite a special moment walking throw Sakura petals falling gently from the sky.