Springtime in Kyoto
The cherry blossom (sakura in Japanese) is the national flower of Japan and permeates deeply many aspects of Japanese culture. Japanese believe that the blooming of the trees symbolizes the transience of life itself. Observing the trees sprouting flowers each spring is a national celebration called “hanami” which entails picnics and drinking with old friends under the cherry trees.
The blossoms come out in stages, with each phase considered remarkable for its own reasons. The newspapers run front page stories covering the major cherry blossom festivals. The bloom is even reported on news bulletins alongside the weather report so that you know exactly what the forecast for the blossoms in each part of Japan is.
During the “sakura” season, the cultural heart and soul of Japan is Kyoto – the former imperial capital. The whole city is transformed by lovely clouds of pink blossoms, and throngs of revelers gather to eat, drink and sing. Illuminated by spotlights and festive garden lanterns, the trees shine like a pink explosion in the middle of a sea of people. While photographers are trying to capture the fleeting flowers, dozens of young girls dressed in kimonos and pink dresses pull down low-hanging branches to frame their faces for the perfect portrait.
Due to the way that they blossom in spring, the “sakura” concept has become the Japanese symbol for the season and its associations such as new beginnings and young love. Spring carries the promise of renewal everywhere, yet in Japan, the cherry blossoms are also a reminder of the fleeting nature of life.
Springtime in Kyoto
The cherry blossom (sakura in Japanese) is the national flower of Japan and permeates deeply many aspects of Japanese culture. Japanese believe that the blooming of the trees symbolizes the transience of life itself. Observing the trees sprouting flowers each spring is a national celebration called “hanami” which entails picnics and drinking with old friends under the cherry trees.
The blossoms come out in stages, with each phase considered remarkable for its own reasons. The newspapers run front page stories covering the major cherry blossom festivals. The bloom is even reported on news bulletins alongside the weather report so that you know exactly what the forecast for the blossoms in each part of Japan is.
During the “sakura” season, the cultural heart and soul of Japan is Kyoto – the former imperial capital. The whole city is transformed by lovely clouds of pink blossoms, and throngs of revelers gather to eat, drink and sing. Illuminated by spotlights and festive garden lanterns, the trees shine like a pink explosion in the middle of a sea of people. While photographers are trying to capture the fleeting flowers, dozens of young girls dressed in kimonos and pink dresses pull down low-hanging branches to frame their faces for the perfect portrait.
Due to the way that they blossom in spring, the “sakura” concept has become the Japanese symbol for the season and its associations such as new beginnings and young love. Spring carries the promise of renewal everywhere, yet in Japan, the cherry blossoms are also a reminder of the fleeting nature of life.
