Cherry blossoms in Japan: 10+ photos of the most magical time of the year

The best time to visit Japan is in the spring when the beautiful cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It is a celebration of beauty and nature and one of the most beautiful things you will ever see. And spring has already arrived in Japan, as the first cherry blossoms began to open in Nagasaki and Tokyo.

It's starting in Japan sakura or cherry blossom festival. This is when large groups of friends, families and even colleagues gather around the blossoming trees to admire the colors and enjoy picnics. At night, paper lanterns are hung near the cherry blossoms, which adds even more magic to the festival itself. hanami, as the tradition of socializing around pastel pink flowers is called, it is said to have its roots several thousand years ago, when aristocrats paid tribute to these beautiful flowers by writing poetry, and feudal lords were said to prepare parties for this purpose.

Cherries are blooming somewhere from February to May, but it all depends on the climatic conditions throughout the year and on which side of the Japanese island you are currently located. They bloom in most parts in mid-March, in Niigata and Aomori in mid-April, and in Sapporo at the end of April. This year, the first cherries bloomed March 20 (4 days earlier than average and 3 days later than last year). The first flowers opened in Nagasaki, and for the first time in 41 years, 3 more cherries bloomed on the same day in Tokyo. In order to be officially declared a sakura, at least five or six cherries must bloom. But don't worry, more cherries are predicted to open today and they will March 21 is the official start of sakura or hanami.