CHERRY BLOSSOMS BLOOMS
“Visiting Japan During The Sakura Seasons.”
By Jeaunesse - 5 MARCH 2019
Sakura is native to the northern hemisphere temperate regions of the Himalayas. In the Qin and Han dynasties two thousand years ago, cherry blossom were cultivated in the Chinese palace. During the Tang Dynasty, cherry blossoms were commonly found in private courtyards, which were later introduced to Japan and have a history of more than a thousand years in Japan. Before the arrival of the Edo period, there was already a cherry blossom viewing event, which was only popular among the elites. Ashikaga Yoshiyuki and Toyota Hideyoshi liked to hold a cherry blossom festival. With the advent of the Edo period (1603-1867), cherry blossom viewing has formed a traditional folk custom, from official dignitaries to common people who gathers around to enjoy cherry blossoms. The word "花见" (pronouced ‘hanami’) in Japanese means the cherry blossom viewing.
The Japanese love cherry blossom. They blooms vigorously and drops off rapidly. Their instantaneously short flowering period coincided with the spirit of Japanese Bushido. Verses from Atsumory often sung and made famous by Oda Nobunaga :
"人間五十年、化天のうちを比ぶれば、夢幻の如くなり"
"Human life lasts only 50 years, Contrast human life with life of Geten, It is but a very dream and illusion."
"一度生を享け、滅せぬもののあるべきか"
"Once they are given life from god, there is no such thing as perishing."
SAKURA - With the passing of wintery winds and when cherry blossoms blooms.
Famous Destinations To Experience Cherry Blossoms Blooms.
KYOTO
Under the clear blue sky in Kyoto, seeing the light pink cherry blossom blooms with the white walls of the Nijo Castle’s temple in the backdrop is the most encharting time in Japan. In the evenings, you can experience the mysterious and overwhelming atmosphere when the lanterns are litted amongst the cherry blossom blooms.
Nijo Castle was built during the warring period under Tokugawa Ieyasu Tokugawa.
Ryōan-ji was built in 1450 during a period of major visual art innovation in Japan. Today, it is a well-known world cultural heritage. During Queen Elizabeth II visited to Japan, she visited the “Japanese Rock Garden” courtyard and praised the abstract and mysterious beauty of the temple. There is a large cherry tree outside the stone court of Ryōan-ji, which can be quietly watched with a worldwide reputation.
ASAKURA - southeast of Fukuoka.
The Akizuki Castle is located in Asakura City, southeast of Fukuoka. It was built in 1623 following the dying demands of Kuroda Nagamasa - a feudal lord. Akizuki Castle is a quiet and interesting place. During the cherry blossom season the main road to Akizuki Castle is lined with patches of cherry trees from the op of the road. The 500-meter-long road is surrounded by the quaint nature of the natural environment. In autumn, the city gets fill with history and natural beauty making people feel like time and space remains at the Edo period.
TOKYO
Chidorigafuchi is a famous place for cherry blossoms viewing in Tokyo. It is located on the moat on the west side of the Imperial Palace. The lake is It is named Chidorigafuchi because it is shaped birds with spreaded wings ready to fly off. During the cherry blossom viewing season, you can row boats on the lake and enjoy cherry blossoms with the breeze sweeping over, cherry blossoms drifting in the water and all is a pleasing sight. Around 170 cherry blossoms are planted here, leaning against the shore. There are lanterns in the evening, which makes people feel like they are in a fairyland.
During the Edo period, Ueno mountain was a place to be for "hanami". Ueno Park has a long history. It is a park to go not only to enjoy the beauty of more than 1,300 cherry trees when it blooms, but also to visit attractions like museums, and zoo amongst other. Here, you can explore the deeper historical and cultural heritage of Japan. The park is influenced by a variety ancient and modern Japanese styles.
