{"id":3787,"date":"2017-03-22T10:36:29","date_gmt":"2017-03-22T10:36:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/?p=3787"},"modified":"2025-01-20T11:00:51","modified_gmt":"2025-01-20T11:00:51","slug":"japanese-cherry-blossom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/","title":{"rendered":"The Japanese Cherry Blossom"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As spring creeps around the corner, Japan begins to be coated in a beautifully subtle pink mist, as the cherry blossom, or <em>sakura<\/em>, paints the country with a pallet of delicate colours.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Beginning in Okinawa in the south, the cherry blossom in Japan starts to spread north before reaching Hokkaido in early May. The arrival of the blossom varies depending on the weather, but this time does see the country absorbed in the excitement of the upcoming blossom.<\/p>\n<p>Sakura is a traditional symbol of Japanese culture, as seen in the design of kimonos, textile prints, a 100 yen coin and even limited edition food available during the blossom season.<\/p>\n<p>Japan can become bitterly cold in the winter and powerfully hot in summer, so spring has become the most popular time for visitors and the perfect opportunity to take a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/japan\/tours\/\">tour of Japan<\/a>. Spring is commonly associated with new life. It is considered to restart life and awaken nature after the dark winter months. The cherry blossom represents this notion.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/cherry-blossom.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3792\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/cherry-blossom.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese cherry blossom\" width=\"625\" height=\"417\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/cherry-blossom.jpg 625w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/cherry-blossom-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>History of Sakura<\/h2>\n<p>The cherry blossom tree is believed to have been native to the Himalayas, but has become one of the most iconic images of Japan.<\/p>\n<p>Cherry blossoms symbolize the transience of life which is a major theme in Buddhism and have long held a significance to Japanese nationalism and militarism.<\/p>\n<p>Signifying the fragile beauty of nature and life, you can find the first written reference of the cherry blossom in the Kojiki, as it depicts ceremonies and celebrations during the Tang Dynasty. It was first associated with plum blossoms before being exclusively linked with cherry blossoms during the Heian Period (794-1185).<\/p>\n<p>Though the cherry blossom is most widely associated with Japan, where you will find the greatest celebrations, you will notice that it has spread into western culture. Back in 1912, the Japanese government presented 3,000 cherry blossom trees to Washington, D.C. as a symbol of friendship. The cherry trees were a show of Japan\u2019s respect to the U.S. president William Taft. The trees have also been given to Brazil, Germany, Turkey and China as gifts of friendship in the years since.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mount-fuji.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3794\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mount-fuji.jpg\" alt=\"Mount Fuji\" width=\"625\" height=\"415\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mount-fuji.jpg 625w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mount-fuji-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Though many of the flowers appear pink, the sakura actually have their own shade of colour. This is known as <em>sakura-iro<\/em>, which is a traditional Japanese colour. A wide range of colours are used to describe the sakura blossom, ranging from a pale cream white to pink.<\/p>\n<p>Sakura and the sakura zensen (\u2018cherry blossom front\u2019) is described in stages, 11 to be exact. Those who follow the blossom closely will use these 11 stages to identify the changes that sweep through the country, but the official forecast will only adopt seven of them. The stages are as follows: budding, bulging bud, flowering, 10%, 30%, 50% and 70% bloom, full bloom, starting to fall, falling and then officially over.<\/p>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><a href=\"\/japan\/tours\/japan-uncovered.htm\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/image-18.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8486\" width=\"332\" height=\"447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/image-18.png 443w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/image-18-223x300.png 223w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 332px) 100vw, 332px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Our most extensive tour of Japan includes all the classic sights and key cultural activities. Featuring modern cities, historical sights and beautiful landscapes, Japan Uncovered ensures you get the most out of your trip to this fascinating land.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2>Hanami<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hanami is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers, flowers in this case almost always referring to those of the cherry (sakura) trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once exclusive to the imperial court and elites in the country, cherry blossom viewing quickly spread throughout the samurai classes when shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune encouraged people to plant the trees across the country. Hanami soon became a regular source of entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first references of sakura hanami parties and gatherings can be dated back to the Nara Period (710-794) and has continued to dramatically influence Japanese culture ever since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Food, fashion, art and theatre have all included sakura themes and school children are even taught songs relating to the blossom during the spring time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/hanami-in-the-park.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"625\" height=\"411\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/hanami-in-the-park.jpg\" alt=\"Hanami in a park\" class=\"wp-image-3793\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/hanami-in-the-park.jpg 625w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/hanami-in-the-park-300x197.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In the present day you will find friends, colleagues and families all gather around parks where they enjoy food and drinks from the vendors and stalls, play games and celebrate beneath the flowering branches of the cherry blossom trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are planning to tour Japan on holiday and find yourself around a busy area on your own or in a small group, there is a high chance that you will be invited to parties, gatherings and celebrations during the blossom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The entire country is engaged and enthused by this time of year and will look to make the most of the short time that they have to revel amongst the flowers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it is a park, gardens, castle grounds, riverbanks or along the streets, you will find a number of hanami spots where people will be celebrating the festival throughout the day. For a spectacular sight, view the cherry blossoms at dawn or dusk at nearby landscape gardens or historical castles, with the sun glowing through the various shades of the pink cherry blossom flowers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Cherry Blossom Food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>During springtime and the sakura season, Japan produces a number of limited edition seasonal specials in food and drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hanami and the flowers of the cherry blossom attract and join people together during this time of the year, but there is a Japanese proverb that shows that there is more to it than just the blossom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hana yori dango means \u2018sweets over flowers\u2019 and translates as \u2018practicality over aesthetics\u2019. It refers to the focus on the \u2018practical\u2019 things that can be created from the flowers like the dango (sweet dumplings), or other food or drink that is created in association with the blossom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/sweet-japanese-dumplings.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"625\" height=\"415\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/sweet-japanese-dumplings.jpg\" alt=\"Sweet Japanese dumplings\" class=\"wp-image-3790\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/sweet-japanese-dumplings.jpg 625w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/sweet-japanese-dumplings-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are fortunate enough to find yourself in Japan during the cherry blossom season you will see large numbers of food and drink stalls pop-up around parks and the streets beneath the cherry trees, ready to cater to everyone during the celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>McDonald\u2019s in Japan have even created a sakura themed McFlurry. Mixed into the conventional ice cream is pink waffle coloured by sakura, as well as pickled cherry blossom leaves and a cherry blossom rice cake sauce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The beautiful pink colour of the sakura helps to offer a delicate shade to the foods and drinks, while the flavour itself is a subtle cherry taste which is often mistaken for blackcurrant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Restaurants and shops will have sakura chu-hai (a sweet alcoholic canned drink), sakura crisps, sakura-flavoured Starbucks and sakura dumplings. KitKats and Pepsi also have their own sakura flavours all readily available for anyone wanting to try something a little different during their holiday in Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><a href=\"\/japan\/tours\/jewels-of-japan.htm\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Jewels-of-Japan.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8764\" width=\"299\" height=\"398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Jewels-of-Japan.png 399w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Jewels-of-Japan-225x300.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 299px) 100vw, 299px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Be captivated by the unique culture of Japan as you discover lively Tokyo, beautiful Mt Fuji and historic Kyoto. A visit to Hiroshima\u2019s Peace Memorial and the holy island of Miyajima complete this fascinating tour.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2>The best places to see the Japanese cherry blossom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/cherry-blossom-infographic-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"625\" height=\"3200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/cherry-blossom-infographic-2.jpg\" alt=\"cherry blossom infographic\" class=\"wp-image-3797\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/cherry-blossom-infographic-2.jpg 625w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/cherry-blossom-infographic-2-200x1024.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you&#8217;d like to embed this infographic into your own website &#8211; simply&nbsp; copy and paste the below code.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><code>&lt;div style=\"clear: both;\"&gt;&lt;a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/\"&gt;&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/cherry-blossom-infographic.jpg\" alt=\"The Cherry Blossom in Japan\" width=\"700\" height=\"3590\" border=\"0\" \/&gt;&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;<br \/>\n&lt;div&gt;Courtesy of: &lt;a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Wendy Wu Tours&lt;\/strong&gt;&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;<\/code><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Image Credit:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Mitarashi_dango_001.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ocdp<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"\/japan\/tours\/discover-japan.htm\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/image-19.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8487\" width=\"332\" height=\"446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/image-19.png 442w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/image-19-223x300.png 223w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 332px) 100vw, 332px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Journey across the Japanese Alps to the cultural centres of Takayama, Shirakawago and Kanazawa on this extensive tour of Japan. You will of course see modern Tokyo and beautiful Mt Fuji as well as historical Kyoto and Nara.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"\/brochures\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"249\" height=\"353\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/LR_SML_WWT_JAPAN_Cover_2020_21_Brochure_0929.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/LR_SML_WWT_JAPAN_Cover_2020_21_Brochure_0929.jpg 249w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/LR_SML_WWT_JAPAN_Cover_2020_21_Brochure_0929-212x300.jpg 212w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 249px) 100vw, 249px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Order your Japan brochure<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As spring creeps around the corner, Japan begins to be coated in a beautifully subtle pink mist, as the cherry blossom, or sakura, paints the country with a pallet of delicate colours.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":3795,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":""},"categories":[311,12],"tags":[257,21,36,68,62,45],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Japanese Cherry Blossom<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"With the Japanese Cherry Blossom season around the corner, we tell you everything you need to know about its history, culture &amp; celebrations\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Japanese Cherry Blossom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"With the Japanese Cherry Blossom season around the corner, we tell you everything you need to know about its history, culture &amp; celebrations\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Wendy Wu Tours Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"http:\/\/wendywuofficial\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2017-03-22T10:36:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-01-20T11:00:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/japanese-castle-sakura.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@WendyWuToursUK\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@WendyWuToursUK\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Nicci Kimmel\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Wendy Wu Tours Blog\",\"description\":\"Travel Articles and Inspiration\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/japanese-castle-sakura.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/japanese-castle-sakura.jpg\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":600,\"caption\":\"japanese-castle-sakura\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/\",\"name\":\"The Japanese Cherry Blossom\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/#primaryimage\"},\"datePublished\":\"2017-03-22T10:36:29+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-01-20T11:00:51+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/419e1eb6b692b12481e1b6dbc50ea778\"},\"description\":\"With the Japanese Cherry Blossom season around the corner, we tell you everything you need to know about its history, culture & celebrations\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"The Japanese Cherry Blossom\"}]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/419e1eb6b692b12481e1b6dbc50ea778\",\"name\":\"Nicci Kimmel\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a9592f6c4799b82ec2b2d4091b202b63?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a9592f6c4799b82ec2b2d4091b202b63?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Nicci Kimmel\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"The Japanese Cherry Blossom","description":"With the Japanese Cherry Blossom season around the corner, we tell you everything you need to know about its history, culture & celebrations","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"The Japanese Cherry Blossom","og_description":"With the Japanese Cherry Blossom season around the corner, we tell you everything you need to know about its history, culture & celebrations","og_url":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/","og_site_name":"Wendy Wu Tours Blog","article_publisher":"http:\/\/wendywuofficial","article_published_time":"2017-03-22T10:36:29+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-01-20T11:00:51+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":600,"url":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/japanese-castle-sakura.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary","twitter_creator":"@WendyWuToursUK","twitter_site":"@WendyWuToursUK","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Nicci Kimmel","Estimated reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/","name":"Wendy Wu Tours Blog","description":"Travel Articles and Inspiration","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/japanese-castle-sakura.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/japanese-castle-sakura.jpg","width":1920,"height":600,"caption":"japanese-castle-sakura"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/#webpage","url":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/","name":"The Japanese Cherry Blossom","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/#primaryimage"},"datePublished":"2017-03-22T10:36:29+00:00","dateModified":"2025-01-20T11:00:51+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/419e1eb6b692b12481e1b6dbc50ea778"},"description":"With the Japanese Cherry Blossom season around the corner, we tell you everything you need to know about its history, culture & celebrations","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japanese-cherry-blossom\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"The Japanese Cherry Blossom"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/419e1eb6b692b12481e1b6dbc50ea778","name":"Nicci Kimmel","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a9592f6c4799b82ec2b2d4091b202b63?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a9592f6c4799b82ec2b2d4091b202b63?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Nicci Kimmel"}}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/japanese-castle-sakura.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":10361,"url":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/japan-cherry-blossom-vs-autumn-leaves\/","url_meta":{"origin":3787,"position":0},"title":"Japan: Cherry Blossom vs Autumn Leaves","date":"3rd March 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Japan is a magnificent destination to explore whatever time of year you decide to visit, but we\u2019ve all heard about how exceptional beautiful the cherry blossom season and the autumn leaves season are. So, which one is best? It's a fierce battle of soft pinks and fiery reds and could\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Autumn Leaves&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/shutterstock_431720092.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":11852,"url":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/cherry-blossom\/places-to-see-the-cherry-blossom-outside-of-japan\/","url_meta":{"origin":3787,"position":1},"title":"Places to see the cherry blossom outside of Japan","date":"20th June 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"The fleeting annual cherry blossom displays brighten up the spring with their clouds of delicate pink petals. Synonymous with Japan, where a cherry blossom frenzy takes over, with locals and tourists flocking to experience their blooming beauty, it is certainly not the only destination in Asia that you can experience\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Cherry Blossom&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"Cherry blossoms in full bloom frame the colorful multi-tiered pagoda of Tien Yuan Temple in Taiwan.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_701954968.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7421,"url":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/how-to-beat-the-crowds-during-cherry-blossom-season\/","url_meta":{"origin":3787,"position":2},"title":"Cherry Blossom Forecast.","date":"8th February 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"As the Number 1 Japan and China Experts we\u2019re here to help you get the most out of your Cherry Blossom Tour.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Japan&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/cherry-blossom-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":10762,"url":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/the-best-time-to-visit-japan\/","url_meta":{"origin":3787,"position":3},"title":"The Best Time to Visit Japan","date":"16th October 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"A country that has long been on the bucketlists of many a traveller, Japan is a destination that can rightfully claim to have it all. A string of islands in the Pacific, exploring it you\u2019ll find a deeply ingrained, traditional culture, spectacular nature, a unique and delicious gastronomy, safe, modern\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Autumn Leaves&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_413705413.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":3268,"url":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/china\/festivals-in-asia\/","url_meta":{"origin":3787,"position":4},"title":"4 of the Best Festivals in Asia","date":"27th October 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Everyone loves a good festival. From Pancake Day to Bonfire Night, there\u2019s nothing better than diving into all that these festivities entail with frying pan in one hand and sparkler in the other. Have you thought about experiencing a festival in Asia? The continent has some of the most incredible\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;China&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"festivals in asia","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/lanterns-three.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":10781,"url":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/the-japanese-art-of-wellbeing-and-how-you-can-do-it-too\/","url_meta":{"origin":3787,"position":5},"title":"The Japanese art of wellbeing and how you can do it too","date":"5th October 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"There\u2019s a lot of ancient wisdom in Japan. It comes from age-old traditions that are still deeply ingrained in society, from a respect for the past and a profound appreciation for nature \u2013 in today\u2019s world where wellbeing is becoming an increasingly important concept, where better to look for insightful\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Japan&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shutterstock_531696457.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3787"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3787"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3787\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11678,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3787\/revisions\/11678"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3795"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3787"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3787"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3787"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}