Hanami (花見)

The spring has come this year too wherever you are! I love Spring with two reasons. First, all things such as buts, sprouts, flowers and birds are awaken from long cold Winter and become active, the sign of warm climate is coming just round the corner!! Second reason is that I was born in Spring!!

One of Japanese traditions and an activity is called [hanami], is a celebration that is centuries old. Hana [はな] means flowers and mi [み] means a viewing. A verb “To view” is [miru見る].

The peak period depends on the places and climate, however in general, the cherry blossoms bloom between late March and April in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and other places. During these periods towns hold Sakura [cherry blossoms] festivals. However, some places like Okinawa, Sakura festivals are held in January. On the other hand, in Hokkaido in early May.

Japanese people love cherry blossoms not only because they are so beautiful but also they last blooming for a short period, a maximum of two weeks.

When the cherry blossoms bloom in Japan, people love to picnic under the cherry-blossom trees, as well as play music, karaoke, dance and play cards with families, friends, or coworkers in either during the daytime or nighttime.

Last two years everyone had been restricted from outdoor activities. This year people has regain the confident to go out and enjoy a beauty of cherry trees. For most city such as Tokyo, Osaka the sakura season has gone however for northern Japan, it is a still time for viewing. Here are top 5.

TOP 5 Viewing spots 2022

This ranking constantly changes, please bear in your mind.

Ranking 1

観音寺川の桜並木 Kannonji River Sakura – Kamikawahara-83 Kawageta, Inawashiro, Yama District, Fukushima 969-2663, Japan

The line of cheery trees is about 1 km. A tunnel of the cheery trees spread at the peak time. The Oyamazumi Shrine at the mid point of the river holds events and the light up at night fulfills your day.

Best time – Between the end of April and the beginning of May.

Ranking 2

日中線しだれ桜並木 Nicchusen Weeping Cherry Tree – 2 Chome-他 Oshikirihigashi, Kitakata, Fukushima 966-0095, Japan

Approximately 1000 weeping cheery trees continues about 3 km, beautifully blossom. The tunnel of weeping cheery trees is the best spot for photography. The biggest weeping cheery trees in Fukushima.

Kitakata festival is held.

Best time – Between 8th April and 27th April.

Raking 3

桜・菜の花ロードの桜 – Ogata Road, Minami Akita gun, Akita, 010-0400 Japan

Along both sides of the prefectural road 286 , approximately 4000 cheery trees are planted over 11 km. Fully enjoyable spot of the contrast of pink and yellow.

Ranking 4

北上展勝地の桜　－Kitakamitenshochi Cherry Trees – Tachibana, Kitakami, Iwate 024-0043 Japan

The kitakamitenshochi is known as a sakura viewing spot in Tohoku and it has been selected for 「Sakura viewing spots top 100」.　The tunnel of cherry will emerge over 2 km along side of kitakami river from the coral bridge. The view is magnificent.

Ranking 5

 
二十間道路桜並木の桜 Nijukken Road Cherry Blossoms – Shizunaitahara, Shinhidaka, Hidaka District, Hokkaido 056-0144, Japan

An approximately 7 km long straight road called Nijukken Road cherry road is huge and one of the best in Japan. It has been selected for 「Sakura viewing spot top 100」「Japanese Road top 100」「Hokkaido heritage」.

More than half of the cheery trees are longer than 90 years. The Shizunai Sakura festival will be held from 30th April till 5th May 2022.

The best time for viewing is the beginning of May till the mid of May.

If it is not this year, sometimes near future those spots are nice to visit in spring times.

Thank you so much for reading it!!!