The History and Significance of Cherry Blossom Festivals in Japan
Cherry blossoms, or sakura, symbolize Japan and have been beloved by the Japanese for centuries. But why do Japanese people hold such a deep affection for cherry blossoms?
Japan’s oldest existing anthology of poetry, Manyoshu, compiled in the late Nara period, already features references to sakura. In these poems, cherry blossoms are often depicted as a metaphor for human life and fate due to their ephemeral nature.
Sakura as a Symbol of Impermanence
Cherry blossoms have long been cherished as a symbol of Japan’s natural beauty. Their fleeting bloom, lasting only a short time, has deeply embedded them in the Japanese concept of “mujo” (impermanence)—a core idea in Buddhism and Japanese philosophy. The sight of cherry blossoms blooming and then falling resonates with the idea of life’s transience and the beauty of fleeting moments.
This imagery remains significant today, as seen in phrases such as “sakura saku” (cherry blossoms bloom) to signify passing an exam and “sakura chiru” (cherry blossoms fall) for failing an exam.
A cherry tree blooms only once a year, with the buds taking about five days to reach full bloom and another five days to completely fall. The peak period to enjoy the blossoms is roughly one week per year. To celebrate this brief yet stunning spectacle, Japan has planted an astonishing 60 million cherry trees nationwide.
Varieties of Cherry Blossoms
Japan has long been home to wild cherry species, such as Yamazakura, Miyamazakura, and Edohigan. Over centuries of selective breeding, hundreds of varieties have emerged, with the Somei Yoshino now comprising 80% of Japan’s cherry trees.
Somei Yoshino, an early-blooming variety, was created in the late Edo period by crossbreeding Edohigan and Oshima-zakura. In the early Meiji era, gardeners in Somei Village, Tokyo, began cultivating it under the name “Yoshino-zakura”. Due to its stunning appearance and ease of propagation through cuttings and grafting, it spread rapidly across the country and was eventually renamed Somei Yoshino, after its place of origin.
Japan’s Oldest Cherry Trees
Jindai-zakura
Jindai-zakura is an ancient Edohigan cherry tree located in the precincts of Jisso-ji Temple in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. It is designated as a National Natural Monument, known officially as Yamataka Jindai-zakura. The tree is estimated to be between 1,800 and 2,000 years old, making it one of Japan’s Five Great Cherry Trees or Three Great Ancient Cherry Trees.
- Designated as a National Natural Monument in 1922
- Height: 13.6 meters
- Branch spread: 27.0 meters (east-west), 30.6 meters (north-south)
- Trunk circumference: 10.6 meters (at 1.5m above ground)
Location: Jisso-ji Temple, 2763 Yamataka, Mukawa-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Access: From Shinjuku Station, take the Chuo Line Limited Express “Azusa” or “Kaiji” to Kofu Station, then transfer to a local train to Hinoharu Station. From there, take a taxi (about 10 minutes).
Website: https://www.jindaizakura.com/
Usuzumi-zakura
Located in Neodani, Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture, Usuzumi-zakura is another ancient Edohigan cherry tree, estimated to be over 1,500 years old. It is one of Japan’s Three Great Cherry Trees and a National Natural Monument.
- Height: 16.3 meters
- Trunk circumference: 9.91 meters
- Branch spread: 26.90 meters (east-west), 20.20 meters (north-south)
Location: Usuzumi Park, Itasho, Neo, Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture
Access: Take the Tarumi Railway to Tarumi Station (last stop) and walk 15 minutes.
The History of Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Yayoi Period (9th–3rd century BCE – 3rd century CE)
Cherry trees were once revered as sacred because they were believed to house deities of the rice fields. Since cherry blossoms bloom in direct response to temperature, ancient farmers used their blooming period as a marker for starting rice cultivation. It is also believed that they predicted harvest success based on how well the trees bloomed. Farmers would gather under the cherry trees and pray for a good harvest.
Nara Period (710–794 CE)
The Kojiki (712 CE), Japan’s oldest chronicle, mentions a beautiful goddess named Konohanasakuya-hime, whose name is said to have inspired the word “sakura”.
The practice of hanami (flower viewing) is believed to have started during this time, but people initially admired plum blossoms, which had been introduced from China.
Heian Period (794–1185 CE)
By the Heian period, sakura had gained prominence. In 831 CE, the imperial court established the Cherry Blossom Viewing Banquet as an annual event. Emperor Saga, a great admirer of cherry blossoms, promoted the practice of hanami among the nobility. Aristocrats wrote poems, played music, and performed dances under cherry trees. This era also saw the cultivation of Yamazakura as a garden tree.
Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1573–1603 CE)
In 1598, Toyotomi Hideyoshi hosted one of the most extravagant hanami banquets in history at Daigo-ji Temple in Kyoto. For this event, 700 cherry trees were transported from various regions and planted in the temple grounds. The celebration lasted for days, featuring tea ceremonies, poetry readings, and Noh performances. This event transformed hanami from an elite aristocratic pastime to a festive gathering for all social classes.
Edo Period (1603–1868 CE)
During the Edo period, Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune (r. 1716–1745) planted thousands of cherry trees in locations such as Asukayama, the Sumida River embankment, and Koganei embankment, encouraging the general public to enjoy hanami. By this time, hanami evolved into the form we know today—people spreading picnic mats, eating bento, and drinking sake under the cherry trees.
Conclusion
For centuries, cherry blossoms have been deeply intertwined with Japanese history, culture, and philosophy. The fleeting beauty of sakura continues to captivate people, embodying the Japanese appreciation for impermanence, renewal, and the transient nature of life. Whether through poetry, historical festivals, or modern hanami picnics, the tradition of celebrating cherry blossoms remains a cherished part of Japan’s cultural identity.
