Why cherry blossoms?
The cherry blossom, or sakura, is the
ower of several tree species in Japan. Due to the short, yet beautiful life cycle of the sakura, it is often seen as a symbol of the human life cycle in Japanese culture. The sakura is used in many Japanese goods, including kimonos, dishes, and currency.
When are the blossoms in bloom?
IT'S CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON!
Given the importance of the cherry blossom in Japanese culture, it is no wonder that the Japanese Meteorological Agency tracks the sakura zensen, or cherry blossom front. The blossoming can begin as early as January in Okinawa and typically reaches Kyoto and Tokyo at the end of March or beginning of April. Blossoms typically arrive in the Misawa area in late April or early May.
By Sarah Harper
What is hanami?
Hanami is the practice of picnicking under a blooming sakura tree, though this custom originated with blooming Japanese plum trees called ume. The practice of hanami was traditionally limited to the elite of the Imperial Court, but quickly spread to the samurai society, and consequently, the rest of the population.
12 | TWC: It's Cherry Blossom Season!
Modern hanami parties take place during the day or night, and often includes bento box meals or barbecue and beer or sake. Many parties bring chairs and karaoke machines or music and spend much of the day enjoying the spring weather and falling cherry blossoms. Many viewing sites hang paper lanterns from the trees, making night hanami parties even more spectacular.
On sale NOW at ITT Hirosaki Park on the Hirosaki Castle Grounds
With over 2,600 cherry blossom trees on the castle grounds, Hirosaki is one of the most popular sakura viewing sites in all of Japan. Since the castle grounds are about a two and a half hour drive from Misawa, it is one of the closest cherry blossom festivals to Misawa. It is held annually from 23 April through 5 May. See page 14 for more information on the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival ITT tour.
Ashino National Park in Goshogawara 40.914465, 140.451682
Ashino National Park is located on Ashino-ko Lake in Goshogawara, and is about a two and half hour drive from Misawa. The festival at Ashino Park is call Kanagi Sakuramatsuri and is held from 29 April to 5 May. Over 2,300 sakura trees are planted in the park. Those looking for smaller crowds may nd Ashino Park to be a better choice for cherry blossom viewing. There is no admission fee for the park, and parking lots are available for festival-goers.
Top Sakura Viewing Locations in Northern Japan
Tenschochi Park in Kitakami 39.273911, 141.127803
Takamatsu Park in Morioka 39.722248, 141.146669
Takamatsu Park is located in the ruins of Takamatsu Castle. The castle is one of only three castles in Japan completely surrounded by moats. Over 90 cherry blossom trees are located in the southern part of the castle ruins, which was once used to train horses.
Kitakami is approximately a three hour drive south of Misawa and is located in the Iwate prefecture. The city is famous for its sakura viewing. Almost 10,000 cherry trees blossom along the Kitakami River. In addition to the cherry trees, almost 100,000 azaleas color the park. While it is most known for sakura viewing, Tenschochi Park is beautiful, no matter which season you visit.
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