Hanami: Enjoying the Beauty of Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)

 

Japan is an island country in East Asia. It is situated in the northwest Pacific Ocean, and is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan, while extending from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north toward the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south. Japan is a part of the Ring of Fire, and spans an archipelago of 6852 islands covering 377,975 square kilometers (145,937 sq mi); the five main islands are Hokkaido, Honshu (the "mainland"), Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa. Tokyo is the nation's capital and largest city; other major cities include Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Kobe, and Kyoto.

Hanami or ohanami is a Japanese tradition of enjoying the beauty of flowers, especially cherry blossoms. The blooming of cherry blossoms is a symbol of happiness that spring has arrived. In addition, hanami also means a picnic by laying out mats for a feast under the cherry blossom trees.

Cherry blossoms bloom in Japan from late March to early April (The forecast for the movement of the cherry blossoms is called the cherry blossom front line (sakurazensen). This forecast is issued by the directorate of meteorology and various weather agencies. When doing hanami is when all the cherry trees are in full bloom.

Asian Destinations Readers can visit 10 famous places to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms:

1 - Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden/Shinjuku Gyoen National Park

In this 58.3 hectare park and has an outer circumference of 3.5 km, there are about 65 species and about 1100 cherry blossom trees in bloom. The blooming time varies depending on the type, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms for a long period of time. At the shops, you can buy Sakura-inspired snacks or gifts. It's also easy to access from Shinjuku station. The general entrance fee is 200 JPY. The park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (the park closes at 4:30 p.m.). During the Hanami period from March 15 to April 24, the park is open every day. Bringing alcohol and using recreational equipment such as grills is prohibited in the park.

2 - Ueno Park

This park is a place of Hanami favored by the people since the 16th. In this 538,000 square meter park, there are about 1200 Sakura trees centered on the park's central street. Ueno Park is open from 05.00-23.00. No entry between 23.00-05.00. The park management office is open from 08.30-17.15.

3 - Chidorigafuchi

Around Chidorigafuchi which is on the northwest side of the emperor's palace is a popular Hanami spot. Here there are about 200 cherry blossom trees in bloom and you can take photos of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the stone walls of Edo Castle, now the Imperial Palace. In Chidorigafuchi Park which is located between Chidorigafusi west side of the Imperial Palace and the British Embassy there are also around 170 Sakura trees, so we recommend taking a leisurely stroll around the area as well.

4 - Sumida Park (Taito-ku)

This park is not only famous for its fireworks display in the summer, but is also known as the place where the cherry blossoms bloom in spring. Besides being able to take photos of around 600 Sakura trees, you can also take photos of the Tokyo Skytree in front of you. Hanami from above the water by riding a Yakatabune (a Japanese-style roofed boat) can be an unforgettable memory.

5 - Inokashira Park

In this park there are about 500 Sakura trees. You can enjoy cherry blossoms from early March to late April. You can see a magnificent view from the top of the Nanai Bridge that stretches in the middle of Inokashira Pond. Branches of about 250 cherry trees extend into the pond, creating a very beautiful reflection on the water. Sakura flower petals that fall floating on the pond look beautiful.

6 - Megurogawa

There are about 800 Sakura trees that line the banks of the Meguro River with a length of about 3.8 kilometers from the Ikejiri-Ohashi area to the Kamenoko Bridge under the Tokyu Meguro Line. Although there are no parks in the vicinity, this place is popular for having Hanami while eating and drinking at cafes or restaurants by the river.

7 - Yoyogi Park

The Meguro River is a Hanami spot that is easily accessible from both Shinjuku and Shibuya. The park with the 3rd largest area among the parks managed by the Tokyo government has a total of 730 Sakura trees. You can sit on the grass in the middle of the square to see the cherry blossoms while enjoying the Hanami Bento, a special lunch during the Hanami season.

8 - Koishikawa Korakuen Garden


This Japanese garden, created in 1629, features the natural landscapes of China and Japan. Besides being able to enjoy various types of cherry blossoms, you will be impressed by the beautiful cherry blossoms reflected on the surface of the Daisensui pond in the middle of the park. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (you can enter until 4:30 p.m.). The park continues to be open without a holiday during the hanami period.

9 - Rikugien Gardens

Among the gardens that have been created for about 7 years, the tree whose existence has become a symbol and is very well liked is a type of tree called Shidare Sakura. This tree has a height of about 15 meters with a width of about 20 meters. Sakura flowers that bloom on this tree look like a waterfall. You also have to see this tree at night when the decorative lights are turned on. The park is open from 09.00-1700. As long as it is illuminated, the park is open until 21.00. You can enter up to 30 minutes before closing. The park is open daily during the Hanami period.

10- Asukayama Park

This park has always been favored by the public as a place for Hanami. In this park there are about 650 Sakura trees. Monorail trains run inside the park and the view of the cherry blossoms from this height is amazing too. The monorail operates from 10.00 to 16.00. There are times when the Monorail may not operate when it is under maintenance.

After reading the 10 recommended places for Hanami, Asian Destinations Readers must be interested in a vacation to Japan, besides enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms, don't forget to bring picnic tools such as mats and food so that your vacation enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms can be your beautiful moment.

 

Source :

https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanami

https://livejapan.com/id/article-a0000001/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan

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