What Do Cherry Blossoms Represent in Japanese Culture?

The sakura or cherry blossom is a must-see in Japan, especially when you visit in the spring.

Japanese sakura: About cherry blossoms

Depending on what time of the year you visit Japan and where you go, you are likely to spot pink flowers blooming from trees. These are sakura, Japan’s famed cherry blossoms, painting the world in a cloud of delicate pinks and whites.

The symbolism and meaning of cherry blossoms in Japan

Cherry blossoms hold many meanings, the first being that life is fleeting. They are beautiful to see in their prime, but the flowers and the trees are short-lived — blooming for only a few weeks before falling to the ground and withering away.

The embodiment of beauty and mortality

The sakura's meaning is also contradictory. It symbolizes both life and death, beauty and violence. As the coming of spring promises new life, so the blooming of cherry blossoms brings a sense of vitality and vibrancy. At the same time, their short lifespan is a reminder that life is fleeting.

Folklore of the Japanese sakura

You will often see cherry blossoms as a significant symbol in Japanese culture, including in paintings, film, poetry, and literature.

Historically, they represented the brief, but colorful life of the samurai, warriors of feudal Japan. They lived by a strict moral code of respect, honor, and discipline — called bushido. Their duty was to exemplify and preserve these virtues and to be fearless warriors even in the face of death. Fallen cherry blossoms or petals symbolized the end of the samurai’s short lives.

During World War II, kamikaze pilots also marked their planes with sakura before embarking on suicide missions. These emblems symbolized dying “like beautiful falling cherry petals for the emperor.”

In Japanese folk religions, cherry blossom trees often signified agricultural reproduction. Originally, sa referred to a rice paddy god, and kura meant “a seat for a god.” Japanese people believed cherry blossoms were dwelling places for mountain deities who transformed into the gods of rice paddies. Hence, people would travel to the mountains to worship the trees every spring.

What is the ritual of Hanami?

The ritual of Hanami is a ceremony from Japan that celebrates the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms. It is commonly known as “flower viewing” and is simply the ancient practice of gazing upon the flowers.

In ancient times, farmers would pray, make offerings, and prepare a feast under the cherry blossom trees, believing it would bring an abundant harvest. These days, Hanami is an annual event everyone looks forward to. Come spring, family and friends gather for picnics and parties under the cherry blossom trees. They sing together, eat all kinds of food, and drink alcoholic beverages.

Sacred cherry blossom trees in Japan

When you travel throughout Japan, you may hear of sacred trees, which often appear in Shinto and Buddhist folktales. Kami (spirits) are said to inhabit kodama (old or beautiful trees). Hundreds of these trees exist in Japan, and you can tell them apart from regular trees by the shimenawa—large, twisted ropes that encircle these sacred trees. The people believe misfortune will come to anyone who mistreats or cuts down these sacred trees.

Several of these sacred trees are cherry blossom trees. Some of these trees allegedly bloom on particular anniversaries, and not just in the spring, or are said to possess people’s souls.

Milk Nurse Cherry Tree

One of the most famous sacred cherry blossom trees is the Uba-zakura, or Milk Nurse Cherry Tree. It is said to bloom on the death anniversary of a wet nurse who gave her life to save a child she cared for. Her soul is said to live on in the form of a tree.

Cherry Tree on the 16th Day of January

Another ancient legend is that of a lonely elderly samurai from the district of Wakegori. It is said that he had outlived his children and other loved ones. His only comfort and constant companion was an ancient cherry tree in his garden that had been with his family for generations. As a child, he had even played under its spreading branches. When the tree, too, died, the samurai became even lonelier. On the next 16th of January, he committed hara-kiri (a form of Japanese ritual suicide). His spirit entered the tree, and every year since then, the tree is said to bloom on January 16.

Stone-Splitting Cherry Tree

In Morioka, Japan, is a 400-year-old revered tree called Ishiwari-zakura, also known as the Stone-Splitting Cherry Tree. It isn’t so much a piece of folklore as it is a natural phenomenon. The Ishiwari-zakura took root in a small crack in a boulder and eventually grew so large that it split the boulder in half. It is believed that the beauty and power of the tree were enough to break the stone.

Famous cherry blossom trees in Japan

Miharu Takizakura (Miharu Town, Fukushima) - a cherry tree that looks like a waterfall

The Miharu Takizakura is located in Miharu, a town in Fukushima. The tree stands over 12 meters tall, with its branches spreading around 20 meters from east to west and 18 meters from north to south. It has a 9.5-meter circumference and is estimated to be over a thousand years old. Aptly named Takizakura, literally meaning “waterfall cherry tree”, the tree looks like a cascading waterfall.

From mid to late April every year, the Miharu Takizakura reaches its peak blooming season. During this time, thousands of tourists flock to see the tree and take pictures of it.

When planning a visit, make sure to come as early as possible, as the roads leading to the tree can get incredibly congested due to the influx of visitors. There is no need to worry about the crowds as the flow of human traffic is well-regulated, and the touring process of the tree is a smooth and pleasant experience. It is also worth seeing the tree when it is lit up at night.

How to get to the Miharu Takizakura: From Fukushima Airport, take the train to Koriyama Ekimae. At Koriyama Station, ride the Ban-Etsuto Line to Miharu Station. During peak cherry blossom season, you can hop onto the bus running between Miharu Station and Miharu Takizakura.

• Location: 115 Sakurakubo, Taki, Miharu, Tamura District, Fukushima 963-7714
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (extended until 8:30 PM during the light-up period)

Usuzumi Zakura (Motosu City, Gifu) - a pale-gray cherry tree

Usuzumi Zakura is a famous old cherry tree in the picturesque Neodani Valley in Neo Village, Motosu of Gifu Prefecture. It is said to have been planted by Emperor Keitai (the 26th Emperor of Japan). At over 1,500 years old, it is one of Japan's oldest cherry blossom trees. Wooden poles prop up its many branches.

Its name means “pale-gray cherry blossom,” which describes the color of the tree blossoms just as they are about to fall from the branches. Usu or usui means pale or weak in Japanese.

Usuzumi Zakura is a unique cherry tree with three distinct appearances. It initially sprouts pale pink flowers, which turn into pure white in full bloom. When their peak season is over, they change into a pale gray color before falling to the ground.

How to get to the Usuzumi Zakura: Take the shuttle bus from Nagoya Airport to Nagoya Station. From there, ride the JR Tokaido Line to Ogaki Station. Switch to the local Tarumi Railway and ride until the final stop, Tarumi Station. Usuzumi Park is a 15-minute walk from there.

• Location: Usuzumi Park, 995 Aza-jodan, Neo-itasho, Motosu City, Gifu 501-1524

Jindai-Zakura (Hokuto City, Yamanashi) - one of the oldest cherry trees

Together with Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima Prefecture and Usuzumi Zakura in Gifu Prefecture, Jindai-Zakura in Yamanashi Prefecture is known as one of the “Three Great Cherry Trees of Japan.”

Jindai-Zakura is a legendary cherry blossom tree in Hokuto City, rising within the precincts of Jindaji Temple. It is estimated to be between 1,800-2,000 years old, making it one of the oldest cherry trees in Japan and perhaps even worldwide. Its height is 10.3 meters, and its trunk circumference is 11.8 meters. It became the first nationally designated natural monument in the Taisho era.

Legend traces Jindai-Zakura’s roots back to Prince Otsu (who served as Japan’s 12th Emperor. It is said that he planted the tree when he first traveled to the region in the first century.

Another famous figure associated with the tree is Buddhist Priest Nichiren, who is said to have encountered the tree when it was withering and about to die. Nichiren prayed for the tree's recovery, and it got better entirely soon after. It eventually adopted the name “myoho-zakura” which means “Saddharma cherry blossom.”

How to get to Jindai-Zakura: Take the Airport Shuttle Bus from Shinsu-Matsumoto Airport to Matsumoto Bus Terminal. Walk to Matsumoto Station and ride the Shinonoi/Chuo Line until Hinoharu Station. Take a taxi until Jindai-Zakura.

• Location: 2763 Mukawacho Yamataka, Hokuto City, Yamanashi 408-0306

Where can you see cherry blossoms in Japan?

Japan has a lot of stunning cherry blossom spots in its different cities and prefectures. If you’re planning a Hanami with family and friends, you can check out some of these popular locations:

Matsumae Park (Hokkaido) - a park with 10,000 cherry blossoms

Spring doesn't get any more magical than at Hokkaido Matsumae Park, where over 10,000 cherry blossoms come to life every year. The park has around 250 distinct species that bloom at different times, giving visitors a lengthier viewing window to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Japanese sakura.

How to get to Matsumae Park: Take the shuttle bus from Hakodate Airport to Hakodate Station. From there, get on the Hokuto Line to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, then transfer to the Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen Line to Kikonai Station. Ride the Hakodate Bus bound for Matsumae and get off at the Matsushiro Bus Stop. Walk a few minutes to get to the park.

• Location: Matsushiro, Matsumae, Matsumae District, Hokkaido 049-1511

Hirosaki Park (Aomori) - famous for Hirosaki Castle with surrounding cherry trees

Known for the famed Hirosaki Castle, Hirosaki Park is a popular destination among tourists. In the spring, cherry blossoms cover the park with a light-pink blanket. All around the park and the castle, you’ll be able to spot the Somei-Yoshino trees, considered the most popular flowering cherry tree.

How to get to Hirosaki Park: From Aomori Airport, take the shuttle bus to Aomori Station. At Aomori station, get on the Ou Line until Hirosaki Station. From there, get on the Dotemachi Loop Bus until the Shiyakusho Mae Bus Stop.

• Location: 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki City, Aomori 036-8356

Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo) - featuring gardens and cherry trees

With its spacious grounds, winding paths, and peaceful scenery, Shinjuku Gyoen is a beautiful spot to see cherry blossoms in the spring. It is one of the most popular Hanami spots, so don’t be surprised to see crowds flocking to the gardens in the spring. It has a Japanese landscape garden, a formal French garden, and an English landscape garden — featuring flowering cherry trees in the spring.

How to get to Shinjuku Gyoen: From Haneda Airport, take the Keikyū Airport Line to Daimon Station. Get on the Oedo Line until Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station. Shinjuku Gyoen is a few minutes walk from there.

• Location: 11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0014
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (October 1-March 14), 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (March 15-June 30, August 21-September 30), 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM (July 1-August 20)

Kema Sakuranomiya Park (Osaka) - scenic riverbank lined with cherry trees

Kema Sakuranomiya Park stretches over four kilometers along the Ogawa River. In the spring, it’s a breathtaking sight to see with its banks lined with cherry trees. The temperate weather makes it a perfect place for a picnic or a stroll with family or friends as you celebrate Hanami in your own way.

How to get to Kema Sakuranomiya Park: From Kansai International Airport, take the Nankai-Kuko Line to Shin Imamiya Station. Switch to the Osaka Loop Line and get down at Sakuranomiya Station. Kema Sakuranomiya Park is just a few paces from there.

• Location: Nakanocho, Miyakojima-ku, Osaka 534-0027

When is cherry blossom season in Japan?

Cherry blossoms bloom at different times, depending on their variety and location. In southern Japan, cherry blossoms bloom mid-to-late March. Around the central part of Japan, including Tokyo, you’ll see cherry blossoms from late March to early April and even mid-April. Up north (such as Hokkaido), cherry blossoms come out later in the year, from the last week of April to the first few weeks of May.

See the cherry blossoms in Japan

Seeing cherry blossoms is an absolute must, especially when visiting Japan in the spring. Invite family and friends to go along, pack a picnic, and view the beauty of the Japanese sakura together.

Celebrate spring and life under the cherry blossoms with the JAL Japan Explorer Pass.