Sakura Season

Perhaps one of Japan's most unique items is the blooming of the cherry blossoms (Sakura). These trees bloom in breathtaking shades or red, white, and pink that outpace their relatives across the globe. Visitors from all over come to witness the beautiful yet brief season. Sakura season occurs for just two short weeks every year sometime between the months of March and May. The briefness of the blooms only adds to their beauty and fame. The season is so short in fact that when trees bloom in the northern regions, the petals are already falling on the southern side. The trees and blooms are so well respected by the Japanese that the trees are planted everywhere imaginable. Sakura are located in Castle grounds, parks, neighborhoods, river fronts, sidewalks, and schools. The blooms blown by the wind even land high up in the mountains, creating a pink polka dot texture on hillsides and mountain slopes. 

The sight of the blooms everywhere cultivates an environment of peace and harmony amongst the people living and visiting during this time. Strangers on the street smile more, the air seems cleaner, and days seem to pass with more enjoyment. Many people take the opportunity to go visit more densely packed bloom areas to celebrate. Families set up picnics, couples go on coffee dates, and friends drink all under the shade of the seemingly otherworldly colors. Despite areas like Osaka castle grounds being packed to the brim with people there is no chaos or rudeness. Everyone, no matter their situation, all respectfully enjoy the blooms together in a calm demeanor. I had the extra privilege of being present for what my professors deemed “The best season in over two decades”. It is not uncommon for this springtime event to be overshadowed by excessive rain and cold temperatures. My time during the season proved to be pleasantly warm days with clear skies and no rain for the entire two-week period. 

I took full advantage of my time in the season by being outside for several hours every day and traveling to as many parks as possible to see the trees. Of all the spots I visited across the Osaka area my favorite spot sits only one mile from Kansai Gaidai’s campus. Yamadaike is a larger than normal park for the Hirakata area, being five kilometers in circumference. Within this park is a sizable lake, bamboo shoots, running path, plum trees (Ume), flower gardens, white granite bridge, play areas, and Sakura blossoms. In the very heart of the park sits an area in a divot between two hills where Sakura trees are placed right on top of each other. The effect of this creates a rolling lake of silken blossoms with a canopy so thick only pin sized cracks of light can get through. A few of my days during this season were spent on a blanket underneath this canopy enjoying local bakery sweets, music, and telling stories with my study abroad friends. 

As the season begins to end the Sakura gives one last surprise for those who stayed long enough to bear witness. As the soft blooms begin to weaken, the strong winds of Japan carry the petals into the air. The petals fill everywhere and seem to float in waves along the streets and over buildings. Standing in the middle of a Sakura filled breeze brings the feeling of the gentlest storm you could possibly imagine. Once the petals lose their flight their final resting place turns the ground into a blanket of red and white before briefly being washed away by the spring rains. If you are ever presented with the opportunity to witness this natural event, I would suggest sparing no expense or time to be present for an unforgettable experience.