The Meaning of Sakura: Japanese Cherry Blossom Culture
Updated: Oct 21
Japanese cherry blossoms, known as sakura (桜・さくら), are popular among people who are interested in Japanese culture. They appear everywhere in Japanese films, TV dramas, anime and more. If you have ever searched for information about Japan, you have probably come across these beautiful flowers.
It's true that sakura are visually striking, but do you know what they mean to Japanese people culturally?
What Is the Meaning of Sakura?
Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossoms. There are many varieties of sakura, including Somei Yoshino and Shidarezakura. Somei Yoshino, in particular, is one of the most familiar varieties in Japan, with pale pink to almost white blossoms that typically bloom in spring.
One of the best-known associations with sakura is the arrival of spring and the passage of time. In Japan, the school year begins in April, and many companies also start their new business year around this time. April is therefore a season of new beginnings for many people, including students starting a new school or employees beginning a new job.
As the cherry blossoms bloom around this time, they have become associated with fresh starts and new chapters in life. That's one reason why sakura frequently appear in Japanese songs about graduation, farewells and new beginnings.
On the other hand, sakura are also associated with the fleeting nature of life. Their blossoms last for a relatively short time, and strong winds or rain can cause them to fall sooner than expected. Their brief beauty reminds us to appreciate special moments while they last.
These different meanings make sakura much more than just beautiful flowers. They are closely connected to the seasons, life transitions and the way people in Japan appreciate the passing of time.
Hanami – Cherry Blossom Viewing
Do you know what hanami (花見・はなみ) is?
Hana (花・はな) means “flower”, while miru (見る・みる) means “to see” or “to look at”, so, hanami literally means “flower viewing”. In modern Japan, the word is most commonly associated with cherry blossom viewing.
The tradition of enjoying flowers dates back many centuries. During the Nara period (710–794), aristocrats enjoyed gatherings involving flowers such as plum blossoms and cherry blossoms. By the Heian period (794–1185), cherry blossom viewing had become an established tradition among the aristocracy. The custom gradually spread to the wider public, becoming particularly popular during the Edo period (1603–1868).
Today, hanami remains a beloved spring tradition in Japan. If you visit Japan during cherry blossom season, your Japanese friends might tell you, “It's the perfect time for hanami!” However, cherry blossoms are only at their peak for a relatively short period, and the best time to see them varies depending on the location and the weather each year. In Tokyo, for example, the blossoms often reach their peak around late March or early April, while in some parts of northern Japan, the best time to see them can be much later in spring.
If you're planning a trip specifically to see the cherry blossoms, it's worth checking the local forecast before you travel.
How Do People Enjoy Hanami?
Friends, families and colleagues often gather under the cherry trees to enjoy the flowers together. Much like a picnic, people bring food and drinks and spend time chatting, eating and relaxing beneath the blossoms.
In addition to these private gatherings, many famous cherry blossom spots hold sakura matsuri (桜祭り・さくらまつり), or cherry blossom festivals, during the season. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery while sampling food and drinks from festival stalls.
Hanami isn't limited to cherry blossoms, either. Plum blossoms, known as ume (梅・うめ), are also admired in Japan and have a long history of being appreciated as seasonal flowers. In fact, plum blossoms were particularly important in early Japanese flower-viewing culture before cherry blossom viewing became especially prominent. Even today, many places across Japan hold ume matsuri (梅祭り・うめまつり), where visitors can enjoy these beautiful blossoms.
If you've already experienced hanami during cherry blossom season, why not visit a plum blossom festival on your next trip to Japan?
Hanami at Night – Yozakura
Hanami is a popular Japanese tradition, but have you ever heard of yozakura (夜桜・よざくら)? The name Yozakura Quartet might ring a bell if you enjoy reading manga or watching anime, as it is the title of a manga series.
Yozakura combines yoru (夜・よる), meaning “night”, and sakura (桜・さくら), meaning “cherry blossoms”. It refers to cherry blossoms viewed at night and offers another wonderful way to enjoy the season.
The main attraction is seeing cherry blossoms illuminated by artificial lights in parks and along streets. The lighting creates a completely different atmosphere from the daytime scenery, making the hanami experience feel even more special.
Where Can You See Yozakura?
Some famous cherry blossom spots illuminate their trees after dark, allowing visitors to enjoy a different side of the blossoms that they might not see during the day.
Yozakura can also be a convenient way to enjoy the cherry blossoms after work or school. During the season, friends, colleagues and university students may gather in areas with illuminated trees to spend time together. Some groups combine their hanami gatherings with a nomikai (飲み会・のみかい), or drinking party.
Of course, the atmosphere varies depending on the location. Some places are lively and festive, while others offer a quieter setting for a peaceful evening walk.
Viewing cherry blossoms at night can be an amazing experience in Japan. The evening atmosphere makes the flowers feel even more beautiful and magical, so don't miss the chance to enjoy yozakura during your stay in Japan!
Did You Know These Facts About Sakura?
Sakura are much more than a beautiful seasonal attraction. They are connected to Japanese history, cultural traditions and the changing seasons, and they can symbolise both new beginnings and the fleeting nature of life.
Have you ever experienced hanami or seen Japanese cherry blossoms in person? We'd love to hear about your experience!
Learn Japanese with Granlibro!
Japanese culture is fascinating, and learning the language can help you understand it on a deeper level. From seasonal words such as hanami and yozakura to everyday expressions, there is always something new to discover.
Granlibro offers one-to-one online Japanese lessons with native Japanese tutors. Each student is also supported by a personal lesson coordinator, helping them enjoy a more personalised learning experience.
Why not learn Japanese with your own native tutor and discover even more about Japanese culture along the way? Let's explore Japan together and help you move closer to your language-learning goals!
or visit our website!
See you soon!
Comments