2019 Cherry Blossoms in Japan
The cherry blossom season in 2019 is expected to arrive Japan slightly earlier or same as the average year. Usually cherry blossoms start opening in late March to early April, reach full blooming after 5–7 days, and can be enjoyed viewing for about 1 week depending on weather condition.
The act of observing and appreciating cherry blossom in bloom is called hanami, which translates to English as ‘flower viewing’. It’s a huge sociable affair which takes place across the country with families, friends and colleagues, equipped with picnic boxes and blankets, gathering together under cherry blossom trees to eat, drink and be merry.
In the evening, the act of viewing is called yozakura, when simple lights and lanterns are laced into branches so the flowers appear to glow in the dark. Top spots will also have stalls set up selling snacks and drinks.
Cherry blossom, or sakura in Japanese, has been the subject of nationwide adoration since the Heian period, more than 1,000 years ago (794-1185). Celebrated in Japanese literature, poetry and art, scrolled onto the swords of samurai, symbol of fallen soldiers, of new beginnings and of friendship, the meaning of cherry blossom is many layered.
Its short, enigmatic emergence is seen as more than just a chance to admire some pretty petals; it is a meditation on life, death, renewal and the ephemeral nature of being.
One for a future vacation.
A good sight for further info - https://www.thetimes.co.uk/expert-traveller/destinations/japan/guide-to-cherry-blossom-holidays-in-japan
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