Flowers Have Their Season: See You in Japan Next Year

By Mr. Guo, MBA from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, a veteran HR executive and trainer.

An unprecedented pandemic has forced people around the globe to witness history firsthand, and to see the warmth and coldness of human nature, the fickleness of life. From the lockdown of Wuhan on January 23rd, we missed what should have been a nationwide Spring Festival celebration, we missed the hotpot and barbecue feasts that should have been sizzling, and we also missed the full blaze of spring flowers. A CCTV public service ad says once the pandemic is over, every day will be like Spring Festival. Now hotpot and barbecue are gradually making a comeback, but miss the flower season, and you’ll have to wait another year.

Spring is full of floral fragrance, but if we’re talking iconic, ultimate blooms, nothing beats cherry blossoms. While many are still pining for the cherry blossoms at Wuhan University, my mind keeps drifting to Japan’s sakura. It’s not that I worship anything foreign and think Japanese blossoms are intrinsically prettier than Chinese ones; it’s just that beyond the flowers themselves, I miss that exquisite sensibility, that mood.

Cherry blossoms exist in China, Japan, the U.S., Germany, but in my experience, Japan boasts the richest variety. Reds, whites, pinks; single-layered petals, multi-layered ones; branches reaching upward, cascading downward – a staggering diversity.

When I say the joy of flower viewing lies in that sensibility, I mean it’s never just about the blossoms alone. Pavilions, terraces, mountains, rivers, local customs – they all weave together to create the atmosphere. In recent years, many Chinese cities have been planting vast cherry groves to boost tourism, row after row of trees lined up like soldiers awaiting inspection. When spring breezes blow, petals flutter and fall like rain. Yet somehow it feels as though something is missing. The flowers themselves are innocent; any lack of soul lies with those gardeners who rush for quick results and shallow displays.

Japan is one of the countries I’ve visited most often. Spring brings cherry blossoms, autumn fiery maples, winter offers snow and hot springs. And nobody frames these natural wonders quite like the Japanese, with their meticulous touches, their sense of ritual, and an all-pervading refinement. They’ve elevated sakura appreciation to an art form. From February, the first cherry blossom forecast maps appear, then second and third editions follow as weather shifts, pinpointing when blossoms open and peak in every region. Armed with such a map, you can plan your hanami with near-certainty.

My first dedicated cherry blossom trip was to Tokyo, but an unexpected cold snap delayed the blooming and I missed the full spectacle. Cherry trees are everywhere in Japan, but for landscape impact, Tokyo’s iconic spots are Ueno Park, the night sakura along the Meguro River, and Chidorigafuchi. Tokyo is notoriously expensive, so I recommend staying in a hotel near Meguro River – convenient transport, plenty of dining options, and moderate prices. Step outside and you’re on the riverbank lined with cherry trees. When evening streetlights glow, drinking in the blossoms from a sightseeing boat is the height of romance.

But for sheer mood, I wholeheartedly recommend Osaka and Kyoto – countless temples, gardens, and historical sites. Pair cherry blossoms with these backdrops and the effect is breathtaking, beauty that soars beyond the sky.

If time allows, experiencing the Randen Sakura Tunnel is a treat. The tram is just an ordinary streetcar, but along a certain stretch, both sides of the track are planted thick with cherry trees. When the tram reaches this section, it deliberately slows down so passengers can soak in the view and snap photos. In truth, the best vantage point isn’t on board but along the roadside or on a bridge. So I suggest riding through once to get a feel, then getting off at the next stop and walking back. Find a high spot and shoot downward – that’s the most atmospheric angle.

Similarly, the famous Arashiyama sightseeing train in Kyoto runs through hills dotted with cherry trees, but those are wild ones, sparse and hard to capture well. The main draw is the mountain scenery, so I wouldn’t particularly recommend it.

Kyoto’s renowned Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a must. Late afternoon, around three or four, is ideal – great light, sweeping views, perfect for photos. By the time you walk down, dusk is falling, and Kiyomizu-dera’s night cherry blossom illumination is simply superb.

During sakura season, be sure to try the seasonal cherry blossom drinks and sweets – blushing, rosy, sweet and lovely. Equally lovely are Japanese women in exquisite kimono, whose texture and craftsmanship far surpass the typical rental costumes tourists pose in for photos.

The earliest blossoms always appear in Okinawa, and the season finale is in Hokkaido. After one village, there’s always another shop further down the road. But ultimately, it’s all about fate and a touch of luck. Weather can turn in an instant; an unexpected storm or cold front can hurry or delay the bloom.

Come to think of it, isn’t flower viewing always like this? Three parts destiny, seven parts effort – and the remaining ninety parts sheer luck!