Sakura Blossom Festival in Japan — Hanami: history and traditions, where to see sakura

Every spring, residents of Tokyo and other Japanese cities take a blanket and go to the park to enjoy the cherry blossom. A separate holiday is dedicated to this period — khanami, which has become widespread in other countries. Izvestia tells you when the cherry blossoms bloom and where to admire the flowering trees in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The history of the Japanese Hanami holiday

In Japanese culture, the hanami holiday (literally — "admiring flowers") it symbolizes the birth of a new life and its transience. And due to the fact that the flowering season coincides with the sowing period of rice, it is also a symbol of fertility and abundant harvest.

Like many other Japanese celebrations, the holiday originated at the imperial court. The courtiers spent hours under the blooming trees, enjoying light drinks and salon games. Since the 17th century, the tradition has spread to the masses and has become an integral part of the national culture. New varieties have been created especially for admiring flowers, which have been cultivated in Japan for centuries.

Today, there are several dozen varieties of sakura in the world, which is also called Japanese cherry. It is a collective name for plants. What unites them is that they do not produce fruits, but are grown specifically for admiring flowers.

Over time, the hanami tradition has gained great popularity in many other countries of the world, including Russia.

When the cherry blossoms begin to bloom – 2025

In Japan, sakura begins to bloom in early spring, usually between March 20 and March 25. Most often, pink or white inflorescences bloom on trees, but there are also flowers of red, yellow and pale green shades. Flowering lasts no more than two weeks. And in bad weather, the petals fly around on the fifth day.

Traditionally, the beginning of flowering is considered to be the appearance of the first flowers on sakura of the Somei Yoshino variety, growing in the ancient Yasukuni Buddhist Temple in Tokyo. As soon as flowers appear from the buds, meteorologists announce the beginning of flowering.

In 2025, the first flowers on the temple tree bloomed on March 24. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported on the same day that more than five flowers appeared on it. This is the minimum amount required for the official announcement of the opening of the season in the Japanese capital. The event took place five days earlier than a year ago. In 2024, sakura blossomed on March 29.

At the same time, in the southern regions, trees begin to bloom in February, and in the northern regions — in April-May. In some European countries and in Russia, flowering begins in mid to late spring. For example, in 2024, the first sakura blossomed in Moscow on April 14.

How is the sakura festival in Japan?

Hanami Day in Japan is an unofficial holiday, so there are no weekends during its period. But despite this, a large number of people always gather to see cherry blossoms.

On the days of flowering, parks, squares, alleys, as well as the territories of Buddhist and Shinto temples with cherry blossoms are visited by many tourists and locals. Since the flowering period is relatively short, cherry blossoms are admired both during the day and in the evening.

The evening cherry blossom viewing is especially popular. At this time of day, the trees are illuminated with different lights. The illuminations create a magical atmosphere, making parks and squares an ideal place for walks and romantic dates.

On the eve of the weekend, the places with the most beautiful views are often occupied at night, spreading plastic mats under the trees.

Where to admire cherry blossoms in Moscow and St. Petersburg

Meanwhile, you don't have to go to Japan to see the cherry blossoms. Many Japanese cherry trees have been planted in parks and gardens in Russian cities. For example, in Moscow, the Arboretum and the Japanese Garden, created in the 80s by landscape designers from Japan, are recognized as the best places for cherry blossoms.

The garden opens in April, at the beginning of the flowering season. Also in the capital, blooming can be seen in the Aptekarsky Vegetable Garden and the Botanical Garden of the Moscow State University Faculty of Biology.

The Botanical Garden of Peter the Great, the garden on Vasilyevsky Island, the Silver Pond Park and the Friendship Garden, which became a gift from Shanghai to St. Petersburg on the 300th anniversary of the city, are traditionally popular places in the Northern capital.

Earlier, Izvestia published a complete list of places where you can watch cherry blossoms in Moscow and St. Petersburg.