When we decided to take a trip to Japan during Cherry Blossom season I didn’t realize what a big event it is in this thriving civilization once closed to Westerners in Asia. 

Yep.  They are gorgeous.  Thousands and thousands of cherry blossom trees all over the country spring into glorious profusion, painting the country in shades of pink and white.  

It coincides with the fiscal and school calendar year in Japan.  Students start school.  Businesses begin again.  And it is beautiful.  It’s a time of hope and good wishes.  Gatherings and happy times.   

But interestingly, it  has more meaning than being a “pretty time of year.”  

Cherry Blossoms are tied to the Buddhist expression of life, death and renewal. 

The spring time bloom is a lavish spectacle, glorious and lovely, but remarkably brief.  Sakura, as it is known in Japan, lasts about two weeks and then the precious blooms swirl and fall to the ground a bit like snow with the ebb and flow of the wind. 

The Japanese see it as a visual reminder that our lives, too, are fleeting.  

So, how do the Japanese observe Cherry Blossom Time? 

First, they wait with eager anticipation.  There are Cherry Blossom Forecasts and a Declaration of the official beginning of the season by a team of experts.  

Shops transform into pink extravaganzas  with specific merchandise geared to the season. 

Hanami parties are held day and night. Hanami literary means “viewing flowers” but specifically refers to Cherry Blossom parties. All kinds of businesses have sprung up catering to the obsession with observing the season from providing the food and drink to even saving the best Hanami spots under the fullest Cherry Blossom trees.  

People take time to think about how the Cherry Blossom Time on earth is fleeting and so is the person’s life viewing them.  It’s a time to slow down and to savor the day.  

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We traveled to Japan with TinyWorldTours who made sure we thoroughly enjoyed the Cherry Blossom Season.