The word “hanami” in Japanese literally means “flower viewing.” However, it is most commonly used in order to refer to cherry blossom viewing.
The cherry blossom is the most dearly loved flower in the country of Japan. It is quite commonly depicted in Japanese artwork and frequently graces the elegant silk fabrics of women’s kimonos.
Hanami can be just a leisurely stroll in the park. But it traditionally also involves a picnic party underneath the branches of the blooming trees. Hanami parties have been held in Japan for many centuries, and are still held today in public and private gardens and parks across the country.
Many cherry blossom trees colorfully bloom against the backdrop of historic temples and statues. In other areas they are so lush that, from a distance, they appear to be billowing clouds.
Depending on what part of Japan you visit, the time during which the cherry blossoms are in full bloom will vary. On Japan’s southern, subtropical islands of Okinawa, cherry blossoms open as early as January. On the northern island of Hokkaido, they bloom as late as May. In most of the other major cities in Japan, including Kobe, the cherry blossoms bloom in late March or early April.
One of the best places to view the gorgeous cherry blossoms in Kobe is at Sumaura Park. Sumaura Park is located west of central Kobe and consists of an upper area and a lower area. The upper area leads up a mountain, the lower area is flat along the mountain’s base.
The best place to view the blossoms is at the lower area, where the trees are denser and fuller. These two areas have approximately 3,600 cherry trees.
Another good place to enjoy hanami in Kobe is at the Kobe City Oji Zoo. There are several areas with clusters of cherry trees. But the vast majority of the zoo’s approximately 480 trees line the walking paths between the different animal areas.
Here at the Oji Zoo you can take the time to picnic on benches underneath the trees while also enjoying the zoo’s animals. You’ll also see that, as the cherry blossom petals begin to fall off of the trees, they create a beautiful, thick pink carpet over the zoo’s pathways.
Now before you travel to Kobe to enjoy hanami, you may need to brush up on your knowledge of the nation’s best loved flower. Did you know that over 100 different cherry tree varieties grow in Japan?
You’ll find trees with pink blossoms as well as those with yellow or white blossoms. Most trees have flowers with five petals, but some have 20 petals to each blossom or even 100 petals!
For more information on Japan’s many beautiful cherry tree varieties, visit the Japan.com guide to cherry tree varieties at www.japan-guide.com/e/e2011_species.html
Print This
Tweet This
Email Stuart
Twitter
Skype