Cherry Blossoms Beyond Japan: Sakura Around the World

While many think of the connection between cherry blossom trees and Japan, these lush pink and white flowering trees have begun to take over the world in various forms. Their beautiful blooms and symbolism have inspired many people through the years, from fashion to food and more.

These stunning cherry blossoms have become so ingrained in Japanese culture that they are celebrated with food, drinks, and hanami (cherry blossom viewing). In recent years, hanami has shifted to additional locations outside of Japan, becoming a global phenomenon.As the concept of hanami has swept the world, you may be wondering, "Which country can you see cherry blossom?" Luckily, these trees are planted worldwide, allowing people from various locations, including countries in Europe, Asia (besides Japan), and the United States.

Below, we explore the cherry blossom around the world, from the history of this breathtaking flower to its globalization.

The Origin of Sakura: Japan's Cherry Blossom

These exciting, storied, beautiful cherry blossoms have long since provided entertainment and an emotion-driven experience for those in Japan. Initially, the cherry blossom trees were a method of divining the beginning of spring, alerting farmers as to when to begin the crops for the year ahead. However, their intriguing beauty and brief blossoming period quickly shifted the blooming cherry trees to a more significant natural occurrence each spring. In the early years, the nobles would gather and host hanami (flower-watching) parties in the spring season. However, these hanami celebrations eventually shifted to the public, allowing everyone to experience cherry blossom Asia views.

Thus, each year, locals and visitors will gather under the blossoming cherry trees with picnic baskets filled to the brim with various Sakura-inspired foods, sweets, and drinks. Each visit to the delicate pink blossoms reminds visitors of how fleeting human life is, encouraging them to enjoy as much of life as possible while they can.

Cherry Blossoms in Asia Outside Japan

Though the words "cherry blossom Asia" are most often interwoven with Japan, hanami celebrations and festivals occur throughout other Asian countries and areas. In particular, some of the best views of these incredible flowers lie in South Korea, China, and Taiwan.

Below are a few top locations to celebrate the Sakura trees throughout Asia.

South Korea

Those interested in viewing cherry trees bloom in South Korea will find plentiful opportunities in the major cities, including Seoul, Gyeongju, and Busan. The best time to see the blooms in South Korea is from the end of March to the middle of April. Top viewing locations include Anapji Pond and Changdeokgung Palace, one of the most well-preserved royal Jesoen palaces that remain standing to this day. The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is a must-attend for cherry blossom viewers, as it provides trees lit with twinkly lights and performances.

China 

China also has a plethora of viewing points for blooming Sakura trees. Their typical blossoming dates are between March and April, depending on the exact city you visit. One of the top viewing locations is Gucun Park in Shanghai, home to the country's most expansive cherry tree forest. This park is filled with 10,000 cherry trees from 28 different species. The Qinglong Temple in Xi'an is another must-see, as it's filled with 1,000 Japanese cherry blossom trees that include 100+ varieties.

Taiwan

There is a longer blooming period in Taiwan, as many factors, including weather and elevation, impact the timing of the blooms. Depending on the city you visit, you may be able to catch blooms from January to April. A top location to view cherry blossoms in Taiwan is Yangmingshan National Park, which offers multiple viewing locations.

Sakura Spreads to America

Sakura trees have been present in Japan for over 1,000 years. However, they have only been present in the United States since the 1900s. The initial cherry trees were received in Washington, D.C., and were provided to America from Japan as a token of friendship. During this initial ceremony, two Yoshino cherry trees were planted by Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda (the Japanese Ambassador's wife). This small ceremony was the beginning of the cherry blossom American festivals. 

From there, an increasing number of Sakura trees were planted throughout the U.S. In 1927, a reenactment of this initial event occurred with children in Washington. However, it was not until 1935 that the first official cherry blossom festival took place. Through the years, the Washington annual cherry blossom festival expanded to include additional activities, including a pageant and shifted from one week to two.

Since this initial festival, additional events have arisen in America. Popular hanami celebrations occur annually in Michigan (the National Cherry Blossom Festival), California, Tennessee, Texas, and Georgia. Similar to the time frame of blooming cherry trees in Japan, those in the United States bloom from late March to early April. Just like in Japan, these festivals allow the public to enjoy views of the blooming flowers. Many of these celebrations incorporate Japanese culture into the offered activities by including traditional performances, cosplay opportunities, and more.

Cherry Blossoms in Europe: A Blooming Affair

The U.S. is not the only location that was gifted breathtaking Sakura trees as a sign of friendship from Japan. Europe also received these ornamental cherry trees beginning in the early 1900s, prompting the spread of cherry blossoms and hanami celebrations.

Depending on the city and the country, visitors will find international cherry blossom festival events lasting a day, multiple days, or even a week. Like the events in the U.S., these Sakura celebrations typically include aspects of Japanese culture, such as displays of martial arts, picnics under the blooming trees, and the opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture in general. Each city has its own form of cherry blossom celebrations and traditions, which are incorporated each year.

Some of the top locations for viewing include Cherry Blossom Park in Amsterdam, Jerte Valley in Spain, and even the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. This shows how this ornamental tree has truly become a cherry blossom around the world.

Beyond the Bloom: The Global Impact of Cherry Blossoms

With the globalization of Sakura blossoms and their varied meanings, these delicate flowers have become part of various cultures via many mediums. Through the years, these blooms have appeared in global art, sweet and savory cuisine, beverages, and festivals. They have also, more recently, begun appearing in manga and anime as a method for providing more insight into character arcs, offering a peek into what will occur, or simply setting the mood for a particular scene.

The significant influence offered by these blooms continues to make a lasting impression on those with the opportunity to view the flowering cherry blossoms in person. Luckily, it has become easier to see cherry blossoms around the world, including in the U.S., Europe, and other parts of Asia. Thus, providing easier access to those interested in indulging in hanami celebrations.

Conclusion

As far as the impact of cherry blossoms around the world, they have permeated various cultures, from foods to apparel. Their multitude of meanings, including renewal, shortness of life, death, hope, romance, and the start of spring, have allowed an increasing number of people to enjoy viewing the blooms.

Perhaps you aren't able to attend the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, check out the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, or see the beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms bloom in person. If that's the case, Sugoi Mart's Sakura collection provides ample options for celebrating the season in your own home. This collection provides global appreciation through home goods, kitchen tools, mugs, toys, snacks, drinks, and more, allowing anyone to delve into cherry blossom season regardless of location.

Explore Sugoi Mart's Sakura Collection featuring the beloved cherry trees and blossoms to bring a piece of the beautiful cherry blossoms to your own home!