Sakuraco Logo
snack box
お菓子の箱について
subscription
pricing
about us
私たちについて
subscribe
購入する
account menu button
Sakuraco Logoaccount menu button
snack box
お菓子の箱について
subscription
pricing
about us
私たちについて
subscribe
購入する
Top StoriesNewsFood & Drink
Categories
Top Stories
News
Food & Drink
search

cherry blossoms, culture, flower types, hanami, japanese festival, sakura of japan

Sakura of Japan: Best Top Nine Cherry Blossoms

Thuy Fang

Thuy Fang

Share:

A traditional Japanese shrine near a sakura tree of Japan.

Japan is widely known as the land of cherry blossoms since this country possesses more than 200 species of sakura. Sakura has become a cultural symbol associated with many traditional Japanese activities in spring, including the custom of hanami (flower viewing). Most types of cherry blossoms have their unique beauty and different flowering times.

It must be great if you have the opportunity to join viewing parties in Japan when spring comes, so why don’t you spare some minutes to learn more about the sakura of Japan with us? Without further ado, here are nine typical cherry blossom varieties in Japan. 

Somei Yoshino

Somei Yoshino is the name of the most popular springtime sakura of Japan. This type of sakura makes up about 80% of the total number of cherry trees in Japan. Each Somei Yoshino flower has five pinkish-white petals of equal size.

The petals of this cherry blossom tend to fade gradually from pink to white during its blooming process. Somei Yoshino is also the inspiration for many emblems of the traditional sakura flower. 

A picture of the Yoshino cherry blossoms. They are the most common sakura of Japan.
The Somei Yoshino cherry blossom is the most common across the country. Image via Shutterstock

These cherry blossoms usually bloom on Shikoku and Kyushu in late March, which is earlier than in other places. As for different parts of Japan, they regularly complete bloom in early April. However, you may sometimes find Somei Yoshino blooming late (around May) in the northern areas of Japan, like Aomori. 

Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture is home to Japan’s oldest Somei Yoshino cherry tree. Despite being planted in 1882, it is still in good health. Nowadays, some of the best viewing spots to admire Somei Yoshino blossoms include Ueno Park in Tokyo and Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture.

Yamazakura

Yamazakura, also known as hill cherry, means mountain cherry blossom. The Yamazakura flowers also have five petals, like Somei Yoshino, and their petals are light pink. Interspersed with the cherry blossom bunches are many small brown and green leaves. 

A picture of yamazakura, or the mountain cherry blossom. The petals are light pink.
The yamazakura grows in mountainous areas. Image via Shutterstock

These wild sakura trees all grow naturally in mountainous areas. Both the Kanto region and the southern regions of Japan frequently have Yamazakura. To see a whole mountain of majestic cherry blossoms, we recommend going to Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture. The blooming season of Yamazakura starts in mid-March in Kyushu, while Kyoto and Tokyo have to wait till April. 

Edohigan

Like Yamazakura, Edohigan is also a wild sakura species and is found mainly in the three islands of Japan – Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The start of Edohigan blooming periods may differ between late March and early April because of the weather conditions. Annually, Edohigan trees produce numerous lovely five-petalled blooms that are pinkish-white. 

A shot of Edohigan, a wild sakura species of Japan.
The Edohigan cherry blossom is a wildflower species. Image via Shutterstock

Edohigan trees Edo are cherry blossom trees with the highest longevity in the sakura world. The 2,000-year-old Yamataka Jindai Sakura, an Edohigan, is recognized as the oldest sakura of Japan. Besides there’s also an approximately 1500-year-old Edohigan tree planted by Emperor Keitai in Usuzumi Park (Gifu Prefecture) in the sixth century. It’s undeniable that this royal sakura tree is also one of the oldest sakura trees in Japan. 

Want to enjoy more traditional snacks, especially in time for the upcoming sakura season? Check out Sakuraco! Sakuraco sends traditional Japanese snacks, teas, sweets, and kitchenware so you can taste Japanese culture in the comfort of your home!

Kawazu Sakura

Most people say this is the earliest blooming sakura in Japan (it usually blooms in early February). In addition, these blossoms also stay on the branches longer than other types of sakura. Therefore, people can easily view cherry blossom bunches for a whole month. Five glowing pink petals of Kawazu Sakura are more significant than wide other sakura varieties.

A shot of pink Kawazu Sakura of Japan.
The Kawazu Sakura is the earliest blooming cherry blossom in Japan. Image via Shutterstock

Every year, the Kawazu Sakura festival takes place in the small Kawazu town of Izu Hanto from mid-February to March. During this period, Izu Hanto, an area famous for its hot spring resorts, attracted a lot of tourists for cherry blossom viewing. 

Yaezakura

Unlike typical five-petaled species of cherry blossom, Yaezakura flowers are known as “double-flowered cherry blossoms” thanks to their unique appearance. Each flower of this type typically has 10 – 50 petals. In addition to the variety in the number of petals, Yaezakura also impresses us with the color diversity of blossoms ranging from white to vivid pink.

A picture of yaezakura, a bright cherry blossom with a bunch of petals.
Ueno and Nara Parks are home to these yaezakura flowers. Image via Shutterstock

The two most breathtaking Yaezakura locations in Japan are Nara Park (Nara Prefecture) and Osaka Mint (Sakura no Toorinuke). Additionally, the peak blossom season of Yaezakura usually starts in the middle of April and ends in the middle of May.

Gyoiko

Gyoiko is also one of the “double blossom” varieties, as there are 15-20 petals per flower. However, the most extraordinary feature of a Gyoiko flower is its yellowish-green color (light green), not pink or white as typical sakura types. Furthermore, the fresh green color of the petals and the pink color of the stamens create an elegant beauty for clusters of Gyoiko cherry blossoms. 

A shot of Gyoiko cherry blossoms, their petals are green.
Gyoiko cherry blossoms have a rare green color. Image via Shutterstock

Gyoiko has a blooming season lasting from mid-April to the end of the month. Among over a hundred good spots to see outstanding Gyoiko blossoms, Ninnaji Temple in Kyoto and Mitoya River Bank in Shimane Prefecture are certain places to visit. 

Oshima Sakura

Flowers of Oshima Sakura have large petals with pure white color. Oshima Sakura species originally grew in Izu Oshima Island. Despite its original area, there are numerous Oshima Sakura viewing sites for you to visit in Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture. 

A picture of the Oshima Sakura of Japan. Their petals are pure white.
The Oshima Sakura is a pure white color. Image via Shutterstock

Oshima Sakura is also one of the cherry blossom types that bloom pretty late in spring. Its flowers usually begin to bloom in April. 

Kanhizakura

This cherry blossom is originally from Taiwan, yet it’s also commonly grown in Okinawa, Japan. The graceful and exotic of these cherry blossoms come from their bell-like shape and lucid pink color. 

A bunch of bell-shaped sakura of Japan known as Kanhizakura.
The Kanhizakura originated in Taiwan. Image via Shutterstock

Kanhizakura flowers bloom on Honshu island in the early weeks of March, whereas in Japan’s southern area, the blooming time usually begins between January and February. 

Mount Yaedak in Okinawa is one of the beautiful places worth experiencing in February, also the peak season of Kanhizakura bloom. 

Shikizakura

Obara (Aichi Prefecture) is a location in Japan where you will have a chance to witness simultaneously the two well-known Japanese seasonal phenomena, which are Sakura (cherry blossom) and Koyo (autumn leave). 

A shot of shikizakura that has white flower petals.
Shikizakura blooms in Aichi Prefecture twice a year. Image via Shutterstock

The shikizakura will surely give you the feeling of simultaneously experiencing two seasons of the year, something unbelievable. It happens thanks to the Shikizakura cherry blossom, a unique species that blooms twice a year – in spring and fall.

In addition, you can plan your hanami in spring or travel to Obara in autumn and fall/winter (the best is mid-November – early December) to admire the stunning natural landscape with two seasons in one. If you travel anywhere in this sakura country in the spring, you’ll have a perfect chance to explore more and genuinely admire the beauty of many splendid cherry blossoms. 

Also, to know more about the meanings and exciting stories surrounding the sakura of Japan, please be sure to follow our upcoming blogs!

Remember to comment below to tell us which sakura flower you like best!

Enjoy new Japanese sweets, snacks & tea every month

Discover authentic flavors with Sakuraco

Enjoy new Japanese sweets, snacks & tea every month $32.50 USD

Get Sakuraco package

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles

Nagatoro Funatama Festival decorations in Chichibu.

Chichibu in the Fall: A Wonderful Getaway

Chichibu (秩父) is a small, rural city in Japan’s Kanto region. The beauty of the city’s forests has made it the destination of nature seekers for centuries.

September 30, 2024

Japanese Symbols: An Essential Guide to the Ryokan Retreat Advent Calendar!

Explore the deep significance of Japanese symbols with the 14-day Ryokan Retreat Advent Calendar. Discover the unique emblems symbolizing iconic aspects of Japan

September 26, 2024
Daigo-ji Temple during the autumn koyo season in Kyoto.

Koyo in Kyoto: Perfect Spots to See the Red Leaves!

In Kyoto, koyo is celebrated as one of the most picturesque times of the year. Throughout Kyoto, locals and tourists participate in “momijigari,” hunting for red leaves, as they go to famous spots to enjoy the autumn colors. Kyoto’s blend of tradition, spirituality, and natural beauty makes it one of the top destinations for experiencing…

September 12, 2024
An old historical house in Shikokumura Village.

Shikoku: The Smallest Main Island of Japan!

Shikoku is truly a treasure that is just waiting for you to explore. Its ancient temples, stunning landscapes, and lively festivals offer a unique experience.

September 02, 2024
Footer background patternFooter background pattern
Sakuraco
Subscription & gifts
PricingUpcoming Month’s BoxPast Month’s Box
Today's Offer
Personal GiftCorporate Gift
Support & Information
FAQContact UsCompare to Bokksu

Be the first to know!

Join our newsletter and receive tasty news and deals

AnIchigo Logobrand.
Copyright © 2024 Sakuraco™. All Rights Reserved.

Accepted Payments

Visa payment availableMastercard payment availableAmerican Express payment availableDiscover payment availablePayPal payment available