Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) of Japan
The sakura of Japan are well known around the world for their radiant, delicate and transient beauty, but they are more than simply beautiful cherry blossom trees. Sakura are tied to Japan’s history, culture and identity. Originally used to divine the year’s harvest, sakura came to embody wabi-sabi philosophy and shinto ideals of impermanence, hope and renewal.
Each year, people in Japan gather together to watch the sakura bloom from March through May and observe how at the peak of their beauty, the blossoms start to fall; providing a stark reminder that although life is beautiful, it is also ephemeral and short. Learn more about the sakura of Japan below and find out how you can begin a journey to see them in person.