05/10/2023
Sakura - さくら - 桜
Here are three facts about these beloved blossoms:
#1: because they are only in full bloom for about a week, Sakura have come to symbolize impermanence, renewal and transience in Japanese culture. People will gather and sit beneath the trees for hanami, where they admire the breathtaking beauty of the delicate pink blossoms, and celebrate the fleeting beauty of life as nature starts to breathe anew. 🌸
#2: The Somei Yoshino sakura variety makes up around 80% of cherry blossom trees throughout Japan! As you can see, the blossoms are white to pale pink, and bloom before the tree’s leaves have even emerged, giving them a very eye catching look 🌸
#3: come spring, you’ll see anything and everything sakura themed, from sweets, to drinks, to ads and more. But do sakura really have a distinct scent? Yes, they do! If you pour hot water over fresh blossoms, the rising steam will carry their natural scent, which is described as an elegant and sweet aroma. Sakura and subtlety truly go hand in hand 🌸
Bonus: this is my own observation, but if you ever see a row of trees lined up one after the other, often by rivers or public buildings, or even in a loose grove together, they’re almost always sakura! When they are not flowering sakura trees are very sober in appearance, so they can be easy to miss, but if you keep an eye out you’ll start noticing them everywhere 😳 🌸
Featured Locations:
📍Omatsu Pond (お松の池)
📍Kamakura Sakura Hills (かまくら桜ヶ丘公園)
