Small cherry - this is the scientific name of sakura, was brought to Japan from the Himalayas. Over the years, Japanese breeders have developed and bred more than two hundred sakura species, most of which are positioned as decorative and therefore do not bear fruit.
The centuries-old tradition of admiring the blossoming sakura gardens is called "khanami". In fact, it is a nationwide holiday in Japan.
Hanami time
Every Japanese prepares in advance for the hanami celebration, is ready to contemplate the cherry blossoms all day long, and in the gardens, where there is lighting, all night long. Every year, during the cherry blossom season, the population moves from the southernmost regions to the north, trying to get into the wave of cherry blossoms. At this time, the population is increasing dramatically due to foreign tourists who come to Japan from all over the world with only one purpose - to admire the cherry blossoms.
Primroses
Meteorologists in Japan issue daily newsletters on the beginning of flowering shrubs throughout the country. The start of the hanami holiday is considered to be the beginning of sakura blossom in the southernmost prefecture - the island of Okinawa. Here the cherry begins to bloom in January. Further, the central regions, where Tokyo and the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto, are located, become a place of pilgrimage. In Kyoto, you can walk along the philosophical trail that connects the Ginka-ji and Nanzen-ji temples. The philosopher Nasida Kitara loved to walk along it. Hundreds of sakura trees are planted along the trail. Walking during their bloom, perhaps Nasida Kitara reflected on his philosophical works.
The heart of the holiday
Earlier than in Tokyo, gardens begin to bloom on the island of Kyushu. The island is famous for the fact that there is a castle built in 1607 and called the "black crow" castle. The entire area of the castle is planted with thousands of cherry trees. At the time of their flowering, it is impossible to discern the ancient walls of the castle, which are covered by a pink, airy-foamy mass of sakura flowers. Another favorite place for tourists is the Suizen-ji Landscape Garden, which has existed since 1632. In the middle of the garden there is a pond surrounded by 150 sakura trees of various types, and in the center of the pond is an islet with an artificial hill symbolizing Mount Fuji.
Last chords
In May, cherry blossoms bloom in the northern prefectures of Hokkaido, where the famous torii, a floating ritual gate in front of the temple entrance, are located. Sapporo is home to the most famous Odori Park, the landscape design of which was developed by the famous Japanese architect Isanu Noguchi. For the creation of this park, he received the Grand Prix at the Good Dtsing architectural competition. Of course, you can appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of cherry blossoms by visiting Japan. Various video and photographic materials help to touch this miracle.
