One of the most anticipated events of spring in Japan is the blooming of the cherry blossoms, or sakura. These delicate pink flowers attract millions of visitors every year, who flock to the best spots to enjoy hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. However, in recent years, some cherry blossom varieties have been blooming earlier than usual, creating a challenge for both tourists and locals who want to catch the peak season.

The effects of climate change on cherry blossoms

According to experts, one of the main factors that influence the timing of cherry blossom blooming is temperature. Cherry blossoms need a period of cold weather in winter, followed by a gradual warming in spring, to trigger their flowering. However, due to global warming, the average winter temperatures in Japan have been rising, and the spring temperatures have been fluctuating, resulting in earlier and shorter blooming seasons for some cherry blossom varieties.

For example, the most common and popular variety, Somei-Yoshino, which usually blooms around late March or early April, has been advancing its blooming date by about 1.2 days per decade since 1953. In 2024, it is expected to bloom on March 18 in Tokyo, the earliest date on record.

Another factor that affects the cherry blossom blooming is the amount of rainfall and sunlight. Cherry blossoms need enough water and light to grow and flourish, but too much or too little of either can also cause problems. For instance, heavy rain or strong wind can damage the fragile petals and shorten the blooming period, while drought or cloudiness can delay the flowering or reduce the intensity of the color.

Where to see early-blooming cherry blossoms in Japan

If you want to see cherry blossoms in Japan before the peak season, you have some options. There are several varieties of cherry blossoms that bloom earlier than Somei-Yoshino, such as Kawazu-zakura, Kanhi-zakura, and Kanhizakura. These varieties have different characteristics, such as deeper pink color, longer petals, or stronger fragrance, and they can be found in different regions of Japan.

One of the most popular places to see early-blooming cherry blossoms is Kawazu Town in Shizuoka Prefecture, where the Kawazu-zakura Festival is held from early February to early March every year¹. Kawazu-zakura is a type of cherry blossom that blooms from early February to early March, and it has a rich pink color and a long blooming period. The town has about 8,000 Kawazu-zakura trees along the Kawazu River, creating a stunning contrast with the clear water and the green mountains. During the festival, you can enjoy various events, such as food stalls, illuminations, and hot springs.

Another place to see early-blooming cherry blossoms is Komatsugaike Park in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is only 15 minutes from Miura Kaigan Station². The park has more than 1,000 cherry blossom trees, mostly of the Kanhi-zakura variety, which blooms from mid-February to late February. Kanhi-zakura is a type of cherry blossom that originates from Taiwan, and it has a light pink color and a sweet scent. The park also has yellow rapeseed flowers under the cherry blossom trees, creating a beautiful contrast of colors. The park hosts the Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival from early February to early March, where you can enjoy food and local products.

If you want to see early-blooming cherry blossoms with a view of Mt. Fuji, you can visit Mt. Matsuda Herb Garden in Kanagawa Prefecture³. The garden has about 10,000 cherry blossom trees, mainly of the Kanhizakura variety, which blooms from early February to early March. Kanhizakura is a type of cherry blossom that comes from Okinawa, and it has a dark pink color and a long petal. The garden offers a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and the Sagami Bay, as well as a variety of herbs and flowers. The garden also has a cafe and a shop where you can buy souvenirs.

The Cherry Blossoms are known and admired world wide. The Cherry Blossoms in bloom in Washington DC is a sight to behold. Let us all appreciate natures beauty and at the same time find ways to ensure its beauty for future generations.