The cherry blossom (sakura) is Japan’s unofficial national flower. It has been celebrated for many centuries and holds a very prominent position in Japanese culture.
The seasonal spectacle is celebrated with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties under the trees. Japan’s iconic sakura capture the attention of visitors alike as their beautiful pink flowers blanket the country in soft, colorful splendor.
Viewing (the sight of ) cherry blossoms at night is called “yozakura”, and it is unique, by the way.
So,let me introduce… “a magical yozakura” (^ ^)/
Cherry blossoms sparkling white in the sunlight are picturesque.Those glowing in the dark night sky are different yet just as spectacular.
For example,
◎ Meguro-gawa River (Tokyo)
Nakameguro is a well-known home to chic restaurants and shops. The Meguro-gawa River flowing through this residential district is one of Tokyo’s most famous hanami spots. Some 800 trees lining a 3.8-kilometer-long section of the banks form a pale pink arch that appears to be absorbed into the river. The sight is such a beauty that passersby can’t help stopping to take a picture.
During the Nakameguro Sakura-matsuri Festival in early April, paper lanterns are lit and the trees between Tenjin-bashi Bridge and Horai-bashi Bridge are illuminated, allowing a quiet night out for yozakura.
And then…
♡🌸♡🌸♡🌸♡🌸♡🌸♡
Japan just can’t get enough of its iconic sakura (cherry blossoms)—we don’t just view them during the daytime, but also at night! The lanterns or lights may be simple, just enough for the flowers to be seen in the dark, or fancy enough for the blossoms to give off an ethereal glow.
Some places even have enough space for picnics, and may have food stalls for a festival-like atmosphere. So why don’t you bring your camera and head to these places ♡
—in Tokyo from late March to mid-April
Night Cherry Blossom Viewing☆
桜 (Sakura) is Japanese for cherry blossom. 夜桜 (Yozakura) is written with the characters for night and sakura, and means viewing cherry blossoms at night. Sakura looks beautiful in the evening with the right lighting. Try both, a cherry blossom picnic during the day and an evening visit for hanami.
These are some of the places I like for yozakura viewing in Tokyo.
One of them is…
◎ Chidorigafuchi Park and Yasukuni Shrine
Chidorigafuchi is one side of the Imperial Garden. In the evening, the Sakura trees along the moat are illuminated with spotlights and are reflected in the water. Take a walk here in the evening. The gardens inside the Imperial Palace also have beautiful cherry blossoms, but you can only go in during the day.
The sakura-associated events at these two locations, which are quite close to each other, make up the Chiyoda Sakura Festival. Chidorigafuchi has about 260 cherry trees and a boating area. This is one of the popular yozakura spots, so be warned that it can get quite crowded.
Meanwhile, Yasukuni Shrine, although controversial from a political perspective, is also known for beautiful cherry blossoms. Check out the food stalls set up around the vicinity as well!
Yozakura Party (Hanami)♡
Sakura (cherry blossoms) are associated with spring in Japan. The Japanese typically celebrate this season by enjoying social gatherings under the sakura trees. This is an act known as cherry blossom viewing or hanami in Japanese.
While it is fun to enjoy a leisurely afternoon picnic with friends and family under the cherry trees, the beauty of night time sakura (yozakura) is also exceptional. The popular places for cherry blossom viewing are illuminated at night, presenting you with dramatically beautiful sights.
There are several prestigious places around Japan, where you can enjoy night time cherry blossom viewing. Please enjoy it!