How the Blossoms Bloom

While the timing of the bloom will vary from location to location, and from year to year, the duration of the bloom is quite predictable. Once a tree begins to bud, full bloom – at which time at least 70% of the flowers will be open – will occur around one week later before the petals start to fall and the tree gradually greens. After two weeks the flowers will be gone but before they disappear, you can enjoy the following stages of ‘hanami’ (flower-viewing):

 

‘Kaika’ / First Blossoms

 

The timing of first bloom depends on the season and the location of the specific tree. Sensitive to the change in temperature, many factors influence when an individual tree starts to bud. Positioning in relation to buildings which radiate heat, direct sunshine and other elements determine when the first flowers will emerge.

Known as ‘kaika’, the first week of bloom will see individual flowers opening to reveal their beautiful, fragile petals. Over the course of the week the tree will quickly come to its full glory as the majority of flowers open and the tree is transformed in colour and form.

 

‘Mankai’ / Full Bloom

 

One week after kaika, trees will reach full bloom. Known as ‘mankai’, the sight of the blossom trees heavily flowered set against the bright blue sky of spring, is truly stunning. Large hanami events are timed for mankai, with parks and other popular destinations packed with couples, families and friends sitting on the ground to look up at the canopy of white and pink above.

Enjoying the spectacular sight of mankai is a highlight for any visitor to Japan and one enjoyed as much at night as it can be during the day.

Paper lanterns are often hung below the canopy of flowers, which at night light-up and cast the trees in a magical pink glow.

 

‘Sakurafubiki’ / Cherry Blossom Blizzard

 

Also known as ‘hanafubiki’, flower blizzard begins in the second week of an individual trees bloom as the fragile blossoms begin to fall. Beginning slowly and gathering pace as time passes by, individual petals begin to drop and before long are showering those below in a poignant display which captures the fleeting nature and fragile beauty of the flowers.

Sakurafubiki is at its most spectacular in areas of many trees, which will shed their petals as if in unison. As the petals fall to the ground, the trees green with the new growth of budding leaves.

It won’t be long until the blossoms are completely gone and the trees are transformed in colour and form. But before that time, wandering beneath the trees to be showered by sakurafubiki is one of the highlights of Japan in spring.

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Want to enjoy the blossoms on our group tour or a  private tour or charter? Feel free to contact us and let’s get planning together!