What is Sakura? History, Culture & Types of Cherry Blossoms

Sakura, or cherry blossoms, hold a special place in Japanese culture. These delicate pink flowers symbolize the fleeting beauty of life and the arrival of spring. Rooted deeply in tradition, sakura has inspired art, poetry and festivals for centuries.

You might already know all of this, but if someone asked you, “What is sakura?”, would you know how to answer? These pastel-pink crowd pleasers are so much more than simply petals, bringing with them a deeply rooted history of aristocratic luxury and Imperial symbolism.

Discover how these iconic blooms shape Japan's cultural identity and seasonal celebrations.

Sakura, or cherry blossoms, as you might know them, are perhaps Japan’s most famous tree. These cherry trees — of which there are many varieties, which we’ll get into soon — produce gorgeous, delicate blossoms of pinks, whites and even yellows.

In Japanese culture, sakura have long been associated with renewal and hope, likely as they also symbolise that spring has truly arrived. Their fleeting blossoms, which only tend to last around two weeks, are also a reminder of the impermanence of life — appreciate everything around you, because it won’t be there forever.

There are many rumors and tales of the origin of sakura (桜) in Japanese language, but the simplest is that sakura simply means “cherry blossom” and comes from the Japanese for “bloom” (咲: saku). 

It can also be used for “smile” or “laugh,” perhaps alluding to the joy that these flowers bring to the people of Japan. Look at the two kanji side by side, and you’ll see that there’s certainly enough similarity to warrant belief:  

桜 Sakura

咲 Bloom

Would you believe that the Japanese people used to prefer ume plum blossoms to cherry blossoms? Blasphemy, we know.

It wasn’t until the Heian Period (794-1191) that the nobles of the time turned their eye to the pink petals of sakura, truly seeing their beauty for the first time. Around this time, cherry blossoms inspired many poems, paintings and songs, and the power of the sakura petal began to grow.

The first hanami cherry blossom viewing is believed to have been held by Emperor Saga in 812, in Kyoto's famous Shinsen-en Garden. Only the rich and powerful would have been invited at this time, celebrating the sakura in a way that’s still continued to this day: music, songs, seasonal delicacies and sake.

In order to continue this tradition each year, the Emperor and his court planted sakura all around their properties (and the surrounding landscapes), meaning that the cherry blossom also soon became a symbol of Imperial power.

Due to the fleeting nature of cherry blossom petals, the flower was also used to symbolize the end of samurai's short lives between 1185-1868. Later, during World War II, this same symbol would adorn the planes of kamikaze pilots before they embarked on suicide missions, turning the pilots into “beautiful falling cherry petals for the emperor.”

These days, thankfully, this association with Japanese Imperialism is no longer recognized, with the cherry blossom representing renewal and the transience of life, more closely linked to Buddhist themes.

Hanami, literally translating to “viewing the cherry blossoms,” is the custom of enjoying cherry blossoms, usually by enjoying a picnic underneath their branches with family and friends.

This often includes a range of common hanami foods, including sakura mochi, cherry blossom-shaped (or flavored) wagashi sweets and hanami dango, featuring tri-colored mochi of green, pink and white rice cakes. Which reminds us…

Hana-yori-dango (花より団子) is a funny, hanami-related proverb in Japan. It pokes fun at people who only join hanami celebrations to enjoy the food and drink that comes with the celebration, rather than focusing on the flower itself. Guilty!

Here’s an interesting fact for you: Almost 80% of sakura trees in Japan are the Somei Yoshino variety. These cherry blossoms usually bloom in late March and their blossoms last around 10 days.

They’re instantly recognizable for their pastel-pink petals, of which there are usually five.

Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms are the most prevalent sakura as they have been cultivated throughout Japan.

Compared to the Somei Yoshino variety, the Yamazakura species of cherry blossom is native and grows in the wild; it can usually be found beautifying the mountains of the main Honshu island.

Yamazakura also have five petals with white and light pink flowers, but its sakura petals flower at the same time as its leaves, giving it a more “wild” appearance

Mt. Yoshino is one of the best places for seeing the Yamazakura variety, where it paints the mountainside in an unforgettable pink carpet.

Shidare Zakura are the famous “weeping cherry trees,” and they’re truly a sight to behold. With their drooping branches, creating ceilings of white and pink of park paths throughout Japan, they’re one of the most unique cherry trees in the country.

With a lifespan of around 300 years, they’re also one of the most longstanding cherry trees. But, did you know that there’s even a Shidare Zakura tree in Fukushima that’s believed to be 1,000 years old? 

Translating to “cold sakura” (寒桜), Kanzakura is one of the earliest bloomers, sometimes flowering as early as January (which is still very much winter in Japan).

Even so, they are most frequently one of the first cherry blossoms to bloom in early March, known for their light red single flower.

Kanhizakura is normally found in the south of Japan, including Kyushu and Okinawa, where this cherry blossom is native. Compared to the iconic sakura shape that most people know and love, the Kanhizakura has a unique bell-shaped appearance and is often a deep pink color.

In Southern Japan, where sakura season begins, these can be seen flowering between January and February.

Kawazuzakura is named after Kawazu Town on the Izu Peninsula, where it was first grown. From mid-February to March, the center of the town holds the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, meaning you can visit a new spot in Japan and enjoy sakura at the same time.

You’ll also have more time to make your plans as this cherry blossom tree can flower for as long as a month.

Ichiyo has around 20 light-pink petals per blossom, contrasting gloriously against their green leaves. The Ichiyo species is one of the most common varieties of late-blooming cherry trees, found in many of Japan's parks.

Shogetsu is another late-blooming cherry blossom, flowering from mid to late April. It boasts large white blossoms, each with about 20-30 petals set against fresh green leaves.

The Kanzan variety of cherry blossom tree is blessed with “double blossoms,” featuring over 20 petals on each vivid pink flower.

Even in this list of cherry blossoms, the Ukon sakura tree is unique, standing out with its cherry yellow-green blossoms. Even in a field of pastel pinks, it knows how to make a scene. Like the blossoms above, it also has flowers with over 20 petals each.

Increasing the petal count even further is the Fugenzo variety, showing off blossoms with between 30-40 petals. Blooming in mid to late April, this cherry tree gives you plenty of time to plan your hanami cherry-blossom-viewing picnics before it disappears.

Though they first blossom as a light pink, they become a deeper color over time, set against coppery brown leaves.

Refusing to lose the spotlight is the Kikuzakura, known as the Chrysanthemum Cherry, is famous for having blossoms with around 100 petals. Flowering from late April to early May, this late bloomer makes up for arriving late to the party with gigantic blossoms.

Fun fact: Any cherry blossoms with more than five petals are known as yaezakura.

If you’re coming to Japan in fall, don’t worry — there’s still a cherry blossom tree waiting for you in the form of the Jugatsuzakura, known as the “Autumn Cherry” for obvious reasons. 

Blooming between October and January, depending on the location, this is a great cherry tree for sakura vibes, even if you couldn’t make it in the spring.

Available only between March 18 to April 8, 2025, this Tokyo cherry blossom tour is everything you could want from the sakura season in Japan’s capital.

For starters, you’ll get to escape the go-to cherry blossom spots and their crowds for Yanaka, known as Old Tokyo for its traditional back streets, temples, and shrines. You’ll stroll through these locales while an expert guide tells you about the area’s history, the importance of sakura season in Japan and lead you to the local specialties. 

But save room for your seasonal bento with homemade onigiri rice balls! 

Find out more: Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

Kyoto is one of the most stunning areas of Japan at any time of year, stunning travelers year-round with its historical architecture, elegant geisha, mindful tea ceremonies and thousands of centuries-old shrines and temples.

But forget the tourist traps of Kyoto in this cherry blossom tour; you’re heading to Demachiyanagi, an area that first-time visitors often overlook, and visiting Simogamo Shrine, Kawai Shrine and the local shopping arcade of Masugata Shotengai. 

Not only will you get to enjoy strolling along the cherry blossom-lined banks of Kyoto's Kamo and Takano rivers, but you’ll also get to see the unique fire symbols of Mt. Daimonji. This is sakura season like you’ve never seen before.

Find out more: Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

Once you’ve seen Dotonbori and enjoy all of its best street foods, get ready to leave its neon lights behind for the lesser-visited spot of Karahori. You’ll see one of Osaka’s more nostalgic neighborhoods blended with seasonal snacks of the modern day.

Wander the backstreets, explore secret gardens and take in the sights of Osaka with a backdrop of cherry blossoms along the way.

Find out more: Cherry Blossoms in Osaka

For more information on when and where to see sakura in Japan, keep our 2025 Cherry Blossom Forecast nearby.

Sakura is a subtly sweet flavor with a delicate floral scent and flavor profile. Some say it has a gentle cherry essence, but don’t expect the punch of artificial cherry-flavored snacks or drinks.

Much like the blossoms, sakura-flavored treats are often light and elegant.

If you really want to know how sakura tastes, you need to get to this sakura chiffon cake baking class in Tokyo. 

Beginning with an icebreaker and a breakdown of the menu for the day, you’ll soon be making a fresh meringue. Once it’s ready, get creative because it’s time to decorate your chiffon cake with luxurious cream! 

Which flavor are you most tempted by? Matcha (green tea), cocoa, black tea, strawberry, yuzu — the only correct choice for the season — sakura.

Find out more: Sakura Recipe: Sweet-Tart Meringues

While you’re here, learn more about cherry blossoms in Japan, add a few of the best things to do in Japan this spring to your to-do list, try the season’s best sakura snacks and discover Nakameguro’s cherry blossom festival.