|
When visiting Japan in spring, tourists cannot miss the experience of viewing cherry blossoms. |
Cherry blossoms and plum blossoms bloom brilliantly across the sky.
Spring in Japan typically lasts from March to May. The weather during this time is still a bit chilly due to the lingering effects of winter. In March, the highest temperature is only around 13°C, while nighttime temperatures drop to around 5°C. In April, temperatures rise slightly, to around 10-18°C. By May, temperatures range from 15-23°C.
When visiting Japan in spring, tourists cannot miss the experience of viewing cherry blossoms. Cherry trees are planted everywhere, from parks and streets to mountains and riverbanks, with over 50 different varieties. The timing of the blossoms varies depending on the temperature. Southern regions like Okinawa, Kyushu, and Shikoku bloom earliest, from the beginning of March, thanks to the warm climate. Meanwhile, in central regions like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the blossoms are in full bloom from mid-March to early April. In northern regions like Tohoku and Hokkaido, due to the colder weather, the blossoms bloom later, from the end of April to the beginning of May.
Chidorigafuchi Park, located near the Tokyo Imperial Palace, is also a wonderful and romantic spot for couples to admire cherry blossoms. It's famous for its rows of cherry trees along the lake's edge, creating a stunning scene when the blossoms are in full bloom in spring. Visitors can stroll along the lakeside to admire the magnificent cherry blossoms, or rent a boat to travel along the canals for a unique view from below.
Similarly, with its unique star-shaped architecture, Goryokaku Park in Hakodate, Hokkaido, is also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Japan. Thousands of cherry trees in full bloom create a vibrant sea of pink within the park, resulting in a romantic and impressive scene.
When cherry blossoms are mentioned, people often immediately think of the Hanami Festival. Hanami means "flower viewing" in Japanese. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, families, couples, and groups of friends gather to admire the flowers, enjoy food made with sakura ( cherry blossoms), and sip sake. Therefore, the Hanami Festival is not simply about enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms, but also an opportunity to connect people with nature, with historical values, and with traditional culture.
One of the unique aspects of the Hanami Festival is its "mobility." Because the timing of cherry blossom bloom varies across different regions of Japan, the festival location also moves accordingly. This gives visitors from all over the world the opportunity to enjoy the romantic beauty of cherry blossoms throughout the Land of the Rising Sun.
Spring is also the time when convenience stores in Japan sell cherry blossom-flavored food and drinks. If you have the chance, take the time to enjoy a Sakura Latte with some cherry blossom-flavored chocolate or Sakura Mochi wrapped in pickled cherry blossom leaves.
Highlights of traditional cultural festivals
Besides offering vibrant and refreshing natural scenery, an indispensable part of the beauty of Japanese spring is its traditional cultural festivals.
Sanja Matsuri is one of Japan's most traditional spring festivals. Held in Tokyo during the third week of May each year, it commemorates the three deities who founded Sensoji Temple. The festival's ritual involves a procession of over 100 mikoshi (portable shrines) through the streets. The meaning behind this religious activity is to wish local businesses prosperity in the new year.
Hina Matsuri, the doll festival for girls, is held annually on March 3rd. This festival originates from the ancient Hina Nagashi custom, where nobles would release paper or wooden dolls into rivers or the sea, believing that the dolls would ward off bad luck and misfortune for their daughters.
On Hina Matsuri, families gather to decorate and share their doll collections. This is followed by a small party where they enjoy traditional foods such as Hishi-mochi (rice cakes), Sekihan (red bean rice), and various colorful sweets.
While Hina Matsuri is a festival for girls, Koinobori Matsuri is a festival for boys. This festival is held from the end of March to the end of May in Gunma Prefecture.
According to the customs of this festival, families with sons will hang carp-shaped flags – Koinobori – in front of their houses. These brightly colored flags, fluttering in the spring sky, symbolize a wish for strong health and courageous spirits for the boys.
Visiting Japan in spring, you'll also have the chance to experience the Hiwatari Festival (fire-walking festival). This is a traditional festival of Yakouin Takaosan Temple, featuring monks walking barefoot on fire. After the fire is extinguished, ordinary people can also try walking barefoot. Many believe that performing this ritual brings good luck.
In addition, you will also have many opportunities to enjoy other unique festivals such as the Kurayami Shadow Festival, the Bunkyo Plum Blossom Festival, or the Meiji Shrine Festival…
NGUYEN THAO
Source: https://baobariavungtau.com.vn/du-lich/202503/lang-man-sac-xuan-xu-phu-tang-1036205/
Comment (0)