Every year, spring in Japan gives an energy boost and invites to festive
get-togethers. Spring in Japan indicates change with new beginnings and
endings. The business year and even the school year both end in March
and begin anew, fresh in April – around the same time as the cherry tree, Sakura, blossoms. It is a season
where college graduates say their goodbyes and the young work force begins new careers. People
across Japan wait for the Sakura to
bloom in their region. The Sakura
Zensen, or “Cherry blossom front”, indicates in what regions in Japan the Sakura is blooming. Naturally, the
flowers start blooming from the south as it gets warmer, working their way up
to the north following each of Japan’s islands in the archipelago.
Defend your spot under the tree!
Spring celebration at the cemetery
Some people even bring private
electric generators and floodlights so they can enjoy the Yozakura, “cherry blossoms at night”. Aoyama Bochi, the big cemetery in Aoyama in central Tokyo, is a
famous Hanami spot and extremely popular
for its Yozakura. The cherry blossoms
are especially pretty at this sacred place, and throughout the night you will
see many people gathering. Being a cemetery, there are graves everywhere but it
doesn't seem to bother anyone. People enjoy Hanami,
celebrating their goodbyes and new beginnings with those who have long since
passed away.
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