Cherry blossoms, or sakura, hold a special place in Japan’s cultural heritage, with over 100 distinct varieties celebrated across the country. These blossoms, ranging from the early-blooming species to late-blooming cultivars, each have unique characteristics, from their colors and petal count to the timing of their bloom. In this article, we delve into the various types of cherry blossoms found in Japan, exploring their distinct features, historical significance, and the time frames in which they bloom—from the early spring blooms to the rare autumn blossoms—giving you a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of these beloved trees.
If you’re looking for more information regarding hanami, cherry trees and best viewing spots, please see the sakura guide at this link!
In The World
Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are among Japan’s most cherished symbols, evoking images of the country’s natural beauty and cultural traditions. These delicate flowers have captivated people for centuries, and Japan is home to a remarkable variety of them. There are ten wild species of cherry blossoms native to Japan, with three being particularly well-known for their beauty: Yama-zakura, Edohigan, and Oshima-zakura. These species have played a significant role in Japan’s appreciation of cherry blossoms throughout history.
Globally, there are approximately fifty to sixty species of cherry trees, mainly found in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. While North America has only two native species and Europe has three to four, East Asia is home to the majority, with around thirty species in China alone. This abundance contributes to the strong association of cherry blossoms with East Asian landscapes, especially from the perspective of those in Europe and North America.
Interestingly, the perception of cherry trees varies across regions. In many Western countries, “cherry” often refers to the sweet cherry tree cultivated for its fruit. Even in China, cherry trees are not as widely admired as ornamental flowers. Because of this distinction, English often uses terms like “flowering cherry” to specify trees grown for their blossoms rather than their fruit.
Yamashita Park in Yokohama offers a delightful viewing spot for cherry blossoms.
The Evolution of Cherry Blossom Cultivars in Japan
During the Heian period, cherry blossoms frequently appeared in classical literature, including The Tale of Genji. The blossoms described in these works were most likely Yama-zakura, which was commonly seen at the time. In The Tale of Genji, cherry blossoms are described with white flowers and red leaves, a characteristic associated with Yama-zakura. Additionally, historical paintings sometimes depict cherry blossoms with enough detail to identify specific species. However, accurately distinguishing them from literary descriptions or artworks remains a challenge. Historical accounts suggest that Edohigan cherry trees were also present during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s famous cherry blossom viewing party at Daigo-ji Temple. Given that Oshima-zakura was likely already present in Kyoto during Hideyoshi’s era, these three varieties—Yama-zakura, Edohigan, and Oshima-zakura—were likely among those admired.
By the 13th century, the hybridization of Oshima-zakura and Yama-zakura led to a rapid increase in striking new cultivars. Initially, these cherry trees were planted in the gardens of the upper class, with the general public only able to admire them from a distance. However, by the 17th century, a shift occurred, and spaces were intentionally designated for planting cherry blossoms, giving rise to the hanami tradition seen today.
The tradition of hanami dates back to the Heian period, but it was just one of many seasonal customs. Other traditions included New Year shrine visits, plum blossom viewings in early spring, and wisteria appreciation in early summer. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that hanami became a widely recognized and distinct tradition. The foundation for this shift was laid in the Edo period, when commoners in Edo began making outings to well-known cherry blossom spots such as Kaneiji Temple in Ueno, the embankments along the Sumida River, and Asukayama Park. These gatherings involved feasting and socializing, forming the basis of the hanami culture seen today.
A key factor in the popularization of hanami was the introduction of Somei-yoshino in the mid-19th century. This fast-growing cultivar allowed for the rapid creation of cherry blossom viewing spots, making hanami more accessible to the general public. The expansion of transportation networks, such as railways, further enabled people to travel longer distances to enjoy cherry blossoms. As a result, from the late 19th century onward, hanami became a widely celebrated event across Japan. For a detailed history of hanami, please see the article at this link.
We usually think of cherry blossoms as pink, however the most widespread cultivar, Somei-yoshino, is white with a tender pink inside.
The Popularity of Somei-yoshino
The Somei-yoshino cherry blossom, the most commonly seen variety today in Japan, is a relatively recent cultivated breed. While wild cherry blossoms have long been admired in their natural habitats, the desire for more visually striking and easier-to-cultivate varieties led to the development of cultivated cherry blossoms over time. The Somei-yoshino originated in the mid-19th century in Somei village (now Toshima City in Tokyo). Named Yoshino-zakura after Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture—famous for its Yama-zakura—it is believed to be a hybrid of the Edohigan and Oshima-zakura.
With a history of approximately 200 years, Somei-yoshino is relatively new compared to cultivars like Shidare-zakura (weeping cherry), which has existed for over a thousand years, or double-flowering varieties such as Sekiyama and Albo-rosea, cultivated for more than 400 years. The oldest known cultivar is the weeping cherry (Pendula), with records of its cultivation dating back to the 10th or 11th century. Some of these ancient trees still exist in various locations across Japan, with their history spanning over a thousand years. This long tradition of cultivating Pendula is a source of pride, as it remains one of Japan’s most iconic cherry blossom varieties.
As much as it’s hard to distinguish the different varieties, cherry blossoms are always mesmerizing.
Types of Cherry Blossoms and When They Bloom
Today, Japan is home to over 100 different cherry blossom cultivars, reflecting the nation’s deep appreciation for these beloved flowers.
Cherry blossoms are distinguished by several key characteristics, such as the number of petals, color, tree shape, and the timing of leaf and flower growth. While most cherry blossoms are pale pink or white with five petals, some varieties can have over 100 petals and feature colors like bright pink, yellow, or even green. In general, the more petals a cherry blossom has, the later it tends to bloom, particularly if its flowers appear after the leaves have already sprouted.
While most varieties of cherry trees produce light pink to white blossoms, there are also species with dark pink, yellow, or even green flowers. Additionally, the color of some cherry blossoms can change as they bloom. For instance, a flower might begin as white and gradually transform into pink over the course of several days.
For early-blooming cherry trees, the fresh leaves typically emerge only after the blossoms have fully bloomed, creating a uniform and attractive appearance during peak bloom. In contrast, later-blooming trees often have their leaves appear before the flowers, resulting in a more varied look. Additionally, the color of the new leaves can vary between varieties, ranging from green to coppery brown, or a shade in between.
Late February to Late March
Kanhizakura: native to Taiwan and Okinawa, the Kanhizakura features dark pink, bell-shaped flowers and blooms as early as January or February in those regions. In Tokyo’s parks, it typically begins to bloom in mid-March, making it one of the earliest varieties to flower in the city.
Kanzakura: one of the first cherry trees to bloom, typically found in small numbers in certain city parks. Its early blooming schedule often surprises visitors, marking it as one of the first signs of spring.
Kawazuzakura: named after Kawazu Town on the Izu Peninsula, where this variety was first cultivated, the Kawazuzakura is one of the earliest flowering cherry trees. It blooms in large numbers during the annual cherry blossom festival in Kawazu, held in late February and early March. Today, it can also be found in smaller numbers across other parts of Japan.
Late March to Early April
Edo Higan: named after the spring equinox, Edo Higan cherry trees are known for their early bloom and long lifespan. One of Japan’s oldest cherry trees, located in Yamanashi Prefecture, is an Edo Higan. You can view the detailed article at this link.
Shidarezakura: weeping cherry trees are known for their graceful, drooping branches and are among the most cherished cherry trees in Japan. There are two main types: those with five-petaled blossoms and those with more than five petals, known as Yaeshidarezakura. The Yaeshidarezakura blooms about a week later than the five-petaled variety.
Somei Yoshino: the blossoms are slightly pink, nearly white, and have five petals. The striking appearance of the tree is enhanced by the fact that its fresh leaves do not appear until after the flowers have reached their peak bloom.
Yamazakura: the most common wild cherry tree variety in Japan, its blossoms are slightly pink with five relatively small petals. The fresh leaves of the Yamazakura emerge at the same time as the flowers, giving the tree a softer, less intense appearance compared to the Somei Yoshino. In northern Japan, its close relative, the more pinkish Oyamazakura (also known as Ezo-Yamazakura in Hokkaido), is widely found.
Mid April
Gyoikozakura: this stands out as the only green variety of chery blossoms. These double-layered blossoms have over 10 petals and a red center.
Fugenzo: a late-blooming yaezakura with 30-40 petals per blossom. Initially white to slightly pink, the flowers gradually darken to a deeper pink over time. The fresh leaves are coppery brown.
Ichiyo: the blossoms with about twenty light pink petals, and its fresh leaves are green. It is one of the most common late-blooming cherry varieties found in Japan’s parks and gardens.
Kanzan: among the various yaezakura varieties, the Kanzan is one of the most common. Each blossom contains 30-50 pink petals, and the fresh leaves are coppery in color.
Kikuzakura: known for its large blossoms, containing up to one hundred petals. It is one of the latest blooming cherry trees, and by the time the blossoms are in full bloom, the fresh leaves are nearly fully developed, somewhat concealing the flowers.
Oshimazakura: native to Izu Oshima Island, Oshimazakura blossoms are bright white and emit a lovely, refreshing fragrance. The pickled cherry leaves used in sakura mochi come from Oshima cherry trees.
Shogetsu: another late-blooming yaezakura with relatively large, white blossoms containing about 20-30 petals. Its fresh leaves are green.
Ukon: it has 10-20 petals per blossom and distinct coppery leaves. Its blossoms are easily recognized by their characteristic yellowish color.
May to July
Jugatsuzakura: literally “October Cherry”, is one of the few cherry varieties that bloom in both autumn and winter, from October to January. Its flowers are small and sparse but offer a delightful sight, especially when contrasted with fall colors or snow.
Cherry blossoms are a beautiful and diverse symbol of Japan, with each variety offering something unique throughout the seasons. Whether you’re admiring the early blooms of Kanhizakura or the late petals of Takanezakura, each species provides a new way to experience Japan’s natural beauty. Understanding the different types of cherry blossoms and their bloom times enhances the joy of hanami and deepens our connection to this cherished tradition.
