{"id":35948,"date":"2025-12-12T10:54:08","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T10:54:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=35948"},"modified":"2025-12-12T14:59:27","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T14:59:27","slug":"how-to-hanami-our-guide-to-cherry-blossom-season-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2025\/12\/12\/how-to-hanami-our-guide-to-cherry-blossom-season-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"How to hanami: Our guide to cherry blossom season in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35948&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35948\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35948&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35948&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35948%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35948\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35948\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Cherry blossoms \u2013 or <em>sakura<\/em> \u2013 are one of Japan\u2019s most recognisable seasonal markers, rich in symbolism as well as beauty. What began as a pastime for Heian-era nobles later became a symbol of impermanence for the samurai \u2013 a metaphor for dying young in battle, in a burst of glory. Today, <em>sakura<\/em> still carries cultural weight. As Japan specialist Tyler puts it: \u201cthe whole year revolves around the <em>sakura<\/em>\u201d \u2013 with school years ending and new jobs beginning as the petals bloom.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s peak season for travel and a moment of celebration and coming together for locals. Parks fill with people laying down blue tarps, gathering for picnics beneath the blossoms. Knowing when to go, how to join in, and where to avoid the busiest spots can make all the difference. This is our guide to doing cherry blossom season right.<\/p>\n<h4>Five petalled blooms \u2013 and the first signs of spring<\/h4>\n<p>Japan is home to over a hundred varieties of cherry tree, but one dominates the season: the<em> somei yoshino<\/em>. With its pale, five-petalled blossoms, it\u2019s the tree you\u2019ll see most often \u2013 lining riverbanks, circling castles, and filling social media feeds. <em>Shidarezakura<\/em>, or weeping cherries, are less common but particularly photogenic, with branches that arch low and flutter in the breeze. You\u2019ll often find them near temples or shrines, where they\u2019re prized for their elegance and symbolism.<\/p>\n<p>Cherry blossoms aren\u2019t the first sign of spring in Japan, however. That honour goes to the plum blossom \u2013 smaller, stronger-scented, and hardy enough to bloom in the chill of February. It\u2019s a favourite among locals and a great option for travellers who visit earlier in the year, when the skies are crisp and the parks are blissfully uncrowded.<\/p>\n<h4><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-35990\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Nakayamadera-Plum-blossom-insiders-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"Pink plum blossom by Nakayamadera\" width=\"819\" height=\"614\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Nakayamadera-Plum-blossom-insiders-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Nakayamadera-Plum-blossom-insiders-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Nakayamadera-Plum-blossom-insiders-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Nakayamadera-Plum-blossom-insiders-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Nakayamadera-Plum-blossom-insiders-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Nakayamadera-Plum-blossom-insiders-1200x900.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Nakayamadera-Plum-blossom-insiders-900x675.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Nakayamadera-Plum-blossom-insiders-720x540.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Nakayamadera-Plum-blossom-insiders-1440x1080.jpeg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Nakayamadera-Plum-blossom-insiders-390x293.jpeg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Nakayamadera-Plum-blossom-insiders-780x585.jpeg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Nakayamadera-Plum-blossom-insiders-510x383.jpeg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/h4>\n<h4>So when should you go?<\/h4>\n<p>It\u2019s one of the questions we get asked most \u2013 and one that doesn\u2019t have a perfect answer. Cherry blossom forecasts are released and updated daily in the run-up to the season, but the timing shifts slightly each year. Weather, altitude and location all play a role \u2013 and the peak is never set in stone.<\/p>\n<p>What we can say is this: if you\u2019re travelling in March or April and travelling across the country, you\u2019ll almost certainly see cherry blossoms somewhere in Japan. Exactly where depends on the timing of your trip and the route you take.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why we always recommend going beyond the Golden Route spots (Osaka, Kyoto, Hakone and Tokyo). Go no further north than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/tokyo\/\">Tokyo<\/a>, or no further south than Kyoto, and your chance of catching the blossom slims, particularly if the season starts early or later than expected. And with these cities\u2019 popularity, you could find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of others in main parks.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, think broader. Head south \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/hiroshima\/\">Hiroshima<\/a> , for example, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-regions\/kyushu\/\">Kyushu<\/a>, the most southerly of Japan&#8217;s four main islands \u2013 and move northwards, through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/undervisited-toyama\/\">Toyama<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/nikko\/\">Nikko<\/a> or even into the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-regions\/tohoku\/\">Tohoku<\/a> region. The city of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/hirosaki\/\">Hirosaki<\/a> is famous for its late April cherry blossom (and features as part of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-aom\/japans-undiscovered-north\/\">Japan\u2019s Undiscovered North<\/a> itinerary). Altitude can also play a role, with higher locations blooming slightly later. It\u2019s all about giving yourself options. If the trees aren\u2019t blooming in one place, they probably will be in the next.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>The real heart of the season: <em>hanami<\/em><\/h4>\n<p><em>Hanami<\/em> means \u201cflower viewing\u201d \u2013 but the experience is much more social than the phrase suggests. It\u2019s about friends and families gathering under the trees with food, drink, and time to spare. It\u2019s about marking the end of winter and the start of something new.<\/p>\n<p>Office workers take their lunch under the blossoms. Families set up full-day picnics. Students toast with cans of beer from the nearest <em>konbini<\/em>. Everyone brings something to sit on, and everyone takes their rubbish home \u2013 even when bins are nearby.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to join in, do as the locals do:<br \/>\n\u2022 Pick up a blue tarp from a 100-yen shop \u2013 it\u2019s the national favourite picnic blanket<br \/>\n\u2022 Stock up at a convenience store (<em>konbini)<\/em> \u2013 beer, <em>sake<\/em> and fried snacks are the norm<br \/>\n\u2022 Don\u2019t pick the blossoms from trees \u2013 admire them on the tree or gather petals that have already fallen<\/p>\n<p>And remember the saying <em>hana-yori-dango<\/em> \u2013 \u201cdumplings before flowers\u201d. It\u2019s a playful reminder that the company and the food often matter more than the aesthetics of <em>hanami<\/em>.<\/p>\n<h4><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-35996\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00295-1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Pink blossom above picnicing Japanese in a park\" width=\"819\" height=\"546\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00295-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00295-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00295-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00295-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00295-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00295-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00295-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00295-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00295-1-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00295-1-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00295-1-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC00295-1-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/h4>\n<h4>Where to go for a different view<\/h4>\n<p>Cherry blossoms bloom all across Japan \u2013 from tiny mountain villages to megacities \u2013 but that doesn\u2019t mean the experience is the same everywhere.<\/p>\n<p>In Tokyo, famous spots like Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen and Yoyogi Park are always lively, but also very busy. For something a little more relaxed, try Hibiya Park, walk along the Chidorigafuchi castle moat or stop by the great weeping cherry blossom of Rikugien gardens.<\/p>\n<p>For a more squarely &#8220;Japanese&#8221; feel, head to the city of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/undervisited-toyama\/\">Toyama<\/a> , two hours from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/kyoto\/\">Kyoto<\/a>. It\u2019s often overlooked, but during <em>sakura<\/em> season, cherry trees line the castle moat and the banks of the Funagawa River. The reflections alone are worth the journey \u2013 and the crowd is made up almost entirely of locals.<\/p>\n<p>Another favourite is Inuyama, half an hour from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2025\/09\/02\/the-places-in-between-nagoya\/\">Nagoya<\/a> (InsideJapan\u2019s home). Its 16th-century castle is one of only twelve originals left in Japan, and its elevated setting above the Kiso River makes for a spectacular <em>hanami<\/em> backdrop. Despite its beauty, it remains a quieter, more local spot \u2013 perfect if you\u2019d rather picnic than jostle for photos. And it\u2019s an easy add-on to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-smfs\/samurai-footsteps\/\">Samurai\u2019s Footsteps<\/a> itinerary.<\/p>\n<h4>Beyond cherry blossoms<\/h4>\n<p>Blooms don&#8217;t stop with cherry blossom, and neither does the national obsession with them. As spring creeps into summer, other blooms burst into colour \u2013 and these too are celebrated.<\/p>\n<p>From April onwards, azaleas start to dominate the landscape. Nezu-jinja Shrine in Tokyo holds an annual festival that\u2019s a personal favourite of our team member Tyler, who swears the blooms \u201c\u201care just as impressive as any <em>sakura<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Then come the hydrangeas, starting early <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/summer-in-japan\/\">summer,<\/a> especially in places like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/kamakura\/\">Kamakura<\/a>, where entire temples are surrounded by them. There\u2019s even a viewing festival \u2013 much less hectic than cherry blossom season, but just as rewarding.<\/p>\n<p>In the end, cherry blossom season isn\u2019t just about catching the peak bloom or getting the perfect photo. It\u2019s about taking part in something shared. And with the right planning \u2013 it\u2019s one of the most rewarding times to be in Japan.<\/p>\n<h4>Shape your trip around the blooms<\/h4>\n<p>Our specialists know the quieter spots, and can shape a trip that works with the seasons and your planned dates \u2013 whether that means following the bloom north, adding higher-altitude spots, or weaving in lesser-known locations that many travellers overlook.<\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35948&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35948\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35948&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35948&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35948%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35948\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35948\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! &nbsp; Cherry blossoms \u2013 or sakura \u2013 are one of Japan\u2019s most recognisable seasonal markers, rich in symbolism as well as beauty. What began as a pastime for Heian-era nobles later became a symbol of impermanence for the samurai \u2013 a metaphor for dying young in battle, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":174,"featured_media":35990,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2367,1],"tags":[4233],"class_list":["post-35948","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-japanese-culture-and-history","category-uncategorized","tag-cherry-blossom-japan"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35948","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/174"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35948"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35948\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36014,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35948\/revisions\/36014"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35990"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35948"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35948"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35948"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}