Saturday, April 30, 2011
Hirosaki Castle boasts its abundance of over 2500 trees, cherry blossom tunnels, petal filled moats, and many varieties of cherry trees. In addition, numerous pleasant picnic areas, rental rowing boats, and illuminations in the evenings make this a scenic Japanese tourist spot. The average sakura opening starts about April 24 and full bloom usually occurs around April 30.
The cherry blossom (sakura) is Japan's unofficial national flower. It has been celebrated for many centuries and holds a very prominent position in Japanese culture. In fact, it is the flower on the 100 Yen coin.
There are many dozens of different cherry tree varieties in Japan, most of which bloom for just a couple of days in spring. The Japanese celebrate that time of the year with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties under the blooming trees.
The most important factor in determining the blooming time of cherry trees is the geographical location. Basically, the milder the climate, the earlier the blossoms open. In most major cities in between, the cherry blossom season typically takes place in early April. Furthermore, the blooming time of cherry trees differs from year to year depending on the weather. If the weather during the months and weeks proceeding the sakura season is mild, blossoms will open early. If it is cold, blossoms will open later. From year to year, the start of the blooming season can vary by as much as two weeks.
Sakura season is relatively short. Full bloom (mankai) is usually reached within about one week after the opening of the first blossoms (kaika). Another week later, the blooming peak is over and the blossoms are falling from the trees. Strong wind and rain can cut the blooming season even shorter.
The word swastika came from the Sanskrit word svastika, meaning any lucky or auspicious object, and in particular a mark made on persons and things to denote good luck. Japanese maps use the swastika symbol to denote a Buddhist temple. Hirosaki City uses this symbol as official emblem.
