UPDATE | March 01, 2023

Let's learn about spring flowers and events in Japan!

The cold winter is finally coming to an end, and I can almost hear the footsteps of spring. I can't wait for the warm and warm spring weather. What spring events are there in your country? This time, I would like to introduce you to Japanese spring flowers and events.

[Flowers and Events in March]

Flower [plum, peach]
Plum blossoms start blooming as early as mid-February. Looking at the plum blossoms in bright colors such as white, red, and pink, you can feel the coming of spring little by little even though it is still cold.
Peach blossoms are the next to begin flowering, following the plum blossoms. As with plums, the color varies depending on the variety, so you can enjoy the colorful scenery.
The gardens inside the castle are large and have a wide variety of gardens, and many of them can be viewed for free, so it is recommended during the plum and peach season.

【Event】
·Doll Festival
Hinamatsuri is an event held on March 3rd to pray for the healthy growth and health of girls. It is also called “Momo no Sekku” because it is the season when peach blossoms bloom beautifully.
Sekku is the day that separates the seasons, and there are five seasonal festivals in a year.
Families with girls display hina dolls in their homes, eat chirashizushi, special rice cakes called hishi mochi, and sweets called hina arare.
There is a legend that a girl will not be able to marry unless she puts away the hina dolls as soon as March 3rd is over.
Nowadays, the number of households displaying hina dolls has decreased, but you can still see large hina dans around town, such as in department stores and hotel lobbies.

・Graduation ceremony
Many schools in Japan hold graduation ceremonies in March.
Schools with uniforms generally wear uniforms, but students often wear hakama at high school and university graduation ceremonies.
The ceremony is held in a solemn atmosphere, and the students sing the graduation song after receiving their diplomas.
While regretting to say goodbye to my classmates, I celebrate each new departure.
It is also customary to send a letter or a bouquet of flowers to the teacher who has helped you.

[April flowers and events]

Flower [cherry blossom, tulip]
Speaking of spring flowers in Japan, it's definitely cherry blossoms.
They start blooming all at once from the end of March to the beginning of April, and fall off within two weeks.
As it is said that it is beautiful because it is ephemeral, the appearance of cherry blossoms has long been likened to life in Japan.
You can read more about the relationship between Japanese people and cherry blossoms in this article.
Enjoy Hanami in Kansai! [3 Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots] | Culture | Japan Guide & Information |アクセス日本留学(studyjapan.jp)

Also, tulips are in full bloom around the same time as cherry blossoms. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is from late March to April. When I see bright red, pink, yellow and orange tulips blooming on the roadside or in parks, I feel bright.

【Event】
・Entrance ceremony
After the graduation ceremony in March, there will be a spring vacation for about two to three weeks, and the entrance ceremony will be held in early April.
Every year at this time of year, when I see the cherry blossoms, I am reminded of a mixed feeling of excitement and a little anxiety about my new life.
The sight of children commuting to and from school in groups carrying shiny randoseru (school bags used by elementary school students) is a sight unique to this time of year.

·Hay Fever
Although it is not an event, it is important to take precautions against hay fever at this time of year.
Various types of pollen are scattered throughout the year in Japan, and hay fever peaks in March and April every year. Pollen from cedars and cypresses is raging, so if you suffer from hay fever, don't forget to prepare a mask and eye drops.

[May flowers and events]

Flower [Azalea, Wisteria]
After the cherry blossoms have fallen, the fresh green leaves are beautiful.
A beautiful azalea flower pops out from among the green plants. Azaleas are often planted in parks and have long been popular as flowers that can be enjoyed nearby. White, pink, red and other colors are common, and they have a sweet scent.
Also, when you visit temples and shrines during this season, you should definitely enjoy the wisteria flowers. The beautiful pale purple wisteria hanging from the ceiling is called “wisteria trellis” and is fantastic and very beautiful.

【Event】
・Tango Festival
While the Hinamatsuri on March 3rd is a girl's festival, May 5th is a day to pray for good health for boys and is called "Tango no Sekku".
We decorate the gardens and balconies of our homes with fish-shaped flags called koinobori.
Since ancient times, carp have been said to be auspicious fish with strong vitality that can survive in any environment.
It is also customary to decorate the house with a helmet and eat chimaki and kashiwamochi.

·hiking
May is the perfect time to be outdoors as the weather continues to be warm and stable. Many people visit famous azaleas, or go hiking to see waterfalls and temples in the mountains, which are called power spots. The rainy season starts in June and it gets hot and humid, so May is the best time to go hiking.

How was it?
Spring is the perfect season to go out.
The flowers that bloom at different times of the year make it possible to enjoy a variety of spring scenery.
By all means, please experience the events unique to Japan along with the spring flowers.