Japan: The Ephemeral Beauty of Sakura Through the Lens (Part 1)
- Olivier
- Apr 16
- 12 min read
Updated: Apr 19
Each spring, Japan is transformed beneath a delicate veil of pink and white. The cherry blossom, or sakura, blooms for just a few days, yet its presence shapes the nation’s culture, art, and collective spirit, renowned worldwide. But here in Japan, the sakura season is more than a natural phenomenon to celebrate. It is seen as a metaphor for life itself, fleeting and deeply moving.
© O. Robert
For over a thousand years, the Japanese have contemplated and immortalized these blossoms in poetry, painting, and philosophy. As a photographer who has spent decades capturing Japan’s landscapes, I have found that sakura offers a peculiar way to understand the country’s soul through the lens. The blossoms are not only a seasonal spectacle but a mirror reflecting the Japanese relationship with time, beauty, and impermanence.
Introduction
Each spring, as I frame branches heavy with petals against temple gates, castle walls, or modern cityscapes, I am reminded that sakura is not just a subject to photograph. It is an important cultural value. And though this season returns every year, it remains for me an endless source of new discoveries and unexpected encounters. From centuries-old specimens to newly planted rows, sakura offer an indispensable visual and cultural wealth for any photographer.
Though the cherry blossom season is famously fleeting, it isn’t truly short. At least not if you pay close attention to the full range of varieties planted across Japan, many of which lend quiet temples their unique charm. Every year, I begin sakura season with the same eager anticipation, influenced by the media’s tendency to exaggerate the ephemeral nature of the iconic species, the Somei-Yoshino. And yet, year after year, exhausted but determined, I find myself still immersed in photography more than a month later, chasing the last of the late-blooming cherries in secluded locations.
© O. Robert
I hope to share with you some of the knowledge I’ve gathered over the years on the subject, shaped by the encounters along my journey. My conversations with local experts have often illuminated my path through the fascinating world of sakura.
In a three-part article, I invite you to explore what makes sakura so cherished in the hearts of the Japanese.
In this Part 1, I explore the history of sakura in Japan, from their cultural and philosophical significance to their diverse varieties. I also discuss the delicate stages of blooming, a progression carefully observed, as each stage carries its own meaning and evokes a unique emotional experience.
In Part 2, I turn to the sakura zensen (cherry blossom front) and hanami, a tradition so rich and layered that it deserves its own dedicated section.
In Part 3, I reflect on sakura’s enduring presence in the arts (painting, poetry, and literature), along with Japan’s most iconic viewing spots and tips for capturing their beauty through photography. I’ll close with some final thoughts on why these blossoms continue to captivate us.
Note: These texts were originally written as a single (lengthy) article intended for print. I’ve divided it into three parts to make it easier to read online. While it’s most logical to read them in the order they were published, you’re welcome to explore them in any order you prefer. Just keep in mind that they are designed to complement one another.
Sakura Through History
The Heian Period: Sakura and the Imperial Court
During the Heian Period (794-1185), sakura was closely associated with the imperial court. The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century, frequently mentions cherry blossoms as symbols of beauty and the fleeting nature of life. The court’s aristocrats held elaborate hanami parties, composing poetry and enjoying music under the blossoms.
© O. Robert
The Samurai and Sakura
In the Kamakura (1185-1333) and Muromachi (1336-1573) periods, sakura took on a new meaning for the samurai class. The blossoms’ short lifespan mirrored the samurai’s code of bushido, which emphasized living with honor and accepting death without fear. Many samurai planted cherry trees in their gardens as a reminder of life’s impermanence. Something "The Last Samurai" movie elegantly reminded us of.
Sakura in the Edo Period: A Symbol of the People
The Edo Period saw sakura become a symbol of the common people. The Tokugawa shogunate planted cherry trees along rivers and in public spaces, making hanami accessible to all. This period also saw the rise of sakura mochi, a sweet rice cake wrapped in a salty cherry leaf, which remains a popular treat during the season. A specialty whose popularity owes more to tradition than to its taste, which, in my opinion, is rather questionable...
The Cultural and Philosophical Significance of Sakura
Mono no Aware: The Pathos of Things
The Japanese concept of mono no aware (物の哀れ) refers to the bittersweet awareness of impermanence. Sakura embodies this idea perfectly. The blossoms reach their peak beauty just before they fall, reminding us that all things; joy, life, and even beauty are fleeting. This philosophy is deeply embedded in Japanese aesthetics and daily life. It teaches appreciation for the present moment, a lesson that resonates in both ancient literature and modern photography.
© O. Robert
Wabi-Sabi: The Beauty of Imperfection
Sakura also reflects wabi-sabi (侘寂), the acceptance and celebration of imperfection. The petals, scattered by the wind, create a scene that is both chaotic and harmonious. Photographers and artists often seek to capture this balance, where the beauty lies not in perfection, but in the natural cycle of growth and decay. Read my article on The influence of Wabi-Sabi in photography, here.
© O. Robert
The Varieties of Sakura in Japan
Japan’s love for sakura has led to centuries of cultivation and hybridization. During the Edo Period, samurai and merchants competed to breed unique varieties, resulting in over 600 recorded types today. Each variety tells a story of nature, history, and the Japanese appreciation for beauty in all its forms.
It is usually safe to say that all sakura can be divided into two main categories: Yamazakura and Satozakura. Yamazakura, which translates literally to "Mountain cherry", refers to wild cherry trees that have not undergone crossbreeding or genetic manipulation.
Satozakura, which means "Village cherry", represent the group of sakura that are the result of human hybridization. This is the broad category of cultivated cherry trees that grow in residential areas, parks, and cities. It includes most of the species and cultivars that we find in Japan.
Although Yamazakura are wild and "natural", they are also a prominent part of the Japanese landscape and admired for their unique blooms. This is why I include them in the list below.
While the iconic Somei-Yoshino variety dominates the landscape, other varieties offer distinct colors, shapes, and historical ties. Here’s a closer look at some of the most notable types of sakura found in Japan, along with their botanical details and specificities (Unless otherwise noted, the photographs do not depict the species described).
© O. Robert
1. Kawazuzakura (河津桜)
Botanical Name: Prunus campulata var. speciosa (often classified as Prunus incisa × Prunus campulata).
Blossom Period: Late February to early March. It is one of the earliest blooming sakura varieties, often appearing a month before Somei-Yoshino.
Specificities:
Native to the Kawazu region in Shizuoka Prefecture, where it grows wild along riverbanks (Kawazu means "river port").
Features deep pink, bell-shaped flowers with 5 petals, giving it a distinctive. Blooms in dense clusters, creating a vibrant, eye-catching display.
Known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in warmer climates, making it a popular choice for early sakura festivals.
The trees are often smaller and bushier compared to other sakura mentioned below.
The Kawazu Sakura Festival (河津桜祭り), held annually in Kawazu Town, attracts visitors eager to experience sakura before the main season.
© O. Robert
2. Kanhizakura (寒緋桜)
Botanical Name: Prunus × incamp ‘Okame’
Blossom Period: Late February to early March.
Specificities:
One of the earliest blooming sakura, often appearing while snow is still on the ground.
Bright pink flowers with a vibrant, almost neon hue.
Cold-hardy and commonly planted in northern regions like Hokkaido.
A herald of spring, offering hope after the long winter.
Popular in modern landscaping for its early and vivid bloom.
© O. Robert
3. Somei-Yoshino (染井吉野)
Botanical Name: Prunus × yedoensis
Blossom Period: Late March to early April (varies by region).
Specificities:
The most famous and widely planted sakura in Japan, accounting for over 80% of cherry trees in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto (photo above).
Known for its pale pink, almost white petals and delicate, slightly fragrant flowers.
Blooms in clusters of 4-5 petals, creating a cloud-like effect when in full bloom.
Symbolizes the official start of sakura season and is the star of most hanami celebrations.
Often planted along rivers, in parks, and near historic sites.
4. Yamazakura (山桜)
Botanical Name: Prunus jamasakura
Blossom Period: Early to mid-April.
Specificities:
Wild cherry, native to Japan’s mountainous regions, including Hokkaido and the Kanto area.
Smaller, darker pink flowers with 5 petals, often growing wild in forests and rural areas.
Leaves appear shortly after the blossoms, unlike Somei-Yoshino, which blooms before leafing.
Hardier and more resistant to disease than cultivated varieties.
Revered in folklore and traditional poetry as a symbol of natural, untamed beauty.
Often associated with rural landscapes and traditional Japanese gardens.
Shidarezakura at Taizo-in Temple, Kyoto © O. Robert
5. Shidarezakura (枝垂桜)
Botanical Name: Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula’
Blossom Period: Early to mid-April.
Specificities:
Weeping cherry, known for its cascading branches, which create a dramatic, waterfall-like effect.
Flowers range from pale pink to deep pink, with 5 petals.
Often planted near temples, ponds, and historic estates for its ornamental value.
One of the oldest cultivated varieties, with records dating back to the Heian Period (794-1185).
A favorite subject in classical poetry and ukiyo-e prints.
Famous locations: Maruyama Park, Kodaiji and Taizo-in Temples (Kyoto, photo above) and Miharu Takizakura (Fukushima), a 1.000-year-old weeping cherry tree.
© O. Robert
6. Yaezakura (八重桜)
Botanical Name: Prunus serrulata (and hybrids)
Blossom Period: Mid to late April.
Specificities:
Double flowered-cherry, it features multiple layers of petals (10-50 per flower), giving a lush, almost rose-like appearance.
Colors range from pale pink to deep magenta.
Blooms later than Somei-Yoshino, extending the sakura season.
Includes popular sub-varieties like Kanzan (関山) and Fugenzo (普賢象), (7&8 below).
Often planted in gardens and parks for its opulent, romantic aesthetic.
Associated with the late Edo Period, when double-flowered varieties became fashionable among the elite.
Osaka Castle Yagura © O. Robert
7. Kanzan (関山)
Botanical Name: Prunus serrulata ‘Kanzan’
Blossom Period: Mid to late April.
Specificities:
One of the most striking yaezakura varieties, with deep pink, double-layered petals.
Blooms in large, dense clusters, creating a vibrant canopy.
Introduced to Japan from China but widely cultivated during the Meiji Period (1868-1912).
A symbol of luxury and refinement, often planted in aristocratic gardens and modern urban parks.
8. Fugenzo (普賢象)
Botanical Name: Prunus serrulata ‘Fugenzo’
Blossom Period: Mid-April.
Specificities:
Named for its unique petal shape, resembling the ears of an elephant (a reference to the Buddhist deity Samantabhadra, who rides an elephant).
Flowers are pale pink with greenish tips, giving a two-toned effect.
Rare and highly prized for its unusual appearance.
Often found in temple gardens, symbolizing spiritual beauty.
© O. Robert
9. Omurozakura (御室桜)
Botanical Name: Prunus serrulata ‘Omuro’.
Blossom Period: Mid to late April. One of the latest-blooming sakura varieties, often peaking 2-3 weeks after Somei-Yoshino.
Specificities:
Named after Ninnaji Temple in Kyoto (historically called Omuro Imperial Palace), where it was first cultivated. Over 200 trees are planted and date back to the early Edo period (photo below).
Features small, pale pink to white double flowers (10-20 petals per blossom), giving it a delicate, almost cloud-like appearance.
Known for its compact, rounded tree shape and dense clusters of blossoms, creating a lush, romantic canopy.
Thrives in temple gardens and traditional landscapes, often planted alongside other late-blooming varieties to extend the sakura season.
Omurozakura at Ninnaji Temple, Kyoto © O. Robert
10. Satozakura (里桜)
Botanical Name: Prunus × (hybrids of Prunus speciosa, Prunus jamasakura, and other native species). Some examples of varieties: Ukon (雲錦), Gyoiko (行幸), Kikuzakura (菊桜)
Blossom Period: Mid to late April, with some varieties blooming into early May. The exact timing varies widely depending on the specific cultivar.
Specificities:
Flowers range in color from pale pink to deep magenta, and even white. Some varieties feature double petals (yaezakura), while others have unique shapes like chrysanthemum-like blooms.
Typically smaller and bushier than Somei-Yoshino, making them well-suited for gardens, rural landscapes, and small community spaces.
Unlike cloned varieties like Somei-Yoshino, Satozakura are often seed-grown, leading to a wide range of colors, shapes, and blooming times.
Hardier and more adaptable to different climates, including warmer regions where Somei-Yoshino may struggle.
Of course, attempting to compile a comprehensive list of every existing sakura variety would be futile and ultimately pointless, except perhaps for scientific or botanical purposes. Many varieties are so similar that distinguishing between them is nearly impossible. The species and cultivars mentioned above represent the sakura most commonly planted in Japan’s urban spaces and parks.
My passion for the subject and my research have led me to discover, here and there, unique or spectacular varieties, such as the Kenrokuen Kikuzakura (native to Kenrokuen Garden), which boasts flowers with 300 petals! For comparison, Somei-Yoshino blossoms have only 5 petals. However, the rarity of a variety, no matter how magnificent, does not automatically make it an interesting photographic subject.
Somei-Yoshino at Himeji Castle © O. Robert
The Stages of Sakura Blooming
In Japan, the stages of sakura blooming are carefully observed and described using specific terms. Photographers, poets, and hanami enthusiasts pay special attention to these stages, as each offers unique visual and emotional experiences. From the anticipation of Tsubomi to the melancholy beauty of Hana no nagori, here are the key stages, along with their definitions and approximate percentages of bloom (Unless otherwise noted, the photographs do not depict the stages described).
1. Tsubomi (蕾, "Bud Opening")
Description: The first stage, where buds begin to swell and show hints of color, but the petals are not yet visible.
Bloom Percentage: 0% (buds are still closed).
Timing: Typically occurs 1-2 weeks before full bloom, depending on weather conditions.
© O. Robert
2. Kaika (開花, "Start of Blooming")
Description: The official start of the sakura season, declared when 5-6 flowers on a sample tree open. This stage is closely monitored by the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) to announce the beginning of the season.
Bloom Percentage: ~5-10%.
Timing: Marks the beginning of the blossom period, usually lasting 3-5 days before moving to the next stage.
3. Ichirin (一輪, "One Flower") to Goka (五花, "Five Flowers")
Description: These terms describe the gradual opening of flowers on a single branch. Ichirin refers to the first flower, while Goka indicates five flowers open on a branch.
Bloom Percentage: ~10-30%.
Timing: Occurs in the days following kaika, as more flowers begin to open.
4. Nichirin (二輪, "Two Flowers") to Rokurin (六輪, "Six Flowers")
Description: Intermediate stages where the number of open flowers increases steadily (from 2 to 6 flowers per branch).
Bloom Percentage: ~30-50%.
Timing: Typically 3-7 days after kaika, depending on temperature and weather.
5. Hachibu-zaki (八分咲き) ("80% Bloom")
Description: The majority of flowers on the tree are open, but not yet at peak density. The branches are visibly filled with blossoms, but some buds may still be closed.
Bloom Percentage: ~70-80%.
Timing: Usually occurs 5-10 days after kaika, signaling that full bloom is imminent.
© O. Robert
6. Mankai (満開, "Full Bloom")
Description: The most iconic stage, where 80-90% of the flowers on the tree are fully open. The tree appears as a dense cloud of pink or white, creating the classic sakura scenery.
Bloom Percentage: 80-100%.
Timing: Lasts roughly 3-7 days, depending on weather conditions like wind and rain. This is the peak period for hanami (flower viewing).
7. Chūra (散り始め, "Start of Falling")
Description: Petals begin to fall from the tree, creating a "sakura snow" effect. The ground becomes carpeted with petals, and the branches start to thin out.
Bloom Percentage: ~70-50% (flowers begin to drop).
Timing: Begins toward the end of mankai, usually 5-7 days after full bloom.
© O. Robert
8. Sakura Fubuki (桜吹雪, "Cherry Blossom Blizzard")
Description: A magical phenomenon where falling cherry blossom petals are caught by the wind, swirling through the air like snowflakes. This creates a dreamlike, almost surreal atmosphere, often depicted in poetry, art, and photography. The ground, rivers, and streets become blanketed in a soft layer of pink or white petals.
Timing: Primarily during Chūra and Chirimankai (below), usually 5-10 days after full bloom (mankai).
9. Chirimankai (散り満開, "Full Scatter") or Hanaikada (花筏, "Flower Rafts")
Description: Petals cover the ground, rivers, and ponds, creating stunning visuals of pink or white "rafts" floating on water. The trees appear sparse, with only a few flowers remaining.
Bloom Percentage: ~30-10%.
Timing: Occurs 1-2 weeks after mankai, marking the end of the sakura season.
10. Hana no Nagori (花の名残, "Lingering Flowers")
Description: The final stage, where only a few flowers remain on the branches, and the leaves begin to emerge. This stage evokes a sense of nostalgia and the end of the season.
Bloom Percentage: <10%.
Timing: Signals the transition to spring greenery and the end of hanami.
© O. Robert
The Journey Goes On
As we’ve explored, sakura are far more than delicate blossoms symbolizing the arrival of spring.
They are living symbols of Japan’s cultural soul, woven into its history, philosophy, and daily life. From their ancient varieties to the poetic stages of blooming, each petal tells a story of renewal and beauty.
But the journey doesn’t end here. If sakura are the heart of spring in Japan, then the sakura zensen (the cherry blossom front) and the tradition of hanami are its pulsing rhythm. How does a nation track this fleeting wave of pink? And how do millions of people, from Kyushu to Hokkaido, come together to celebrate it?
In Part 2: Japan: Hanami, the Heritage of Sakura Viewing, we’ll dive into the science, culture, and sheer magic of the sakura zensen. We'll uncover why hanami is a tradition that captivates Japan and the world, year after year.
