What is Sakura: 13 Cherry Blossoms Types in Japan

Sakura, or cherry blossoms, hold a special place in Japanese culture. These delicate pink flowers symbolize the fleeting beauty of life and the arrival of spring. An important part of Japanese tradition, sakura has inspired art, poetry and festivals for centuries.

This article unravels the essence of sakura, both as the Japanese word for cherry blossoms and as a cultural symbol in Japan. Sakura refers to the flowers themselves as well as their deeper meaning in Japanese society. The article explores the meaning and history of cherry blossoms in Japan, the role of the sakura tree in society, different types of cherry blossom trees, hanami traditions, sakura-flavored foods, and tips for seeking sakura on your trip to Japan.

Sakura, or cherry blossoms as you might know them, are perhaps Japan’s most famous tree. These cherry trees, of which there are wide varieties, produce gorgeous, delicate blossoms in shades of pink, white and even yellow.

In Japanese culture, sakura have long been associated with renewal and hope, likely because they symbolise the arrival of spring. Their fleeting blossoms, which usually last around two weeks, serve as a reminder of the impermanence of life. 

Unlike many spring flowers that are valued for longevity or fragrance, the sakura flower is prized precisely because it does not last. Its short blooming period is part of a cultural mindset that values timing, restraint and awareness of change. The capricious sakura remind viewers to appreciate everything around them, because it won’t last forever. This is partly why sakura flower viewing became a seasonal ritual rather than a decorative tradition, setting it apart from other floral celebrations around the world. 

Historically, the sakura tree was not just admired, but also used as a seasonal meeting place. Communities gathered beneath blooming trees to mark agricultural transitions, social milestones and the start of spring labor. This practical role helped transform the sakura tree from a natural feature into a shared cultural landmark across regions of Japan.

Sakura is Japanese for cherry blossom, but its etymology is somewhat debated. There are many rumors and tales about the origin of the word sakura (桜) in the Japanese language, but the simplest explanation is that sakura simply means “cherry blossom” and comes from the Japanese word for “bloom” (咲: saku). 

It can also be associated with “smile” or “laugh,” perhaps alluding to the joy that these flowers bring to the people of Japan. Look at the two kanji side by side, and you’ll see that there’s certainly enough similarity to support this idea:

• 桜 Sakura
• 咲 Bloom

While sakura literally refers to cherry blossoms, the meaning shifts depending on how it is used. In literature, it often signals a turning point or farewell. In conversation, it can suggest freshness or a new beginning. This flexible usage allows sakura to function as both a concrete object and an abstract idea in Japanese communication.

Would you believe that the Japanese people once preferred ume plum blossoms to cherry blossoms? 

It wasn’t until the Heian Period (794-1191) that the nobles of the time turned their attention to the pink petals of sakura, recognizing their beauty through art and literature. Around this period, cherry blossoms inspired many poems, paintings and songs, and the cultural power of the sakura petal began to grow.

The first hanami cherry blossom viewing is believed to have been held by Emperor Saga in 812, at Kyoto's famous Shinsen-en Garden. At the time, only the rich and powerful would have been invited to celebrate sakura in a way that continues today through music, songs, seasonal delicacies and sake.

To continue this tradition each year, the Emperor and his court planted sakura all around their properties and surrounding landscapes. As a result, the cherry blossom also soon became a symbol of Imperial power.

Because of the fleeting nature of cherry blossom petals, the flower was also used to symbolize the short but spectacular lives of samurai between 1185 and 1868. Later, during World War II, this same symbol would adorn the planes of kamikaze pilots before they embarked on suicide missions, turning the pilots into “beautiful falling cherry petals for the emperor.”

Today, this association with Japanese Imperialism is no longer recognized. Instead, the cherry blossom represents renewal and the transience of life, closely connected to Buddhist themes. For many people in Japan, the sakura flower now marks life transitions such as graduation, relocation, or starting a new job. The sakura tree has become a quiet witness to change rather than a symbol of authority.

Hanami, which literally translates to “viewing the flowers,” is the custom of enjoying cherry blossoms outdoors, usually by having a picnic beneath their branches with family and friends.

This often includes a variety of popular hanami foods, such as sakura mochi, cherry blossom-shaped or flavored wagashi sweets and hanami dango, tri-colored sticks of mochi with green, pink and white rice cakes. Which reminds us.

Hana-yori-dango (花より団子) is a humorous hanami-related proverb in Japan. It pokes fun at people who join hanami celebrations mainly to enjoy the food and drink, rather than focusing on the flowers themselves. Guilty!

Not every sakura tree in Japan exists equally for our viewing pleasure. Some varieties evolved naturally in mountainous regions, while others were selectively cultivated for petal density, bloom timing and visual impact. This distinction explains why some sakura trees dominate urban parks while others remain tied to specific landscapes and regions.

Almost 80% of sakura trees in Japan are the Somei Yoshino variety. These cherry blossoms usually bloom in late March and their flowers last for around 10 days. They’re instantly recognizable by their pastel-pink petals, which typically number five. Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms are the most prevalent type of sakura thanks to intentional cultivation throughout much of Japan.

The Yamazakura species of cherry blossom is also native to Japan and grows in the wild. It can usually be found beautifying the mountains of Japan’s main Honshu island.

Yamazakura also has five petals with white and light pink flowers, but their blossoms appear at the same time as its leaves. This gives the tree a more “wild” appearance

Mt. Yoshino is one of the best places to see the Yamazakura variety, where it paints the mountainside in an unforgettable pink.

Shidare Zakura are the famous “weeping cherry trees,” and they’re truly a sight to behold. With drooping branches that create ceilings of white and pink along park paths throughout Japan, they’re among the most unique cherry trees in the country.

With a lifespan of around 300 years, they’re also one of the long-lived cherry trees. There’s even a Shidare Zakura tree in Fukushima that’s believed to be 1,000 years old.

Translating to “cold sakura” (寒桜), Kanzakura is one of the earliest bloomers, sometimes flowering as early as January, which is still very much winter in Japan, though they are most frequently one of the first cherry blossoms to bloom in early March, just before the main flush.

Kanhizakura is typically found in southern Japan, including Kyushu and Okinawa, where this cherry blossom is native. Compared to the iconic sakura shape that most people know and love, the Kanhizakura has a distinctive bell-shaped appearance and is often a deep pink color.

In southern Japan, where the sakura season begins earlier, these blossoms can be seen flowering between January and February.

Kawazuzakura is named after Kawazu Town on the Izu Peninsula, where it was first cultivated. From mid-February to March, the town hosts the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, allowing visitors to explore a new destination in Japan while enjoying sakura at the same time. You also have more time to plan your visit, as this cherry blossom tree can flower for as long as a month.

Ichiyo has around 20 light pink petals per blossom, which contrast beautifully against its green leaves. The Ichiyo species is one of the most common varieties of late-blooming cherry trees and can be found in many parks across Japan.

Shogetsu is another late-blooming cherry blossom, flowering from mid to late April. It features large white blossoms, each with about 20-30 petals set against fresh green leaves.

The Kanzan variety of cherry blossom tree is known for its “double blossoms,” featuring more than 20 petals on each vivid, pink flower.

Even among this list of cherry blossoms, the Ukon sakura tree stands out for its unique yellow-green blossoms. Even in a sea of pastel pinks, it knows how to make a statement. Like the varieties above, its flowers also feature more than 20 petals each.

Increasing the petal count even further, the Fugenzo variety displays blossoms with between 30 and 40 petals. Blooming in mid to late April, this cherry tree gives you plenty of time to plan your hanami cherry blossom viewing picnics before it fades.

While the blossoms first appear as a light pink, they deepen in color over time and are set against coppery brown leaves.

Refusing to lose the spotlight, the Kikuzakura, also known as the Chrysanthemum Cherry, is famous for its blossoms with around 100 petals. Flowering from late April to early May, this late bloomer makes up for its timing with impressively large blossoms.

Fun fact: Any cherry blossoms with more than five petals are known as yaezakura.

If you’re visiting Japan in the fall, don’t worry. There’s still a cherry blossom tree waiting for you in the form of the Jugatsuzakura, known as the “Autumn Cherry” for obvious reasons. Blooming between October and January, depending on the location, this is a great cherry tree for sakura photo shoots if you cannot visit during spring.

Because each sakura tree variety blooms at a different time, the sakura season is not a single event but a gradual progression. Early, mid, and late bloomers allow sakura flowers to appear from winter through spring, which is why cherry blossom viewing can span several months depending on location and species.

Available only from around late March to early April, this Tokyo cherry blossom tour is everything you could want from the sakura season in Japan’s capital.

To start, you’ll escape the go-to cherry blossom spots and their crowds for Yanaka, often called Old Tokyo for its traditional backstreets, temples and shrines. You’ll stroll through these areas as an expert guide shares the neighborhood’s history, explains the importance of sakura season in Japan and introduces you to local specialties. 

Be sure to save room for your seasonal bento, complete with homemade onigiri rice balls!

Kyoto is one of the most stunning areas of Japan at any time of year, captivating travelers year-round with its historic architecture, elegant geisha, mindful tea ceremonies and countless centuries-old shrines and temples.

This cherry blossom tour skips the usual tourist traps and takes you to Demachiyanagi, an area often overlooked by first-time visitors. You will visit Simogamo Shrine, Kawai Shrine and the local shopping arcade of Masugata Shotengai. 

Along the way, you will enjoy strolling beside the cherry blossom-lined banks of Kyoto's Kamo and Takano rivers and see the unique fire symbols of Mt. Daimonji. This is sakura season as you’ve never experienced it before.

Find out more: Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

After exploring Dotonbori and enjoying its famous street foods, leave the neon lights behind and head to the lesser-visited neighborhood of Karahori. Here, you’ll discover one of Osaka’s more nostalgic areas, paired with seasonal snacks of the modern day.

Wander the backstreets, explore hidden gardens and take in the sights of Osaka, all set against a backdrop of cherry blossoms.

Find out more: Cherry Blossoms in Osaka

For more information on when and where to see sakura in Japan, keep our Cherry Blossom Forecast nearby.

While most people associate sakura with visual beauty, the sakura flower is experienced through scent, texture, and atmosphere as well. From petals floating on water to preserved blossoms used in seasonal foods, sakura engages multiple senses before it ever reaches the palate.

Sakura has a subtly sweet taste with a delicate floral scent and flavor profile. Some people describe it as having a gentle cherry essence, or even almond or vanilla, but don’t expect the bold punch of artificial cherry-flavored snacks or drinks. Much like the blossoms themselves, sakura-flavored treats are often light and elegant.

For a real taste of sakura as we enjoy its delicate flavor in the 21st century, you need to try your hand at making this sakura chiffon cake with a Tokyo cooking class. 

The experience begins with an icebreaker and an overview of the day’s menu before you start making a fresh meringue. Once it’s ready, you can get creative as you decorate your chiffon cake with luxurious cream. 

Which flavor are you most tempted by? Matcha (green tea), cocoa, black tea, strawberry, yuzu or the only correct choice for the season, sakura.

Find out more: Sakura Recipe: Sweet-Tart Meringues

While you’re here, add a few of the best things to do in Japan this spring to your to-do list, try the season’s best sakura snacks and discover Nakameguro’s cherry blossom festival.