Spring Flowers to see in Japan
Bunkyo Tsutsuji Azalea Festival at Nezu Shrine in Bunkyo
lucius Hunter, Unsplash
In Japan, spring is much more than just a season: it's a fervently awaited spectacle. While cherry blossoms are the most popular flowers in the archipelago at this time of year, they're not the only ones to grace the gardens. Discover 13 emblematic spring flowers in Japan with Japan Experience.
1. Camellia
Called tsubaki in Japanese, the camellia is a very popular flower in Japan. Popular in traditional gardens, it heralds winter blooms well into March. Not only are its colors appreciated, but its seeds are also used to produce oil for cosmetic purposes.
When? December to March
Our favorite spots:
Camélia
@Unsplash
2. Kawazu Zakura
This variety of sakura is famous for its early flowering, starting in February. Native to the town of Kawazu (Izu Peninsula), Kawazu Zakura are known for their bright pink color, heralding the end of winter. They are usually found along rivers.
When? February to early March
Our favorite spot: Kawazu River in Shizuoka Prefecture!
Kawazu zakura (Kawazu)
@Unsplash
3. Plum trees
Symbols of resilience plum trees (ume) herald the start of spring when they bloom. They bloom in a variety of different colors and fill the air with a delicious fragrance. You can admire them everywhere, even in big cities.
When? February to mid-March
Our favorite spots:
Plum blossom
@征宇 郑 on Pexels
4. Cherry trees
Cherry blossom season is often referred to as the best time to travel in Japan. True symbols of the archipelago, sakura trees enjoy a short two-week blooming period, celebrated during hanami, when the Japanese gather under the trees to admire the flowers. There are over 200 varieties of cherry tree, so you can admire their blossoms from February to May, although the Somei Yoshino, the most widespread variety on the archipelago, blooms at the end of March.
When? Late February to early May, depending on variety and geographical area
Our favorite spots: Discover the best places to admire cherry blossoms all over Japan here!
Tsuyama under the cherry trees
@denteru on wikimedia, royalty-free
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The Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass is a single pass giving unlimited access to the JR (Japan Railways) network in Japan for 7, 14 or 21 days. It's the most economical and by far the most practical option for those wishing to travel by train in Japan.
Shinkansen
@unsplash
5. Tulips
Imported from the Netherlands as a sign of goodwill towards Japan, tulips have been blooming on the archipelago for several hundred years. Thousands of them can be found from north to south, particularly in large flower parks.
When? April to early May
Our favorite spot: Tonami Tulip Park in Toyama Prefecture, with its two million tulips of 600 different species!
Tonami Tulip Park
@Wikimedia
6. Mizubasho
These small, white, lantern-like flowers grow everywhere in Japanese forests. They like damp areas and herald snowmelt in the mountains.
When do they bloom? April
Our favorite spots:
Mizubasho flowers
alpsdake, wikimedias
7. Shibazakura
Also known as "lawn cherries," shibazakura are small white or pink flowers that grow low to the ground. They can be found both in the wild and in large parks, and their colors are a delight to photographers.
When? April to May
Our favorite spot: discover the best places to admire shibazakura here!
Fuji Shibazakura
@t.kunikuni on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0
8. Azaleas
The Japanese azalea is a flowering bush with a wide variety of colors. It can be found on hillsides but can also be admired in temples and city parks.
When? April to May
Our favorite spots:
In spring, azaleas bloom in Ashikaga Park.
Living Japan
Are you a nature lover? Discover our outdoor activities all over Japan!
9. Wisteria
Also known as Fuji in Japanese, wisteria are highly prized in Japan for their large clusters of flowers. They can be found in temples and parks alike and are a photographer's delight when they form veritable tunnels of color!
When? April to May
Our favorite spot: Aashikaga Floral Park to admire the cascades of flowers!
Ashikaga Great Wisteria Festival
@Kinhaku on Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
10. Nemophiles
These small, pale blue flowers bloom in fields of Japan. Often surrounded by other flowers, nemophiles create magnificent landscapes in spring!
When? April to May
Our favorite spot : The Hhtachi Kaihin Park in Ibaraki Prefecture!
Hitachi Seaside Park
@JNTO
11. Iris
Associated with early summer, Japanese irises seduce from late spring with their long, brightly colored flowers. They often grow near water, in gardens with ponds.
When? Late May to early June
Our favorite spots :
Purple irises in Nara's iris park
663highland, wikimedias
12. Roses
There are an enormous number of rose gardens throughout the archipelago! Roses can bloom from May through to summer, and sometimes even into November, depending on the variety. This makes them one of the easiest flowers to admire on a trip to Japan!
When? May to June
Our favorite spots:
Nakanoshima Rose Garden
@Adrian Udarbe on Unsplash
13. Hydrangeas
Synonymous with the rainy season, the hydrangea brings the fine days of spring to a close. Although its color changes according to the acidity of the soil, it can be found everywhere in the archipelago, especially in temples and shrines, where its contrast with the wooden buildings makes it very photogenic.
When? June
Our favorite spots:
Hydrangeas at Hakusan Shrine in Bunkyo
raita Futo, wikimedias
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