The Best of Cherry Blossoms in Japan with Simon Rickard
For the Japanese, the Yoshino cherry is the harbinger of spring, just as the daffodil is for British gardeners. Cherry blossom time in Japan can be very cold and inclement, but when the sunshine comes out and reveals the cherries in full bloom, we can glimpse some of the most beautiful scenes in horticulture.
Simon's Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
Simon Rickard has led many of Botanica’s cherry blossom tours in Japan for sixteen years. Read on to hear about his travels with Botanica, and see some of his favourite photos that he has taken from his best viewing spots along the way.
Uwajima Castle
Nowadays, Uwajima is a quiet fishing village, very much off the beaten tourist path. An old castle sits high above the town, lonely and quiet, set in a grove of cherry trees, in a most poignant reminder of Uwajima’s samurai past.
Miyajima
We arrive at the island of Miyajima by tender, which is enormous fun. We see the great, vermillion torii gate of Itsukushima shrine, rising out of the sea, surrounded by red shrine buildings, which make an electric backdrop to the pastel cherry blossoms.
Kōrakuen
Considered one of the three best gardens in Japan, Kōrakuen in the city of Okayama, has grove of venerable cherry trees tucked over to one side. We always see bridal couples having their wedding photos taken underneath the blossom, dressed in their traditional wedding finery.
Along any City Canal
You don’ need to visit a garden to see cherry trees in Japan. They are planted along canals in every city. It’s heartwarming to see ordinary people promenading and picnicking under cherries in full bloom, soaking up the spring sun, taking selfies with their loved ones.
Kenrokuen
Another of the three best gardens in Japan is Kenrokuen, in the city of Kanazawa. The old castle ramparts sit atop a cloud of Yoshino cherry blossom, and the garden’s unique Yaezakura cherries form a fluffy pink backdrop to its famous pine trees.
