Newsletter/Hamamatsu City

Issue No. 12, Spring 2011: Flower Viewing in Hamamatsu

“Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
Across the Spring sky,
As far as you can see…”

Perhaps you may not recognise these translated verses, however, have you ever heard of the traditional Japanese folk song, Sakura? Although winter is still holding on and resisting on leaving us, with flowers in vibrant colours making their showcase across Hamamatsu, it is difficult not to notice that spring is just around the corner.

Plum blossoms in late February
in Hamamatsu

The season of spring has a special meaning to the Japanese people. Opposed to the calm climate it brings upon this island country, spring also signifies the beginning of an unsettling period where many changes occur. April 1st of every year is when the new fiscal year begins in Japan, and around the same time is when educational institutes across Japan begin their new academic year. Consequently, many changes occur within society, ceremonies welcoming new students and staff, ceremonies bidding goodbye to departing students and staff, people relocating themselves to an unfamiliar location as they begin their new lives studying or working at a new location etc., all these events take place in early spring.

The Cherry blossom has long been representation as the image of spring in Japan. It is a popular icon nationally and internationally, and the Japanese people take pride in and admire the transient beauty of Cherry blossoms. As a result, many theories have been developed regarding the Cherry blossoms. Today the Cherry blossom is linked to innocence, purely and the season of spring. The bloom of the Cherry blossom coincides with the unsettling period in Japan where there is a mix of feelings from the departures, separations and fresh starts may be one of the reasons why spring is so significant and highly regarded in Japan.

Hanami

Despite the flustering and emotional events happening during this period, there is an unofficial national event that Japanese people participate in throughout the country where they stop, relax, and enjoy themselves. The activity of gathering together and holding flower viewing parties, Hanami, is a popular event throughout Japan where people enjoy the short-lived beauty of the flowers. Besides the popular Cherry blossom, other popular flowers on display include the Plum blossom, which blooms from mid-January to early March and the Peach blossom, which blooms about the same time as Cherry blossoms. Recently, flowers from the west have also gained popularity in Japan, such as the Tulip, Hyacinth and Poppy Anemone. Blessed with a mild climate and an abundance of nature, there are plenty of places in Hamamatsu showcasing the beauty of these spring flowers.

There are many parks in Hamamatsu holding special flower festivals during the expected bloom time of the flowers. With parks spread out all over Hamamatsu, you are sure to be able to visit one and enjoy the beautiful scenery for free. Or, if you would like to see Cherry blossoms in their full bloom, along with other species of flowers: Cherry blossoms, Peach blossoms, Tulips, Camellia, Azalea, etc., Hamamatsu Fruit Park, Hamamatsu Flower Park and Hamanako Garden Park would be highly recommended (entry fee required for Hamamatsu Fruit Park and Hamamatsu Flower Park). If you would like to celebrate the Japanese style and enjoy Hanami like the locals, then sitting under one of the trees at one of the parks in Hamamatsu is a must!

The Cherry blossoms shall come to bloom early April, so plan ahead and enjoy them while you can!

Hamamatsu Castle with Cherry Blossoms

Parks with Cherry blossoms events (Free of charge)

Naka-ward - Hamamatsu Castle Park - Sanaruko Park		Nishi-ward - Nishinoya Park - Miyakodagawa River
Kita-ward - Miyakodagawa River - Okuyama Park - Okuyama Highlands - Ona Peak - Shiroyama Park		Hamakita-ward - Gansuiji Temple - Gojinnyagawa River - Taiheiyo Fujimidaira
Tenryu-ward - Tobayama Park - Funagira Dam - Akiha Dam - Sakuma Dam - Mizuben

Parks with Cherry blossom and other flower events

- Hamamatsu Flower Park
- Hamamatsu Fruit Park
- Hamanako Garden Park

*As there are events being suspended due to the recent disaster in Tohoku, please check with the park in advance.

Page top

HAMAMATSU CITY

Newsletter