It’s Here!! Cherry Blossom Season in Japan
Japan has now officially entered spring, which means it’s time for the much-anticipated sakura season! This year, the blooms started on March 22 in Fukuoka and Tokyo, making them some of the first places to witness the blossoms beginning to bloom.
But sakura isn’t just about beautiful scenery—it has a huge impact on Japan’s economy, especially in tourism. In 2024, tourist spending surged by 50%, and the number of transactions rose by 43%. Visitors from abroad flocked to Japan, with Germans increasing their spending by 110%, and Filipino tourists rising by 85%.
And it’s not just Tokyo or Osaka that benefit. Secondary cities like Kyoto, Nara, Mie, and Ishikawa have also had more visitors, giving their local economies a major boost in a short time. Local businesses are thriving—from hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, all reporting booming sales. Many places are rolling out special sakura-themed menus and seasonal limited-edition products. Shops are also decorating their spaces to match the cherry blossom atmosphere, making customers feel like visiting is a must.
Beyond the financial impact, sakura holds deep cultural meaning in Japan. The Japanese have long felt a strong connection to cherry blossoms, which symbolize the beauty of short-lived moments and the impermanence of life—a core part of Japanese philosophy known as “Mono no aware”, which appreciates the beauty in things that don’t last forever.
During World War II, sakura was even used to boost the morale of soldiers. But today, it has become a symbol of new beginnings, hope, and celebration. The beloved tradition of hanami—picnicking under the blooming cherry trees—is something everyone looks forward to.
It’s not just tourism and food that benefit from the sakura season—other industries are tapping into its popularity too. Cosmetic brands use sakura extract in skincare products for its anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and skin-nourishing properties. Global brands like Starbucks and KitKat release special cherry blossom-flavored products with charming seasonal packaging every year, turning sakura into a short-term sales trend.
Sakura isn’t just a flower that blooms for a few weeks—it’s a powerful force of culture and economy that drives Japan forward throughout the year. It also makes Japan the center of the world’s attention every spring season.
Reference
- Popular tags | Cherry Blossom
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