Top 10 Most Popular Cherry Blossom Varieties in Japan

Shidarezakura cherry blossoms are planted in rows along the streets of the samurai district Kakunodate. The oldest and largest Shidarezakura tree, Miharu Takizakura, is located in Fukushima Prefecture and is over 1000 years old.

The main allure of Shidarezakura cherry blossoms lies in their long, drooping branches that seem to invite gentle touches from admirers. Shidarezakura blossoms are divided into two types: one with five petals and another with more petals, typically blooming in early April and boasting a relatively long lifespan.

Yamazakura is the wildest cherry blossom variety in Japan, predominantly found on Mount Yoshinoyama in Nara, blooming throughout spring. Yoshinoyama is a mountain in Nara and one of the most stunning cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, offering a wild, picturesque landscape filled with endless cherry blossoms every April.

The petals of Yamazakura cherry blossoms are light pink and slightly smaller than those of Yoshino, though both varieties have a similar number of petals.

Ichiyo is a popular cherry blossom variety in the Kanto region, typically blooming in mid-April. This type is classified as a late-blooming cherry blossom, featuring around 20 to 30 petals with a lovely soft pink hue, interspersed with vibrant green buds when in full bloom.

Beyond the Kanto region, visitors can also admire Ichiyo cherry blossoms in parks and gardens across Japan.

As mentioned earlier, Edohigan Zakura is one of the two cherry blossom varieties used to breed and create Yoshino cherry blossoms. Edohigan Zakura is primarily found in the Kanto region, as it cannot thrive in areas like Okinawa or Hokkaido.

The oldest Edohigan cherry tree in Japan, planted by Emperor Keitai in the 6th century, is located in Usuzumi Park in Gifu Prefecture. This tree stands 16 meters tall and is approximately 1500 years old. Edohigan blossoms are smaller than Yoshino and bloom in late March, though the timing may vary depending on weather conditions.

Kanhizakura is the most popular cherry blossom variety in Okinawa, located in southern Japan. These blossoms typically bloom from mid-January to February, though on Honshu Island, they bloom later, around early March.

The Kanhizakura flower resembles a small bell, with deep pink petals similar to apricot blossoms and five petals each. Mount Yaedake in Okinawa is home to thousands of Kanhizakura trees, making it an ideal cherry blossom viewing spot in Japan.

Kazan cherry blossoms belong to the Yaezakura variety, known for their multi-petaled flowers. Each blossom features 30 to 50 petals, displaying a deep pink hue that stands out against the brown foliage. New leaves begin to emerge before the flowers fade, and the blooming period typically ends by late April each year.

Kikuzakura cherry blossoms are renowned as the 'hundred-petal' cherry blossoms, blooming very late from late April to early May. For this variety, flowers and leaves typically appear simultaneously. The leaves of Kikuzakura are larger than those of all other cherry blossom varieties mentioned above. In Tokyo, these blossoms are widely planted in parks and Japanese gardens.

Yoshino cherry blossoms are the most popular variety in Japan, primarily cultivated during the Eldo period, blooming in April and reaching their peak by late April. This variety is a hybrid of Edohigan Zakura and Oshimazakura. The petals are light pink, though they may appear white at a glance.

Each Yoshino cherry blossom has five petals. During the blooming period, no new leaves appear until the petals fall. Hirosaki Park is now home to the largest number of Yoshino cherry trees, hosting an annual festival from late March to early April.

The peaceful small town of Kawazu has long been famous for its early-blooming cherry blossoms, known as Kawazuzakura. When February arrives, the town becomes even more vibrant and lively, as the Kawazuzakura Cherry Blossom Festival is just around the corner, attracting flower enthusiasts from around the world.

Kawazuzakura cherry blossoms feature five petals with a pink hue, and their petals are generally larger than those of other cherry blossom varieties. During peak bloom, the trees also sprout fresh green buds, creating a refreshing and lively atmosphere. The lifespan of Kawazuzakura blossoms is notably longer compared to other cherry blossoms in Japan.

Takato Kohigan cherry blossoms are exclusive to the park within Takato Castle in Nagano Prefecture, home to over 1500 trees. These blossoms typically bloom in April, featuring five petals with a delicate reddish-pink hue.

Today, the park at Takato Castle has become a premier cherry blossom viewing spot for both locals and tourists visiting Japan. Every April, the park hosts captivating cherry blossom festivals that attract many visitors.