It’s actually the first day of Spring today! I thought so. It’s my favorite season because of the Cherry Blossom aka Sakura. The annual Cherry Blossom season in Japan is very special. Many people all around Japan celebrate Hanami which is a flower viewing. A time to watch the flowers bloom, be with friends and loved ones, and have a picnic under the trees. The cherry blossom is the unofficial national flower of Japan. I feel the Cherry Blossom is one of my lucky flowers because a lot of amazing things have happened to me in the Spring time for many years now. I believe it’s my lucky flower so much that I have written not one, but two songs about Sakura.
Sakura Wonderland: https://open.spotify.com/track/362Rs7ROKNmJiv0kd2mFNj?si=r3S31Sj1SMiob01szy6HFQ
Sakura in Mitaka: https://open.spotify.com/track/4YwGT9oCO8CiBLrlwQlxfa?si=Cc3yJ33jSFGmQ_qT5aKbaw
One of my favorite spots in CA to see the blossoms is at Huntington Central Park in Huntington Beach, which is a free public park. Also it’s home to the annual Orange County Cherry Blossom Festival. At the beginning of the pandemic I was actually booked to perform at the festival but of course it was cancelled. I’m so happy to see this festival back. The festival celebrates Japanese culture, food, and music.
A very scenic spot to see the cherry blossoms is at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge which has 150 acres of botanical gardens. The Japanese garden has lovely cherry blossoms each spring. The bloom schedule is posted on their website so you can time your visit.
Some other places to see Sakura are at the Huntington Library in San Marino, South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes, Columbia Park in Torrance, Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles, and Japanese Friendship Garden located in Balboa Park in San Diego. I hope you all can see many beautiful Cherry Blossoms this spring!
『JAPANESE POP CULTURE NEWS THAT YOU MUST KNOW!!!』
Writer: Stephanie Yanez
Instagram @stephachu
Website https://direct.me/stephachu
(3/20/2023)
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