桜・クス・梅・菜の花・ツツジ・藤・菊・紅葉・松・竹・椿・稲・ウグイス・サギ・鵜・錦鯉・ミカン
桜
―About 80% of cherry trees in Japan are of the Somei-Yoshino variety.
―There are two main reasons for the striking beauty of Somei-Yoshino cherry trees:
- The blossoms appear before the leaves emerge.
- They bloom almost simultaneously.
―This synchronized blooming occurs because the trees are genetic clones, propagated through grafting and cutting.
―The Somei-Yoshino variety was developed during the Edo period (1603–1868).
―It was crossbred in Somei Village in Edo (present-day Tokyo) and named after Yoshino in Nara, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
―Plum blossoms were the main flower for hanami (flower viewing) among the aristocracy until the Nara period. During the Heian period (794–1185), as Japanese national culture flourished, cherry blossoms replaced plums as the preferred flower for hanami.
―Cherry blossoms frequently appear in classical waka poetry. A famous example is Ariwara no Narihira’s poem:
“If there were no cherry blossoms in this world, / Our hearts would know peace in spring.”
―Cherry blossom viewing became widely popular among the general public during the Edo period (1603–1867).
―The symbolism of cherry blossoms—blooming brilliantly but falling swiftly—reflects:
- The ideal of the samurai, who was prepared to die for a cause without clinging to life.
- The Buddhist concept of impermanence: the idea that beauty and all things are transient.
―Somei-Yoshino cherry trees do not produce edible fruit. Cherries come from a different species, such as the Seiyōzakura.
―The leaves of Somei-Yoshino trees are not edible and contain toxins. The salted leaves used for wrapping sakura-mochi come from the Ōshima-zakura variety, which has a pleasant fragrance. Cherry trees belong to the rose family.
―Sakura-mochi are pink rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste, wrapped in a pickled cherry leaf.
―The “cherry blossom front” (sakura zensen) is a forecast that tracks the blooming of cherry trees from Okinawa in January to Hokkaidō in May.
―Cherry trees are often planted along riverbanks because the foot traffic from hanami visitors compacts the soil. The trees help prevent erosion.
―Japan’s Three Great Cherry Trees are:
- The Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima Prefecture
- The Yamataka Jindaizakura in Yamanashi Prefecture
- The Neodani Usuzumizakura in Gifu Prefecture
Two additional famous trees are often included to form the Five Great Cherry Trees: - The Ishidōkabazakura in Saitama Prefecture
- The Shimoma-zakura in Karijuku, Shizuoka Prefecture
クス
Camphor trees are commonly found in the shrines and temples of warmer Western Japan. Some have grown to immense sizes over centuries, reaching heights of over 20 meters—as tall as a ten-story building. Most of Japan’s twenty largest camphor trees are located in Kyushu.
These ancient trees are often revered as sacred. Their holiness is partly attributed to the camphor they produce, a substance that repels insects and was thus believed to ward off evil spirits.
These below are the top seven tallest camphor tree in Japan.
- 1 Gamo-no-Kusu, Aira, Kagoshima-24,2 m
- 2 Kinomiya Shrine- no-Ookusu, Atsumi, Shizuoka-23.9 m
- 3 Honjo-no-Kusu, Chikujo, Fukuoka-21m
- 4 Kawago-no-Ookusu, Takeo, Saga-21 m
- 5 Takeo-no-Ookusu, Takeo, Saga-20 m
- 6 Fujisakidai-no-Kusunoki, Kumamoto, Kumamoto-20 m
- 7 Kinukake-no-Mori, Umi, Fukuoka-20 m
梅
-Ume, or plum tree, is a deciduous broad-leaved tree of the Rosaceae family, Cerasus genus. The blooms are white, pink, or red. Being very fragrant and beautiful, Ume is loved by many people.
-Ume blooms in late January and February.
-In ancient times, the word “Hana,” meaning “flower,” often referred to Sakura, but “Hana” in Manyoshu (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves (from the late 7th century to the late 8th century) and Kokin Wakashu (Collection of Poems of Ancient and Modern Times/in the early 10th century) referred to Ume. Therefore, Ume was the top flower of the times.
-Ume is the important flower in Tenman Shinto shrines. This is because Michizane Sugawara, enshrined in these shrines, loved Ume blossoms.
-Ume also means plum fruits. Ume fruits are produced into dried pickles, jam, and alcohol. Dried pickles are called “Umeboshi,” and they are made by sun-drying salted Ume. They taste very sour, but they go well with steamed white rice. They also have infection-fighting properties, so they are often used for bento lunch boxes. A red Ume on white rice is a typical pattern of bento, and this looks like the Japanese flag called “Hinomaru,” so this type of bento is called “Hinomaru Bento.”
-The rainy season in June and July is called “Tsuyu.” For this word, the Kanji characters “梅雨” are used. They literally mean “Ume rain.” It is not clear why it is called so, but the accepted theory is that in that season Ume fruits mature.
-Many people believe that it is bad to eat Umeboshi and eel together. They never do this.
-The blossoms of cherry, plum, and peach trees are very similar in shape and color. They also bloom at almost the same time. These are the points to distinguish them.
| Plum | Peach | Cherry | |
| the tips of petals | Round | Pointy | V-shaped Cut |
| number of blooming from one place | one from one place | two from one place | many from one place |
| stems from the twig | no stems | short stems | long stems |
菜の花
In spring, the banks of rivers across Japan are covered in vibrant yellow canola flowers (nanohana). When these yellow fields are seen against the pink of cherry blossoms in full bloom under a clear blue sky, the combination creates one of the most iconic and beautiful views of the Japanese spring.
Good Na-no-hana Viewing places in Kyushu
- Noko Island, Fukuoka
- Shirakimine Plateau, Isahaya, Nagasaki
- One million Na-no-hana Park, Amakusa, Kumamoto
- Saitobaru Buriyal Mounds, MiyazakiIbusuki, Kagoshima
ツツジ
Azalea (Tsutsuji)
Azaleas, called Tsutsuji in Japanese, bloom in pink or red after the cherry blossom season ends. They are easy to trim and are commonly used as hedges around houses or as low shrubs along streets. You can see them blooming everywhere in late spring.
Tsutsuji grow throughout Asia and have been cultivated in Japan for a long time. The petals contain sweet nectar that attracts bees—and children also enjoy sucking the nectar from the flowers. (Caution: one species is poisonous.) The upper side of the petals often has dots that act as guide marks, leading bees to the nectar.
Satsuki
This is a type of azalea with stiffer leaves. It blooms in May, after the common Tsutsuji. The name Satsuki means “May.”
Miyamakirishima
This species grows in volcanic mountain areas of Kyushu, such as the Kirishima Plateau (from which it gets its name), Mount Aso, Mount Kuju, and Unzen. It often thrives in areas where volcanic activity has disrupted the local ecosystem.
Good Tsutsuji Viewing Places in Kyushu
- Mifuneyama Park, Takeo, Saga
- Noko Island, Fukuoka
- Sensuikyo, Aso, Kumamoto
- Nita Pass, Unzen, Nagasaki
- Ebino Plateau, Kagaoshima
- Daikozen-ji Temple, Kiyama, Saga
藤
Wisteria is a flowering vine known for its long, hanging purple blossoms that bloom in late April and early May. To display these cascading flowers, gardens often construct wisteria pergolas. Some are designed as stunning flower tunnels, creating popular sightseeing attractions.
These pergolas are commonly found in schoolyards and gardens where they can receive direct sunlight. Wisteria has long been admired in Japan for its elegant beauty and is a native plant. The Japanese word for wisteria is Fuji.
- Good Wisteria Viewing Places in Kyushu
- Nakayam-O-Fuji, Yanagawa, Fukuoka
- Onakatomi shrine, Ogori, Fukuoka
- Kawachi Fuji Park, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
- Kuroki-no-O-Fuji, Yame, Fukuoka
- Karatsu Castle, Saga
- Sasamuta Shrine, Oita
- Wake Shrine, Kirishima, Kagoshima
菊
The chrysanthemum, or Kiku, is one of the most iconic autumn flowers in Japan. It blooms in colors such as white, pink, and yellow from late October through early December.
Introduced from China in the 8th century, the chrysanthemum became widely popular during the Edo period (17th–19th centuries), when extensive cultivation and breeding produced many new varieties. This era also saw the development of chrysanthemum display exhibitions and Kiku Ningyō—elaborate dolls costumed with the flowers.
The chrysanthemum is also significant in Buddhist tradition, where its long-lasting quality makes it a common offering on altars for the deceased.
The ninth day of the ninth month is known as Chōyō no Sekku, the Chrysanthemum Festival, one of the five ancient seasonal celebrations.
Since the Kamakura period (1185–1333), the chrysanthemum has been the emblem of the Imperial Family. The Imperial Crest, a stylized 16-petal chrysanthemum, can be seen at Shinto shrines with close ties to the imperial line and is also featured on the cover of the Japanese passport.
The flowers of certain chrysanthemum varieties are edible. The yellow petals, in particular, are often used as a garnish for sashimi, similar to shredded daikon radish. On a sashimi platter, this yellow flower elegantly represents the autumn season.
紅葉
The Japanese word “紅葉” has two distinct meanings and pronunciations:
- Kōyō (紅葉): This refers to the natural phenomenon of autumn leaves changing color.
- Momiji (紅葉): This refers specifically to the Japanese maple tree, whose leaves are the iconic symbol of autumn.
The most common variety, Iroha-Momiji, is famous for its beautiful, deeply lobed (five to seven points) red leaves. Their small, delicate shape is often compared to a baby’s hand.
Momijigari, or red-leaf hunting, is a popular autumn pastime in Japan, much like cherry blossom viewing in the spring.
松
The pine tree is one of the most deeply familiar trees to the Japanese people, often thought of as “our tree.” Since ancient times, it has been regarded as sacred. Because it remains green year-round, even in cold winters, it is also respected as a symbol of longevity and endurance.
It is considered one of the three most auspicious plants, along with the plum and bamboo. This trio is known as Sho-Chiku-Bai (松竹梅). Before the New Year, people build Kadomatsu—a traditional gateway decoration made of pine and bamboo—placed in front of entrances to invite luck and happiness in the coming year.
Matsu is the Japanese word for pine. The Japanese word “Matsu” also means “waiting.” We wait for a god to come to the tree and stay there. Some say it comes from another word “Mata,” meaning “legs,” which refers to the forked shape of a pine leaf.
Pines are used in parks, Japanese gardens, streets, temples, and shrines. They can grow even in harsh environments, so they are planted as a barrier against sand, wind, and tide along the beaches. The combination of pine green and beach white, “白砂青松,” is one of the beautiful views in Japan. The top three beautiful pine groves on the beach, “Matsubara,” are Miho-no-Matsubara in Shizuoka, Niji-no-Matsubara in Saga, and Kehi-no-Matsubara in Fukui.
They are used not only for the purposes mentioned above but also for Bonsai trees. Some pine tree bonsais are worth as much as one hundred million yen.
The pine tree holds a place of deep familiarity and reverence in Japan, often considered “our tree.” Since ancient times, it has been regarded as sacred. Because it remains green year-round, even in the coldest winters, it is also respected as a symbol of longevity and endurance.
It is one of the three most auspicious plants, alongside plum and bamboo. This trio is known as Sho-Chiku-Bai (松竹梅). Before the New Year, people build Kadomatsu—a traditional decoration made of pine and bamboo placed at entrances—to invite luck and happiness in the coming year.
In the wild, matsutake mushrooms, a highly prized autumn delicacy, grow at the roots of red pines. While their distinctive aroma might be strong for some, it is considered a cherished fragrance in Japan.
Pine trees were also planted in Japanese castles for a practical reason: they were a potential emergency food source during a siege, as the inner layer of bark is edible.
Furthermore, pines are a valuable source of natural resin, which has many uses, including in paint solvents, varnishes, pharmaceuticals, and paper sizing agents.
竹
General Information
Bamboos are evergreen perennial plants. They grow with remarkable speed, reaching maturity in just a few months. At their peak growth rate, some species can grow over one meter in a single day. This rapid growth is possible because a bamboo stalk is composed of many nodes, each with its own growth point that expands simultaneously.
Bamboo groves are renowned for their beauty. The path through the bamboo forest in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is especially famous. Lined with thousands of tall bamboo plants, it creates an atmosphere akin to walking through a serene, green tunnel. The gentle rustling of the leaves and the play of dappled sunlight through the canopy enhance the tranquil experience.
Bamboo shoots (takenoko) are a cherished spring vegetable in Japanese cuisine. They are a versatile ingredient used in simmered dishes, stir-fries, and rice dishes like takenoko gohan. They are available fresh, pre-boiled, or canned.
The top three prefectures for bamboo production are Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Kumamoto. Additionally, the most renowned regional brands for quality bamboo shoots come from Kyoto, Chiba, Ōma in Fukuoka, and Mishima in Kagoshima.
Bamboos are processed for multi-purposes.
Tube shapes are used for musical instruments, gutters, shishiodoshi, and vessels.
Bamboo’s unique combination of fragility and flexibility makes it an ideal material for crafting a wide variety of items. These include strainers, baskets, vases, chopsticks, ear picks, cooking skewers, and the frames for fans and umbrellas.
The towns of Katsuyama in Okayama Prefecture, Suruga in Shizuoka Prefecture, and Beppu in Ōita Prefecture are particularly famous for their traditional bamboo crafts.
In traditional Japanese houses, bamboo was valued as a construction material, particularly for walls and ceilings, due to its excellent moisture-absorbing properties, which helped regulate humidity in Japan’s hot, humid climate.
Trivia: Thomas Edison used a carbonized bamboo filament in his early incandescent light bulbs, finding it to be a durable and effective material.
Customs
In Japanese groundbreaking ceremonies, it is customary to place four young bamboo plants upright at the corners of the construction site. This practice symbolizes strong growth and prosperity for the new building.
During the Star Festival (Tanabata), a bamboo branch is traditionally used as a “tree” on which people hang their written wishes.
It is one of the Three Auspicious Plants, known as Sho-Chiku-Bai (Pine, Bamboo, and Plum).
Bamboo flowers are extraordinarily rare, blooming only every 57 to 120 years. After blooming, the plant withers and dies. Because of this, bamboo blossoms are often considered an omen of misfortune.
Picture Motifs
In Japanese art, bamboo is a common element in classic thematic pairings. A tiger alongside bamboo is a popular subject, as is the combination of bamboo and sparrows.
Good bamboo grove viewing places in Kyushu
- Ouma Chikurin Park, Fukuoka
- Chikurin Garden, Minamata, Kumamoto
椿
The camellia is an evergreen tree, prized for its glossy, deep green leaves and vibrant blossoms that provide striking color during Japan’s flower-scarce winter. Cultivated and admired since the Edo period, numerous varieties have been developed, each with its own distinct blossom color, form, and blooming schedule. This allows you to enjoy the beauty of camellias from winter through spring.
The Japanese word for camellia, Tsubaki, has several proposed origins, all relating to its leaves: it may derive from atsuba (thick leaves), tsuyabaki (glossy leaves), or tsuyaki (shiny leaves).
A unique characteristic of the camellia is that the entire flower falls off abruptly, rather than shedding its petals individually. During the samurai era, this was seen as an ill omen, as it was likened to a beheading. For this reason, samurai often avoided planting camellias in their gardens.
Camellia Oil
A valuable oil is extracted from camellia seeds, known in English as tea seed oil (the tea plant is a close relative). This oil has long been used in cooking, cosmetics, soaps, and traditional medicine.
Tsubaki oil is particularly renowned as a hair treatment. Professional sumo wrestlers use it to style their traditional topknots (chonmage), and its distinctive scent is often noticeable in their vicinity.
In the Japanese tea ceremony, a floral arrangement (chabana) is an essential element. During the winter, when few other flowers are available, the camellia stands out as one of the few that blooms both vibrantly and widely. For this reason, it serves as the primary flower for tea ceremonies from November through March, earning it the title “the Queen of Tea Ceremony Flowers.”
Tsubaki Places in Japan
- Goto Islands: This is one of the top two Camellia oil producing places in Japan along with Oshima islands, Tokyo. This oil was the offering for the Shogunate from Goto domain in the Edo period.
- Sakurajima Island: This island in Kagoshima produces camellia oils. The camellia is strong against the ashes from the volcano.
- Higo Tsubaki: Higo is the old name for Kumamoto. It is one of Higo Six Flowers, cherished by the local people. Higo Six Flowers are morning glory, chrysanthemum, camellia, sasanqua, peony, and iris.
- Jinoshima island, in Fukuoka
- Gongenyama Sea-Viewing Park, Nomozaki, Nagasaki
- Shiroyama Park, Nobeoka, Miyazaki
- Tsubakiyama Park, Miyazaki
稲
The annual rice production in Japan is approximately 6.7 million tons.
There are about 700,000 families engaged in rice farming.
The rice farming cycle begins with soil preparation in April and concludes with the harvest in October.
Onigiri (rice balls) are believed to have been eaten as early as the middle of the Yayoi period (300 BC – 250 AD). The oldest fossilized onigiri was discovered on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Rice costs approximately ¥5,000 per 10-kilogram bag.
The three main species of rice are Indica, Japonica, and Javanica. Almost all rice cultivated in Japan is of the Japonica variety.
A single grain of rice can produce a plant yielding up to 500 grains.
Numerous Japanese festivals are connected to rice planting and harvests. As a staple food crucial for sustaining life throughout history, rice holds profound cultural significance.
This deep connection stems from rice’s historical role as the foundation of Japanese life, culture, and economy. Because it sustained the community, it was considered the purest food to offer to the kami (gods or spirits) to express gratitude and maintain a harmonious relationship.
Rice (Omeshi – 御飯): Represents life, sustenance, and the fruit of the earth and human labor. Cooked rice is offered, and it is also used to make mochi (rice cakes), which are another common offering, especially during New Year celebrations.
Sake (Omiki – 御神酒): Symbolizes the blessing of the kami and is used for purification and to create a sacred bond between the human and divine worlds.
More about Japanese Sake , Click here.
Japan’s warm, humid climate is ideal for rice cultivation. The crop has a reliable planting and harvest cycle, and the grain itself stores well, making it a stable food source.
The character for rice paddy, 田 (ta or da), is a common element in Japanese surnames (e.g., Tanaka, Yamada), reflecting the historical centrality of rice farming.
During the Edo period, samurai received their stipends in rice, measured in koku (a unit of volume), which solidified rice as the foundation of the economy.
The rectangular shape of rice paddies is well-suited for mechanized farming, which has greatly improved efficiency and reduced labor time.
A standard rice paddy of approximately 1,000 square meters (one tan) yields enough rice to supply six people with their annual consumption of three meals a day. (Note: One tan is 0.1 hectares, or about 0.247 acres).
ウグイス
The bush warbler is called Uguisu in Japanese. It begins to sing in early spring, earning it the nickname Harutsugedori, or “the herald bird of spring.” To Japanese listeners, its distinctive song sounds like “Ho-ho-kekyo,” a sound cherished as one of the favorite signs that spring has arrived.
サギ
This bird is called “Sagi” in Japanese. The Sagi is a beautiful bird often seen in rice fields in Japan. Most herons are white birds.
You can often see the comical sight of herons following tractors in Japanese rice fields. They do this to catch food—such as insects and small fish—that are unearthed by the tractor’s work.
This elegant bird is also a cultural symbol. The famous Himeji Castle is nicknamed “White Heron Castle” (Shirasagijō) due to its brilliant white plaster walls and graceful posture, which are thought to resemble a white heron taking flight.
鵜
Cormorant Fishing (Ukai) is a traditional method of fishing that uses trained cormorant birds. While once a commercial practice, it is now primarily a popular tourist attraction. The Nagara River in Gifu Prefecture is the most famous place in Japan to see it.
A master fisherman (ushō) handles the cormorants on leashes. The birds dive to catch ayu (sweetfish), but a small snare around the base of their throat prevents them from swallowing the larger fish. The cormorant is then guided back to the boat to regurgitate the fish.
錦鯉
Due to their popularity, the Japanese “Koi” or “Nishiki Koi” often refers to these colorful carp in English. It is a general term for carp crossbred as aquarium fish. The vivid colors and exquisite patterns are compared to those of colorful cloth (Nishiki).
Common white and red koi measuring around 20 cm in length typically cost about ¥2,000, while larger specimens of 40-50 cm may sell for approximately ¥5,000. Particularly exquisite examples can command prices in the hundreds of thousands of yen. The highest price ever paid for a koi at an international auction reached a record 230 million yen.
These “swimming gems” are also used for tourism. In many Japanese gardens with clear ponds or in towns with clean water canals, vibrantly colored koi are released to swim freely. In Kyushu, Shimabara City is one of the most famous towns for this “carp swimming” (koi-nobori) tradition.
ミカン
The mikan (mandarin orange) is a winter citrus fruit and a quintessential feature of the season in Japan. It evokes the classic image of a family gathered around a kotatsu (a heated table), eating the fruit together.
To eat one, you peel the skin by hand, optionally remove the white pith, and enjoy the segments.
Internationally, it is often called a Satsuma, named after the Satsuma domain (modern-day Kagoshima) from which they were first exported to the West—a name not commonly used for the fruit in Japan itself.
Mikan Gari (mandarin orange picking) is a popular agritourism activity. On these farms, the trees are cultivated to bear fruit low to the ground, making the fruit easy to pick for everyone, including children and visitors in wheelchairs. It is a fun outing for those who want to pick and taste fresh, sweet oranges directly from the tree.