［April 2017］
18 – Cherry blossoms and Parks – A Year of Local Governments in Japan

In April, parks in Japan are covered with the light pink colour of cherry blossoms. Many Japanese go to parks to see the flowers in bloom and enjoy eating and drinking under the trees. This is called hanami (looking at flowers), which is one of the most enjoyable events in Japanese spring. I’m sure many Australians and New Zealanders have experienced hanami in Japan.

Yoshino-yama (Mt Yoshino), near my hometown, Yoshino, Nara is very famous for wild cherry blossoms covering the mountain in spring. Yoshino-yama is located in Yoshino-Kumano National Park, which is one of many Japanese national parks which are places of scenic beauty designated for protection and sustainable usage by the central government. Prefectures also have their natural park and reserve areas, such as beautiful mountains, rivers and sea sides.

Ueno-koen (Ueno park) in Tokyo is also a very famous hanami place. Somei-Yoshino, a hybrid cherry species, covers the entire park in spring. The park is administrated by the Tokyo metropolitan government and has a metropolitan zoo, art museum and a national science and art museum in it. Smaller parks which are operated by municipalities have cherry trees as well.

Although temples and shrines are also famous for cherry blossoms, most hanami places are located in public spaces and looked after by respective local governments. Due to each municipalities’ effort in maintaining and administrating these precious parklands, we, Japanese, can continue to enjoy hanami in spring.

Katsunori Kamibo

Director