Yozakura: A spectacle that manages to make cherry blossoms even more magical
Cherry blossoms: Nature's eye candy.
Imagine strolling under a canopy of glowing cherry blossoms, illuminated by lanterns and the night sky.
This breathtaking experience, called Yozakura or 'night sakura,' happens in several places across Japan between March and April, as cherry blossoms reach their peak bloom.
Osaka Castle at night, 2012 ( アラツク/Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0)
File photo of Yozakuro in Nakameguro, Tokyo. (Hom_Aki/Getty Images/Canva)
Illuminated cherry blossoms at dusk.(Torsakarin/Getty Images/Canva)
Soft lighting makes the cherry blossoms appear to glow. (Aflo Images/Canva)
Of course, the blossoms can be enjoyed during the day, but there's something magical about seeing them at night.
This after-dark tradition has been celebrated in Japan for centuries.
The best part? Many of the parks showcasing Yozakura are free to enter!
Some offer added perks, like nighttime boat rides and historic landmarks.
Here in Canada, cherry blossoms bloom on a different schedule. In British Columbia, the season can run from late February to May but may start later, depending on the weather conditions.
In southern Ontario, the season starts a bit later, typically in April or May.
But wherever they are, cherry blossoms are fleeting, usually lasting for a few short weeks.
So whether you’re in Japan or Canada, try to catch the blossoms while they last, because before you know it, they’ll be gone!
Header image: File photo (rumboalla from Getty Images/Canva).