This article on cherry blossom viewing was originally published on jrailpass.com. We’re linking it here as part of Cara’s travel writing portfolio archive. Enjoy!
“Japan is famous for its flowering cherry trees. These trees are much sought after around the world. Cherry blossom festivals are held in such diverse regions as Washington, Vancouver, Paris, Stockholm, and Spain’s Jerte Valley. Still, Japan remains the premier location in the world for viewing the cherry blossoms.”
Did you know? While sakura cherry trees and ume plum trees bloom at nearly the same time, there is a difference between the two. Check it out:
“The sakura may at times be confused with the ume or Japanese plum tree. Plum blossom spots in Japan tend to bloom earlier in the season – from mid-February to mid-March – while the cherry blossom season peaks in April. Both trees produce flowers ranging in color from white to pink, to red but can be easily identified in the following steps:
- Cherry flowers have a small split or notch in each petal; plums do not.
- Cherry blossoms produce multiple flowers per bud, while plums produce only one.
- New cherry leaves are green in color, while plum tree leaves emerge with a purple or red hue.”
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One part Lois Lane, one part Jimmy Olsen, one part Johnboy Walton, and a bit of that Clark Kent secret identity thing thrown in for good measure.
Cara Siera is a freelance writer and photographer with a passion for travel and exotic cuisine. Join Cara, her husband Marc, and one very spoiled German Shepherd on their next great adventure.