A gift that has bloomed for 400 springs!

Ueno's cherry blossoms have certainly been a treat for the eyes (and hearts) of Tokyoites and visitors alike for the past four centuries. Ever since the Edo period 1603-1867, when Ueno first became famous for its stunning sakura, these delicate pink flowers have been the talk of the town each spring. And let's be real, who can blame them? With their fleeting beauty and the magical atmosphere they create, it's no wonder everyone's all about the sakura these days.

From Mt. Yoshino to Ueno: A sakura dream sown by a Buddhist monk.

Now, how did these cherry blossoms end up in Ueno, you ask? Well, it all starts with a Buddhist monk named Tenkai. In 1625, this clever cleric had a vision: to create a temple in Ueno that would rival the famous Enryakuji temple in Kyoto. You see, Enryakuji was known for its stunning cherry blossoms, and Tenkai wanted a piece of that action for his new digs in Edo (now Tokyo). So, he had some trees transplanted from Mt. Yoshino in Nara and planted them in Ueno, voila! Instant sakura paradise. Well, not exactly instant...those trees take time to grow, but you get the idea.

The cherry blossoms at Toeizan Temple became a well-known landmark that even earned inclusion in Utagawa Hiroshige’s series, “Famous Places in the Eastern Capital.

And speaking of sakura paradise, let's talk about the colors. Ueno's gardens helped introduce cherry blossoms to the masses, and flower-viewing quickly became a popular pastime. Botanists and hobbyists got in on the action, developing new varieties like the iconic somei yoshino. But the best part? The names! They got so creative with describing the colors of these blossoms. We're talking about names like ususakura ("light cherry") and haizakura ("ashen cherry"). It's like they couldn't even handle how beautiful these flowers were. And now, Ueno Park boasts an impressive 800 varieties, transforming into a pastel wonderland each spring.

A cascade of petals drifts across the pond in a beautifully ephemeral sign of spring.

All corners of Ueno Park blush light pink in sakura season.

Light pink cherry blossoms stand out in clear relief against a pure blue sky.

Woodblock prints are pretty in pink all year long.

And let's not forget about the art! Ueno's sakura made frequent cameos in ukiyo-e woodblock prints. From Hiroshige Utagawa to Toyokuni, Edo-period artists captured the beauty of Ueno's cherry blossoms in stunning masterpieces. They even came up with a clever way to let people enjoy the sakura all year round: by combining vibrant vermillion with the soft pink of the blossoms. Talk about a color crush!

Utagawa Hiroshige/Utagawa Toyokuni, “36 Famous and Interesting Things in Edo: Cherry Trees in Full Bloom at Toeizan” (National Diet Library Digital Collection)

A woodblock print depicting the sakura at Ueno’s Kiyomizu Kannon-do, which was modeled after Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto.

Utagawa Hiroshige, “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo: Kiyomizu Hall and Shinobazu Pond at Ueno” (National Diet Library Digital Collection)

So, there you have it: the hilariously charming story of how Ueno's cherry blossoms came to be, and why we can't get enough of their pastel perfection each spring. From the Buddhist monk with a vision to the artists who immortalized these blossoms in ink, Ueno's sakura have a rich history and a bright future. And who knows? Maybe one day, I'll join you for a sakura picnic under those beautiful pink petals. Until then, I'll be admiring the view.

Spring on the fun!

Blossom Kite Festival!

Presented by Amazon!

Join us at the Washington Monument Grounds with activities, music, competitions, and performances. Kite enthusiasts, beginners, families, and friends are all welcome!

Its Free!

The official date is March 30, 2024!

The rain date is March 31, 2024, from 10 to 4 pm.

It is also pet friendly!

It is at Washington Monument! Hope to see you there!

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