The end of March and early April are prime cherry blossom viewing times in Vancouver. Once the rain has passed this week, pack up your picnic blanket and head out to a cherry blossom viewing spot. If you have had the opportunity to be in Japan during cherry blossom season you will know that cherry blossom viewing is a Japanese passion. Groups of friends and colleagues stake their claim on prime spots in parks, cemeteries and other outdoor sites during cherry blossom season.
A few years ago local residents started an annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. There are, after all, so many ways to appreciate, consider and experience the cherry blossom season.
To do:
* Read up on the various types of cherry blossoms with your child
Sakura Sakura
(Japanese Transliteration)
Sakura sakura
Noyama mo sato mo
Miwatasu kagiri
Kasumi ka kumo ka
Asahi ni niou
Sakura sakura
Hana zakari
Sakura sakura
Yayoi no sora wa
Miwatasu kagiri
Kasumi ka kumo ka
Nioi zo izuru
Izaya izaya
Mini yu kan
Cherry Blossoms, Cherry Blossoms
(English Translation)
Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
Blanketing the countryside,
As far as you can see.
Is it a mist, or clouds?
Fragrant in the morning sun.
Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
Flowers in full bloom.
Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
Across the Spring sky,
As far as you can see.
Is it a mist, or clouds?
Fragrant in the air.
Come now, come,
Let’s look, at last!
* Lie under a cherry blossom tree in full bloom. Contemplate the blooms. Read a book. Rest.
* Walk with your child under a row of cherry trees when the blooms are starting to fall. The effect is magical.
* As a family, take your digital camera out to take cherry blossom photos
* Analyze the cherry blossom viewing map for Vancouver and visit some prime cherry blossom viewing spots. (For example, UBC, Burnaby mountain near Horizon’s restaurant and Stanley Park, near the Rose Garden.)
* Paint pictures of cherry blossoms. (Or use oil pastels on pale blue or pale green paper.)
* Write a haiku about cherry blossoms and submit it to the cherry blossom 2010 Haiku Invitational before May 31st. See: Winning Haiku 2009 Haiku Invitational
* Read a book about cherry blossom season
To eat and drink:
* Make cherry blossom bites fondant fancies
* Buy a sakura steamer (cherry blossom flavoured milk). Â Â Ah –Â you may have to go to Japan for that one!
* Make cherry blossom glacial melt ice cream
* Order Japanese cherry blossom tea
* Order Sweet Sakura tea with cut cherry blossoms inside each packet
* Order Kyoto cherry rose chocolate
* Order cherry blossom green tea
To obtain:
* Purchase cherry blossom inspired perfume
* Drop by L’Occitane on South Granville rise and check out their cherry blossom products or order online. Cherry Blossom items from L’Occitane
* Purchase a cherry blossom jewelry case for a little girl or yourself!
* Purchase cherry blossom items on Etsy
* Read a book about cherry blossom season
Related links (Vancouver):
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Map of parks for cherry blossom viewing in Vancouver
Into the heart of cherry blossom season
Other Related Links:
Hanami party in Yoyogi Park (Japan)
Stunning cherry blossom photos on flickr
A Japanese cherry blossom tea party description from 1905
Seasonal Japanese words related to the cherry blossom season
Cherry blossoms in Japan – photos by Ed Kaspar
Sakura 2006 in Japan – photos by Lynn
“Blossom Forecasting is Crucial in Japan”. (M. Yamaguchi;Associated Press)
Value Placed on the Seasons in Japan