March 04, 2009
Cherry Blossom Forecast in Japan 2009

The beginning of March and of urgent concern to all in the Japanese isles is, when will the cherry trees bloom?!
This is not a frivolous question. Much of the tourist industry depends on an accurate forecast. Inns and hotels at locales famous for cherry blossoms carry insurance on their enterprises, to prevent major financial distress and ruin in case the cherries blossom unusually early or late.
Cherry blossoms may look much the same the world over and be just as beautiful elsewhere, but to see them in full-bloom in Japan is something very special, and the only way to fully experience the heartbreak of their beauty.
Oh, too long for the cherry blossoms, to feast on their beauty, only to feel the loss of their scattering!
Of course, there is a lot of drinking and Karaoke singing associated with blossom viewing, otherwise, how could one cope? Or adequately celebrate the intoxicating event?
Poem on Cherry Blossoms by Ariwara no Narihira (825-880), Tales of Ise #82
In this world,
If only the cherry blossoms
Would not be,
Our hearts in spring,
Could remain at peace
Yo no naka ni
Taete sakura no
Nakariseba
Haru no kokoro wa
Nodokekaramashi
世の中に
絶えて桜の
なかりせば
春の心は
のどけからまし
At present (as of 3/4), it looks like the opening of the blossoms is forecast for 3/25 in Tokyo. Several forecast maps are available online so you can keep up with the moving cherry blossom front. Most of these sites are already current for 2009, but do check the dates on the site to make sure you are not viewing last year's.
Cherry Blossom Flowering Date Maps

Weather News Map (Current State Live)
http://weathernews.jp/sakura/
* At WeatherNews site, click button "Sakura Simulator 2009" for forecast by date.
Mapple Net Map (Current State Live)
http://www.mapple.net/sp_sakura/

JWA Forecast Map (Forecast Prediction)
http://tenki.jp/sakura/expectation
Japan Weather Agency 気象庁の桜の開花予想
(Forecast Prediction)
http://www.hanazakura.jp/sakura/skaika/kaika2.html

Enjoy Tokyo Blossom Viewing
http://flower.enjoytokyo.jp/sakura/index.html
* 2009 version available from 3/12
Walkerplus Famous Places in Tokyo
http://www.walkerplus.com/hanami/kanto/tokyo/
* 2009 version not yet available (as of 3/4)
Links:
Tokyo Yokohama Information: Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
Japan Guide: Popular Hanami Spots
All About: 江戸の名所で桜を愛でよう
* Japan Guide on Blossom Viewing in English
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2011.html
* See also Infoseek for more links (in Japanese):
http://bekkan.web.infoseek.co.jp/sakura/sakura_saku.html
* Live Webcam of Waseda University
http://www.wls.co.jp/alumni/webcam/nishi-waseda1.html
auberginefleur at 16:50│Comments(1)│
│Flowers & Festivals
この記事へのコメント
1. Posted by andrew March 05, 2009 00:04











