The Cherry Blossom in Kyoto is my picture of the week, and I took this picture when I visited Japan in February 2012. A local told me it was an early bloom for some of the Sakura Trees in Kyoto, as they usually bloom in April throughout Japan.I was fortunate to catch these beautiful flowers when some of the trees here were in the early stages of blooming. This cherry blossom photo was also taken at the Chion-in Temple in Kyoto, Japan.

Kyoto Cherry Blossom

Below is a series of Cherry Blossom Photos I took while exploring this historical city in Japan. I visited at the end of February because I did not want to encounter the Sakura rush, which starts in early March, and I was lucky to see them blooming.

Update: I was informed that this is, in fact, a Pink Plum Blossom flower.

Types of Cherry Blossoms in JapanOver one hundred cherry tree varieties are found throughout Japan. A few of them are wild varieties native to Japan’s forests, such as the Yamazakura. But most have been cultivated by humans over the centuries for decorative use in gardens and parks.

Today’s most famous cherry tree variety is stunning, cultivated Somei Yoshino (White/Pale Pink). Several characteristics differentiate the many cherry tree varieties. Among the many yaezakura varieties, the Kanzan (Pinkish) is among the most numerous. One Kanzan blossom consists of as many as 30 to 50 pink petals, while the fresh leaves are coppery brown.

Below are the various species of Cherry Blossoms:

• Somei Yoshino
  • Appearance: The most common and iconic type, with pale pink or white flowers.
  • Blooming Period: Early spring (late March to early April).
  • Features: Large clusters of flowers, light fragrance.
• Shidarezakura (Weeping Cherry)
  • Appearance: Cascading branches with pink flowers that droop down.
  • Blooming Period: Early to mid-spring.
  • Features: Graceful, elegant form, often planted as ornamental trees.
• Yamazakura (Mountain Cherry)
  • Appearance: Smaller, darker flowers than Somei Yoshino, typically light pink.
  • Blooming Period: Mid to late spring.
  • Features: Grows naturally in mountainous areas of Japan and often has a more rugged look.
• Kanzan (Kwanzan Cherry)
  • Appearance: Double-flowered with deeper pink petals.
  • Blooming Period: Late spring.
  • Features: Dense clusters of flowers, vibrant colour.
• Ukon
  • Appearance: Pale yellowish-pink flowers with a unique, slightly greenish hue.
  • Blooming Period: Mid to late spring.
  • Features: Soft and delicate blooms stand out due to their colour.
• Fugenzo
  • Appearance: Double flowers with a pink colour, often with white petals.
  • Blooming Period: Late spring.
  • Features: Larger flowers, slightly slower to bloom than Somei Yoshino.
• Kiku-zakura
  • Appearance: Resembling chrysanthemums, the petals are ruffled and layered.
  • Blooming Period: Late spring to early summer.
  • Features: Unique flower shape, blooms later than most types.

Conclusion

If you want to experience seeing these beautiful flowers, plan well ahead and follow the blooming schedules found online. I also flew to Japan with AirAsiaX via Haneda Airport in Tokyo and took a Bullet Train to Kyoto for a day trip. Good luck, and I hope you liked my pictures of the Cherry Blossom in Kyoto.