- By Raju Kumar
- Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:52 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Japan Cherry Blossom Festival: The Japanese cherry blossom festival, also known as Hanami (flower viewing), was cancelled after tourist behavior spiraled out of control. Japanese authorities said the festival near Mount Fuji has been called off amid reports of visitors defecating in private gardens and trespassing into homes, creating a chaotic situation in Fujiyoshida.
What Is Cherry Blossom Festival?
The cherry blossom festival is a centuries-old tradition celebrating the spring blooming of sakura trees between March and May. People gather in parks and temple grounds for picnics, parties, and nightlife viewing (yozakura). The festival symbolises the beauty, transience of life, and new beginnings.
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What Japanese Authority Said?
Fujiyoshida mayor Shigeru Horiuchi announced the government decision, saying the authorities have decided to bring the curtain down on the 10-year-old festival to protect the dignity and living environment of our citizens. He said the area’s scenic beauty now “threatens the quiet lives of citizens. Horiuchi asserted that the authorities have a strong sense of crisis.
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Cherry blossoms, or 'sakura,' are Japan's favourite flower and usually reach their peak in late March to early April, just as the country celebrates the start of a new school and business year. Many Japanese enjoy walking or picnicking under the trees. Sakura have deeply influenced Japanese culture for centuries and have regularly been used in poetry and literature, with their fragility seen as a symbol of life, death and rebirth.
Process To Declare Cherry Blossom Festival
There is a special process before announcing the commencement of the festival. Japan's official cherry blossom spotters confirm the beginning of the event after seeing the first bloom of the country's favourite flower. Also, officials from the Japan Meteorological Agency carefully examine the specimen tree of Somei Yoshino variety at Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine. At least five blossoms, the minimum required for the announcement, should be seen on the Somei Yoshino tree.