Be the Change: The cherry blossoms and flowers of Japan

Let me just start by saying that I can't believe I am writing a blog post about trees and flowers. BUT, it's happening. Since these living things that I never seemed to have paid too much attention to before have gotten me through these seasons, I believe I owe them a shout out.

Living in Japan has given me MORE than enough time to notice and really appreciate the trees and flowers of this country. When spring arrives, this place is hoppin. It's not like I've never appreciated flowers or trees before, but my appreciation over this past year has soared to a whole new level. I have literally, and I mean LITERALLY watched these trees and flowers bloom... day by day by day....by day...i think u get the point.

In the beginning of March the plum trees began to bloom and the flowers come in all different shades of red, pink, and white. The plum tree festival that I went to had a park that consisted of over 3,000 plum trees that were blooming all at once! It really was beautiful and I especially liked these trees because they had a such a strong scent that could be smelled throughout the entire park. :)

Perhaps the most iconic place to see cherry blossoms, Japan is renowned for its show-stopping blooms. The sakura (cherry blossom) is the unofficial national flower of Japan. The Japanese see the trees’ brief bloom as a symbol of the impermanence of life. They pay homage to the flower at hanami – blossom-watching parties – where they eat, drink and dance beneath the branches. The trees are only in bloom for about 2 weeks, but it is ABSOLUTELY beautiful.

clearly this is winter

cute little buds

I HEART cherry blossoms

Cherry blossoms everywhere

Cherry blossom tree after the flowers fall off...

In June, the hydrangeas begin blooming. One of the temples has a beautiful walkway that is full of hydrangeas of all different sorts. On the other side of the walkway are fields with some of the greenest rice paddies in the area. I really loved this place. :)

Hydrangeas

Needless to say, Japan has really opened my eyes to the beauty of the life of a flower. From seeing the bare trees in winter, to the small buds beginning to form, to the trees blooming, it's been beautiful. I cant believe I just said that....but it's true. :)