There are many different types of sakura at Nara Park, primarily yaezakura, including some—like nara no yaezakura and nara no kokonoezakura—that are rarely found elsewhere. The many different varieties here mean that visitors can enjoy the blossoms for over a month, from late March until early May.
The cherries in Nara are as ancient as the city itself. It was described by early eleventh century poet Ise no Taifu in the poem that is included in the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu: “The yaezakura / Of the ancient capital of Nara / Today extend their fragrance / To the Imperial Palace of Kyoto.” The nara no yaezakura that the poet speaks of was discovered growing in 1922 at Chisoku-in, a subtemple of the Tōdai-ji complex; it was designated a natural monument in 1923 and appears in the emblem of the city of Nara.
Nara Park (Nara)
- Varieties: Somei yoshino, higanzakura, yaezakura, etc.
- No. of trees: 1,700
- When: Late March to early May
- Hours: Open 24 hrs.
- Admission: Free
- Address: Kasugano-chō, Nara-shi, Nara
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Nearby hanami sites
Near Nara Park
- Nara’s Ōmiwa Shrine: A Venerable Place of Mountain Worship
- Totsukawa Onsengō, Nara: Steaming Hot Springs Surrounded by Lush Nature
- Mount Yoshino: The Spot to Go for Cherry Blossom Overload
Sakura 100: Japan’s Best Blossoms
(Translated from Japanese. Banner photo © Nara Prefecture.)
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