A three-choice trivia quiz about cherry blossoms: a collection of quizzes to make hanami twice as fun

Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”
Composition nerdmutō
Started performing in bands in junior high school. Influenced by Japanese rock and UK rock, spent over 10 years continuing band activities while creating original songs. Later began producing Vocaloid tracks using Hatsune Miku, with total plays of released songs surpassing 10,000. Has five years of experience writing for music magazines. Currently works as a music writer, director, and composer, keeping a ground-level perspective on the scene by attending live shows across Japan. Now performs at live houses in Tokyo, showcasing guitar playing centered on acoustic guitar and informed by knowledge of chord analysis and guitar scales. Also writes leveraging a broad knowledge of music genres.

Cherry blossoms, which bloom with beautiful flowers every spring, are beloved as the quintessential plant for hanami (flower viewing).

Their beautiful pink and white blossoms are an indispensable part of Japanese culture that lets us feel the arrival of spring.

In this article, we’ll present a quiz that lets you learn fun trivia themed around cherry blossoms.

We’ve prepared questions that deepen your knowledge, including their characteristics and historical background.

It’s also perfect for hanami and a variety of springtime activities! Give this quiz a try—it’s enjoyable for everyone from children to adults.

A three-choice trivia quiz about cherry blossoms: A collection of quizzes to double your enjoyment of hanami (1–10)

Which cherry tree leaves are used to wrap sakuramochi?

Somei Yoshino (Yoshino cherry)
Oshima cherry
Yamazakura (Japanese mountain cherry)

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Oshima cherry

The leaves used for sakuramochi are from the Oshima cherry. The name “Oshima cherry” is said to come from Izu Oshima, where this cherry is widely distributed. Oshima cherry leaves are fragrant and enhance the flavor of sakuramochi.

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How many petals does a cherry blossom have?

3 pieces
4 sheets
5 pieces

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5 pieces

The number of petals on cherry blossoms is generally five. This is a characteristic seen in many varieties, including Somei Yoshino, the representative species of cherry blossom, and their beautiful appearance is beloved by many people. Some varieties do have six or more petals.

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In the Nara period, what did people view for flower viewing instead of cherry blossoms?

plum
peach
chrysanthemum

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plum

Nowadays, when we talk about hanami (flower viewing), we think of cherry blossoms, but in the Nara period people apparently viewed plum blossoms. It is said that plum-viewing became popular around that time, triggered by the introduction of plum trees from China. Later, around the Heian period, the flower viewed during hanami shifted from plum blossoms to cherry blossoms.

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A three-choice trivia quiz about cherry blossoms: a collection of quizzes to double your enjoyment of hanami (Questions 11–20)

Which of the following is the oldest cherry tree in Japan?

Miharu Takizakura
Yamataka Jindai-zakura
Ishido Dandelion

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Yamataka Jindai-zakura

The oldest cherry tree in Japan is known as the Yamataka Jindai-zakura. Located in Takane, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, it is believed to be over 2,000 years old. It is designated as one of Japan’s Three Great Cherry Trees and is a popular attraction among tourists.

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Which cherry blossoms does the Tokyo Metropolitan Government use to declare the start of the cherry blossom season?

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Ueno Onshi Park
Yasukuni Shrine

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Yasukuni Shrine

Japan’s cherry blossom opening declaration is made using designated sample cherry trees located throughout the country. In Tokyo, the tree observed for the declaration is at Yasukuni Shrine in Chiyoda Ward. Originally, a cherry tree at the Japan Meteorological Agency served as the sample tree, but in 1966 it was changed to the one at Yasukuni Shrine.

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The “Somei” in Somei Yoshino is a place name in Tokyo, but where is “Yoshino”?

Nara Prefecture
Akita Prefecture
Yamaguchi Prefecture

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Nara Prefecture

The “Somei” in Somei Yoshino comes from Somei Village, which existed when Tokyo was still Edo and was located around present-day Komagome in Toshima Ward. The “Yoshino” derives from Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, famous for its cherry blossoms. In kanji, it is written as 染井吉野.

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Which of the following is an actual color of cherry blossoms?

blue
green
purple

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green

Among cherry blossoms, there are varieties that bloom with rare green flowers. One such variety is the Gyoikō cherry, written as 「御衣黄」 and pronounced “gyoikō.” It blooms a little later than the Somei Yoshino, around mid to late April. It is said to have originated at Ninnaji Temple in Kyoto Prefecture.

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