[3-Choice Quiz] Cherry Blossom Trivia You'll Want to Share with Someone

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 that color the city when spring arrives.Many of us look at them every year without much thought, but when asked about their history or characteristics, surprisingly few can answer, right?In fact, there are plenty of fun facts about cherry blossoms that will make you blurt out, “Wait, really?”So in this article, we’ll present trivia about cherry blossoms in a three-choice quiz format.It’s perfect for sparking conversation at a hanami gathering, too.Now then, how many can you get right?

[3-Choice Quiz] Cherry Blossom Trivia You’ll Want to Share (1–10)

How many petals does a cherry blossom have?

3 pieces
4 sheets
5 pieces

See the answer

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.

Raise the rankinglower

mutō

Report a problem

What month and what day is Sakura Day?

March 27
April 8
May 1

See the answer

March 27

Sakura Day refers to March 27 and was established as a commemorative day in 1989 by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association. The date originates from gatherings held in the Heian period to appreciate cherry blossoms, and even today it is a day when many people enjoy and cherish the blossoms.

Raise the rankinglower

mutō

Report a problem

Which cherry tree leaves are used to wrap sakuramochi?

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

See the answer

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.

Raise the rankinglower

SAKI

Report a problem

[3-Choice Quiz] Sakura Trivia Quiz You’ll Want to Share (11–20)

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

Nara Prefecture
Akita Prefecture
Yamaguchi Prefecture

See the answer

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.

Raise the rankinglower

SAKI

Report a problem

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

See the answer

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.

Raise the rankinglower

SAKI

Report a problem

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

plum
peach
chrysanthemum

See the answer

plum

Nowadays, when we think of hanami (flower viewing), it’s all about cherry blossoms, but in the Nara period people apparently enjoyed hanami with plum blossoms. Around that time, plums were introduced from China, which led to plum-blossom viewing. Later, from around the Heian period, the flower viewed during hanami shifted from plum to cherry blossoms.

Raise the rankinglower

SAKI

Report a problem

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

Miharu Takizakura
Yamataka Jindai-zakura
Ishido Dandelion

See the answer

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.

Raise the rankinglower

mutō

Report a problem