[Sakura Quiz] Trivia & Fun Facts Quiz about Cherry Blossoms for Kids

poison

Cherry leaves contain a toxin called coumarin. In the amount used to wrap sakuramochi, there’s no need to worry, but eating too much is not good for your health. Coumarin also has antibacterial properties, so it is used in medicines and other products.

Tokyo Metropolis

Each of Japan’s 47 prefectures has its own designated flower, and Tokyo’s prefectural flower is the Somei Yoshino cherry. Tokyo is home to many famous cherry-blossom viewing spots, such as Ueno Onshi Park, Yoyogi Park, and Rikugien Garden, so be sure to visit them when you come to Tokyo in the spring.

to solidify the ground

Cherry trees can be found in many places, but many people probably picture them blooming along rivers. The reason there are so many cherry trees by rivers is that planting them helps stabilize the soil. They not only delight viewers with their beauty but also play a role in disaster prevention.

Cherry blossom

“Sakura” is expressed as “cherry blossom” in English. “Cherry” refers to the cherry fruit, and “blossom” means flower. By the way, cherry blossoms can be seen not only in Japan but also in many places around the world, such as the United States, Canada, China, and South Korea, so be sure to check out cherry blossoms around the world too!

Meiji era

It was from the Meiji period that cherry trees began to be planted around castles. Until then, there were not many cherry trees in castle gardens or their surroundings, but once the Meiji period began, many cherries were planted so that people could enjoy them as parks and scenic spots. In particular, Somei Yoshino trees were planted across the country, and in spring the areas around castles came to be adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms.

Heian period

It is said that enjoying cherry blossoms at night, known as “yozakura,” began around the Heian period. Nobles would gaze at the blossoms by moonlight or lamplight, compose poems, and savor the spring. Cherry blossoms seen in the dark have a beauty different from the daytime, making it a special way to enjoy them. Even varieties well known in Japan, such as Somei Yoshino, look beautiful in a different way when viewed at night.

Morning cherry blossom

One of the actual terms used to refer to cherry blossoms is “asa-zakura” (morning cherry blossoms). Asa-zakura refers to cherry blossoms that bloom in the early morning or look particularly beautiful bathed in the morning sun. Even cherry varieties commonly seen in Japan, such as Somei Yoshino, can appear especially lovely in the morning light, and are sometimes called “asa-zakura.” It’s a name that expresses the beauty of enjoying cherry blossoms on a refreshing spring morning.

green

While cherry blossoms are often associated with pink and white, there are actually green cherry blossoms as well. These rare blossoms are characterized by petals that appear faintly green. A representative variety is called Gyoikou. Gyoikou is a special cherry tree that produces gentle green flowers, allowing people to enjoy their unusual color in spring.

Sakura Anpan (sweet red bean bun with cherry blossom)

On April 4, 1875, when Emperor Meiji went cherry-blossom viewing, the confection served was sakura anpan. Sakura anpan is characterized by sweet red bean paste inside the bread and a salted cherry blossom on top. With its springlike appearance and gentle sweetness, it is a very popular treat. It is said that this event helped make sakura anpan widely known.

Signal to start agriculture

In old Japan, the blooming of cherry blossoms was cherished as a signal to begin agricultural work. When the cherry trees bloomed in spring, people took it to mean that it was time to start working in the rice paddies and fields. They observed how the blossoms were coming out to prepare for sowing seeds and planting rice. In particular, cherry varieties widely seen in Japan, such as Somei Yoshino, served as important indicators of spring’s arrival and the start of the farming season.