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

Yamanashi Prefecture

Yamataka Jindai-zakura, known as one of Japan’s three great cherry trees alongside Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima Prefecture and Usuzumi-zakura in Gifu Prefecture, is located in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Renowned both for its great age and its massive size, it has been designated a Natural Monument of Japan.

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.

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.

Because the branches and trunk will rot.

Cherry trees are very delicate, and if a branch breaks, rain and harmful microbes can enter through the wound, which may weaken the tree. In some cases, not only the branches but even the trunk can be damaged. To protect cherry trees such as the Somei Yoshino, which are commonly seen in Japan, it is important to take good care of their branches.

5 pieces

Cherry blossoms usually have five petals. This is the same for many varieties of cherry trees and is why the flowers look like beautiful stars. For example, the Somei-yoshino, which is common in Japan, also has five petals. In the center of the flower are stamens and pistils, and insects help carry the pollen. In spring, clusters of five-petaled flowers bloom all over the trees, creating beautiful cherry blossoms.