Somei

Somei is a district in Tokyo, Japan, historically linked with cherry blossom cultivation. The name is widely recognized worldwide through the cherry blossom cultivar Somei-Yoshino, which was developed in the Somei district in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Somei-Yoshino is a broad, largely single-flowered cherry cultivar that produces abundant pale pink to white blossoms and is beloved for its reliable, prolific flowering.

The Somei-Yoshino cultivar became the dominant cherry variety planted in Japan during the 20th century and played a key role in the global spread of cherry blossom planting. Its ease of propagation and broad adaptability contributed to its widespread use in parks, streets, and gardens, both in Japan and in many other countries. Because of its prominence, Somei-Yoshino is often emblematic of spring and of hanami, the traditional Japanese practice of flower viewing.

Bloom timing for Somei-Yoshino is typically in early spring, with many trees flowering from late March to early April in Japan; however, regional climate differences can shift this window. Beyond the cultivar, the name Somei also serves as a geographic reference within Tokyo and appears in various cultural and horticultural contexts related to cherry blossoms. Overall, Somei’s significance lies in its association with cherry blossom cultivation and the widespread celebration of spring beauty.