yozakura

Yozakura, written 夜桜, is a Japanese term meaning "night cherry blossoms." It refers to the viewing and appreciation of cherry blossoms after dark, typically under artificial lighting. Yozakura is a form of hanami, the traditional practice of enjoying flowering trees, extended into the evening to create a different atmosphere from daytime viewing.

Historically, the appreciation of cherry blossoms has been central to Japanese culture, and nighttime observation has appeared in poetry and literature as a symbol of beauty and transience. In modern Japan, many parks and city spaces host illuminated cherry trees during the sakura season, offering visitors a nocturnal setting for strolling, photography, and social gatherings.

Season and settings: The sakura bloom season varies by location and year, typically spanning several weeks in spring. Yozakura events are concentrated during the peak bloom period and usually take place in parks, along rivers, or other well-lit areas where blossoms can be viewed safely after sunset. Lighting can range from soft lanterns to bright electric illumination, shaping the mood and visibility of the blossoms.

In culture and media, yozakura is used as a motif to evoke ephemeral beauty and the fleeting nature of life, often appearing in poetry, films, and music. The term remains closely tied to traditional hanami while also representing contemporary nighttime blossom-viewing experiences in Japan.