Japan is undeniably the land of sakura. Starting March onwards, the country gets enveloped in blankets of pale pink and white cherry blossom trees. To celebrate the bloom, there are countless cherry blossom festivals held across Japan. And one such event is the Miura Kaigan Sakura Festival. Here is all that you need to know about the festival!
All About The Miura Kaigan Sakura Festival 2025
The Kawazuzakura Cherry Blossoms
The Japan Meteorological Corporation releases a forecast predicting the cherry blossom season every year. This year, they have stated in their forecasts that Fukuoka will experience the first bloom in the country by 22nd March.
However, these dates provide blooming forecasts of the somei yoshino variety of cherry blossoms. There are plenty of other types of cherry blossoms, including the kawazuzakura that blooms comparatively earlier. The Miura Kaigan Sakura Festival is celebrated in honor of the kawazuzakura type of cherry blossoms.
About The Miura Kaigan Sakura Festival
The festival has been celebrated since 2003 and continues to be a popular cherry blossom festival in Japan. There are over 1,000 trees of the kawazuzakura cherry blossoms lining the route from the Miura Kaigan Railway Station to Komatsugaike Park.
During the festival, these Miura cherry blossoms turn the entire stretch into a mesmerizing blanket of pink hues, attracting thousands of visitors. While you are here, you can enjoy a delightful walk on the clean, cherry blossom covered streets and even a hanami picnic at the Komatsugaike Park.
At the front of the station, you can also buy fresh vegetables and other produce too! Even though the festival is pretty enjoyable in the daytime, the night illuminations make the celebration even more special.
The cherry blossoms bloom by mid-February and last till mid-March, so the best time to visit this place is in the months of February and March.
Peak blooming season: Mid-February to mid-March
Dates: 5th February to 2nd March 2025
How To Reach Miurakaigan Station?
The Miurakaigan Station is well-connected to many important railway stations through the JR Yokosuka Line and the Keikyu Line. From the Narita International Airport, it is about 140 kilometers (km) away. From the Haneda Airport, it is about 63 km away.
The public transport in Japan might seem too complicated to navigate, but the network of buses, trains, and cabs is really efficient. Plus, they have signages and announcements in English, so it won’t be much of a hassle to navigate here.
Visa Requirements For Indians Visiting Japan
If you’re planning to visit Japan in the cherry blossom season and Miura Kaigan Sakura Festival is on your list, you must sort out your visa. Luckily, Japan has rolled out e-Visas for Indian tourists starting April 2024.
You can directly apply for a single-entry visa in an online application and get it issued in a span of a minimum of 10 days. It is also valid for 90 days, making it quite convenient for you if you decide to extend your stay in Japan for some time.
You can visit the Japan Visa Application Center’s official website and simply apply for a tourist visa. Here’s a step-by-step guide for you:
- Visit the official website.
- Navigate to the part of the website where you can determine your visa type to visit Japan. In this case, it will be a temporary/tourist visa.
- Begin your application.
- Choose a visa application center and make an appointment.
- Pay your visa application fees.
- Attend the scheduled appointment at the visa application center.
- Track your application progress.
Application fee for temporary visitor visa: INR 500 for Indians
Summing Up
Even though this was about the Miura Kaigan Sakura Festival, there are plenty of other places to visit in Japan for the best sakura experience. Also, if you’re not in the mood to visit Japan, why not explore India’s cherry blossoms? There are many places to visit in India where you can see cherry blossoms, and we guarantee that you won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
Why Is Sakura Celebrated?
Sakura flowers are celebrated as they represent human life and its transient nature. It also represents purity and beauty in nature, which is why they are celebrated in Japanese culture.
Can Cherry Blossoms Grow In India?
Yes, cherry blossoms can grow in India. In the states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Sikkim, you’ll find thousands of cherry blossom trees.
What Is The National Flower Of Japan?
The chrysanthemum is the official national flower of Japan. However, the sakura is also considered to be an unofficial national flower of Japan.
