21 In style Flowers in Japan (and Find out how to See Them!)

“Flower” in Japanese is 花 (hana), and boy, does Japan have loads of culturally vital flowers! You’ll be able to see this in particularly 生け花 (ikebana), or the Japanese artwork of flower arranging.

On this article, I’ll introduce you to some fascinating linguistic and cultural elements of flowers in Japan and the place to see them.

I lived in Japan for a number of years, together with in Tochigi Prefecture, dwelling to the well-known Ashikaga Flower Park (extra on that under!).

Right here’s me collaborating in hanami – I’ll clarify what that is quickly!

So whether or not you’re a language fanatic, a gardening aficionado, or just a fan of Japanese tradition, this information will give you insights and suggestions all about flowers in Japanese!

Writing Flower in Japanese

Okay, so I form of already answered this one: the fundamental phrase for “flower” in Japanese is certainly 花 (hana), however that’s not all you have to know!

Sometimes, you may additionally come throughout 華 (hana), which is pronounced the identical method however has a extra poetic nuance.

There’s additionally much more to writing flowers in Japanese than you may assume. I’ll introduce you to some widespread flowers in Japan and in Japanese within the subsequent part, however first, just a few bits of kanji data:

Some flower names in Japanese use ateji (当て字), which is the apply of utilizing kanji characters for his or her phonetic worth fairly than their semantic that means to characterize phrases in Japanese, notably for international or borrowed phrases. I’ll level out how that is used with the phrase for “sunflower” under!

Additionally, whereas many Japanese flowers have their very own kanji, you may additionally generally see them written in katakana as a substitute. Flower names (just like the one I’ll present you for “rose”) typically have complicated kanji that may be tough to learn and write.

Utilizing katakana, a script usually reserved for international phrases and onomatopoeia simplifies these phrases visually and phonetically. Katakana supplies an easy phonetic illustration, making it simpler to pronounce and keep in mind the names of flowers.

21 Frequent Flowers in Japan and Their Meanings

Right here, I’ll introduce you to 21 of the commonest flowers in Japanese. Please notice that the blooming time is an approximation (particularly in an period of fast-paced local weather change).

For instance, cherry blossoms have a tendency to bloom round March to early April. However this shall be totally different 12 months by 12 months, and likewise the place in Japan you’re will make a giant distinction.

Together with the flower data, I’ll train you what they typically symbolize. However wait, there’s extra! I’ll additionally introduce you to the flowers’ 花言葉 (hanakotoba – actually, “flower language”). That is what every flower means based mostly on look, historical past, and different cultural elements!

First off, listed here are all of the flowers I’m going to introduce to you on this article:

1. 桜 (Sakura) — Cherry Blossom

When They Bloom: Late March to early April
Hanakotoba: “A gorgeous soul”
Symbolizes: Transience, magnificence, and impermanence

Sakura is the quintessential (and nationwide) image of Japan. These stunning pink blossoms signify the arrival of spring and are celebrated with 花見 (hanami, “flower viewing”) events, the place you picnic (and sometimes drink) beneath cherry blossom timber. It’s a serious social occasion!

(You’ll discover the blue tarps in my picture originally of this text – they’re ubiquitous throughout cherry blossom season!)

Cherry blossoms look lots like peach and plum blossoms, however right here’s a tip to differentiate them: cherry blossoms have a notch on the tip of their petals!

Now, cherry blossoms characterize transience for a motive: they solely bloom for a few weeks (or much less, relying on the climate). They have a tendency to bloom earlier within the south (the place it’s hotter) than the north.

Really, yearly, web sites like Japan Journey publish forecasts for cherry blossoms, very like climate forecasts.

So truthfully, it is going to be pretty unpredictable whether or not you may see them on a visit to Japan in case you’re solely going for a short time, until you’re keen to ebook your journey on very brief discover!

2. 梅 (Ume) — Plum Blossom

When They Bloom: Late January to early February
Hanakotoba: “Magnificence”
Symbolizes: Perseverance, renewal, and luck

Ume blossoms are among the many first indicators that winter is ending. They’re typically extra aromatic than sakura and sometimes featured in Japanese artwork and poetry. These are one other common flower to do hanami with.

3. 桃 (Momo) — Peach Blossom

When They Bloom: Early March
Hanakotoba: “An enchanting character”

Peach blossoms have a powerful affiliation with 雛祭り (Hinamatsuri, Ladies’ Day on March third). These blossoms carry a mushy, delicate magnificence to spring.

4. 菊 (Kiku) — Chrysanthemum

When They Bloom: September to November
Hanakotoba: “Noble”
Symbolizes: Longevity and rejuvenation

Chrysanthemums are a logo of the Japanese Imperial Household and embody longevity and rejuvenation. They’re additionally a key function in Kyoto’s annual Chrysanthemum Competition, or 重陽の節句 (Chouyou no Sekku), held on September ninth.

5. 向日葵 (Himawari) — Sunflower

When They Bloom: July to August
Hanakotoba: “Radiate”
Symbolizes: Adoration, vitality, and longevity.

Sunflowers are vibrant, cheerful, and a reminder of the summer time solar. Additionally they symbolize loyalty and adoration.

Enjoyable truth: The kanji for himawari is an ateji, which implies it’s chosen for that means fairly than phonetic functions. It actually means “rotating across the solar,” which is what sunflowers do!

Right here’s a photograph I took of the wisteria on the well-known Ashikaga Flower Park!

6. 藤 (Fuji) — Wisteria

When They Bloom: Late April to early Might
Hanakotoba: “Welcome”
Symbolizes: Magnificence, tenderness, and nostalgia

Wisteria flowers cascade like purple waterfalls, however they may also be in different colours, comparable to pink, white, and yellow. They’re typically discovered wrapping round arches and trellises in Japanese gardens. The Ashikaga Flower Park is legendary for its beautiful wisteria shows. (I’ve been to this one, and it’s actually price it within the springtime!)

The kanji for wisteria 藤 (learn both as fuji or tou/dou) is a standard a part of Japanese surnames, together with the historic Fujiwara (藤原) clan or the ever-common surname Sato (佐藤). However don’t get it combined up with Mt. Fuji (富士山) – that’s a completely unrelated kanji!

7. 椿 (Tsubaki) — Camellia

When They Bloom: January to March
Hanakotoba: “Modesty”
Symbolizes: Magnificence, tenderness, and nostalgia

Camellia flowers are stunning of their simplicity and are sometimes utilized in tea ceremonies. They’re a favourite in each gardens and artwork. They’re additionally related to the samurai code of honor, 武士道 (bushidou).

8. 朝顔 (Asagao) — Morning Glory

When They Bloom: July to October
Hanakotoba: “Love in useless”
Symbolizes: Temporary love and bond of affection

Morning Glories open with the dawn and shut by afternoon. They symbolize fleeting love and the transient nature of life. Their identify actually means “morning face.”

9. カーネーション (Kaaneeshon) — Carnation

When They Bloom: Late Spring to Midsummer
Hanakotoba: “Love and fascination”
Symbolizes: Love

Carnations are generally utilized in bouquets and preparations, particularly on Mom’s Day. Every colour of carnation has a unique that means, with pink being the most well-liked.

10. 紫陽花 (Ajisai) — Hydrangea

When They Bloom: June to July
Hanakotoba: “Heartfelt emotion”
Symbolizes: Transformation and apology

Hydrangeas bloom from spring to early autumn, usually through the wet season, and their colour can change with the soil’s pH.

11. 金木犀 (Kinmokusei) — Orange Osmanthus

When They Bloom: October
Hanakotoba: “Real love”
Symbolizes: Fact and a noble particular person.

These flowers have been delivered to Japan through China through the Edo Interval (1603-1868). The tiny orange blossoms of the Osmanthus give off a robust, candy perfume. They’re typically utilized in perfumes and for seasonal flower preparations.

12. 薔薇 (Bara) — Rose

When They Bloom: Spring by way of Autumn
Hanakotoba: “Love”
Symbolizes: Romance

Roses are as cherished in Japan as they’re within the West. Crimson roses particularly symbolize romantic love.

Observe that though this flower has kanji, it’s mostly written in katakana (バラ) as a result of the kanji are so complicated.

13. 桜草 (Sakurasou) — Japanese Primrose

When They Bloom: April to Might
Hanakotoba: “Determined”
Symbolizes: Want and long-lasting love

Formally often called “Primula Sieboldii,” these small, pleasant flowers are thought of a logo of unrequited love. They typically develop in clusters and add a wonderful contact to spring gardens. It resembles the cherry blossom flower.

14. チューリップ (Chuurippu) — Tulip

When They Bloom: April to Might
Hanakotoba: “Charity”
Symbolizes: Fame and everlasting love

Tulips are available many vibrant colours. They’re common in each Western and Japanese gardens. They symbolize magnificence and charm. They’re staples of Gunma Flower Park in addition to Huis Ten Bosch, a Dutch-themed park in Nagasaki.

15. 菫 (Sumire) — Violet

When They Bloom: March to Might
Hanakotoba: “Small love”
Symbolizes: Sincerity and bliss

These tiny purple flowers are humble however fairly. They’re typically discovered within the wild in addition to sprucing up gardens with vibrant violet petals and lengthy ivory stems.

16. ラベンダー (Rabendaa) — Lavender

When They Bloom: June to July
Hanakotoba: “Silence”
Symbolizes: Faithfulness

Lavender fields aren’t simply stunning but additionally extremely soothing. They’re typically utilized in aromatherapy for his or her calming results. They’re a staple within the Furano Flower Fields in Hokkaido.

17. 菖蒲 (Ayame) — Iris

When They Bloom: Might to June
Hanakotoba: “Excellent news” and “Heroism”
Symbolizes: Braveness and power

The iris is a well-liked function of the Might fifth Boy’s Competition. They’re utilized in conventional Japanese drugs and symbolize lasting bonds. Traditionally, the iris motif adorned samurai armor, representing valor and the Aristocracy.

Listed below are crimson spider lilies on the grounds of a Buddhist temple. Buddhism is related to cemeteries in Japanese tradition.

18. 彼岸花 (Higanbana) — Crimson Spider Lily

When They Bloom: Late September
Hanakotoba: “By no means to fulfill once more”
Symbolizes: Loss of life, reincarnation, and the cycle of life

Higanbana are related to demise and the afterlife. These placing crimson flowers are sometimes planted in graveyards and seen in Japanese media, symbolizing the cycle of life and demise.

19. 百合 (Yuri) — Lily

When They Bloom: June to August
Hanakotoba: “Pure and refined”
Symbolizes: Purity, innocence, and renewal

Lilies are available many sorts and are notably beloved for his or her robust perfume and placing magnificence. They’re typically worn throughout weddings.

20. 枇杷 (Biwa) — Loquat

When They Bloom: Autumn to Early Winter
Hanakotoba: “Persistence and steadfastness”
Symbolizes: Longevity and safety.

Blooming in late winter, loquat flowers rework into candy fruits by early summer time. Their unobtrusive but aromatic flowers are indicators that winter is right here! Additionally they have been utilized in conventional drugs.

Right here’s an iconic picture of Mt. Fuji with the pink moss in full bloom!

21. 芝桜 (Shibazakura) — Pink Moss)

When They Bloom: April to Might
Hanakotoba: “Concord”

Also called “phlox moss,” these low-growing flowers blanket hills and gardens with vibrant pink, white, and purple hues. So that they create a shocking, virtually carpet-like impact! They’re particularly iconic in locations just like the Fuji Shibazakura Competition (富士芝桜まつり, Fuji Shibazakura Matsuri).

Flower Energy for Language

This was only a taster of the forms of flowers you’ll discover in Japan. Which of them are your favorites, and are there any I missed? Hopefully your language abilities will “blossom” much more with the data you’ve gained right here!

Kelsey Lechner

Translator, instructor, interpreter

Kelsey is a author, translator, and educator. She is an avid lover of dance, canine, and tea. LinkedIn | Contently

Speaks: English, Japanese, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese language, Swahili, Bengali

View all posts by Kelsey Lechner