As we enter cherry blossom season in Vancouver, Janette McIntosh, our Seniors’ Transportation Programming Lead, shared her story with us about growing up in Japan!
“It is so wonderful to be able to walk under the cherry blossoms (sakura) throughout Vancouver!” says Janette, “They start blooming with the lighter pinks in late March and early April, and the darker pinks bloom by mid-April. Born and raised in Japan, I used to visit the Osaka Mint every year during cherry blossom season to enjoy ‘ohana-mi’ (flower viewing) picnics among the crowds. Osaka Castle park was another great place for ohana-mi picnics. I’ll never forget my first spring in Vancouver - cherry blossoms abloom, so colourful and beautiful, and in public spaces everywhere for everyone to enjoy!”
Sakura in bloom at Osaka Castle Park, Japan.
“I learned that many of the cherry trees were received as gifts between the 1930s and 1950s. In the 1930s, the cities of Kobe and Yokohama, Japan, gave the City of Vancouver 500 cherry trees to plant at the Japanese cenotaph in Stanley Park to honour the Japanese Canadians who served in World War I. And, in 1958, the Japanese Consul, Muneo Tanabe, donated 300 more in friendship between the two nations. These were planted along Cambie boulevard between 33rd and 49th Ave. Cherry tree giving - a wonderful gift! Both my sister and I were born in April and we each have a beautiful cherry tree in our yards too!”
Sakura in bloom in Vancouver.
The City of Vancouver’s Cherry Blossom Festival is happening now. We are excited to launch our first-ever Sakura Walks program on April 7, as part of our Four Seasons Walks initiative through Living Streets! Join us for 3 free, fun group walks to enjoy the sakura trees together this spring! The Sakura Walks are open to all ages and abilities and are meant to be casual and conversational. Simply come out and enjoy. Register here!
Sakura in bloom in Vancouver.
Learn more about the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. And, you may want to check out Van Dusen Gardens’ Sakura Days on April 9 and 10!
Oh yes, and if you want to taste a delicious sakura treat, try some sakura mochi! Enjoy this beautiful time of year, and happy spring!
