The cherry blossom, or sakura, is the national flower of Japan — a fleeting spring bloom celebrated across the country as a symbol of life’s beauty and impermanence.

• National flower: Cherry blossom
• Scientific name: Prunus serrulata
• Status: National flower (with the chrysanthemum as the imperial emblem)
• Symbolism: the fleeting, precious nature of life

About Japan’s national flower

Each spring, Japan follows the cherry blossom front as it sweeps north across the islands, and families gather beneath the trees for hanami, the centuries-old tradition of blossom viewing. The flower’s brief, spectacular bloom — often lasting only a week or two — is central to its meaning.

Symbolism and tradition

Sakura appears throughout Japanese poetry, art, and everyday life. Separately, the chrysanthemum (kiku) is the crest of the imperial family and appears on the Chrysanthemum Throne and Japanese passports, giving Japan two flowers of national importance.

National flower of Japan FAQs

What is the national flower of Japan?

The national flower of Japan is the cherry blossom (Prunus serrulata). The cherry blossom is Japan’s beloved national flower, while the chrysanthemum serves as the emblem of the imperial family.

What does the cherry blossom symbolize in Japan?

The cherry blossom, or sakura, symbolizes the beauty and impermanence of life — the idea of mono no aware, an awareness that beautiful things pass, captured in blossoms that fall at the height of their bloom.

Does Japan have two national flowers?

In a sense, yes. The cherry blossom is the popular national flower, celebrated across the country each spring, while the chrysanthemum is the official emblem of the Japanese imperial family.

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