Okinawa’s cherry blossoms will be blooming soon
This morning, soft sunlight streamed in for the first time in a while, creating a pleasant clear sky.
The past few days have been cold and rainy, leaving me wondering how to do laundry, but today I can finally hang it outside. Though the wind is a bit chilly, the sun’s warmth reaches us strongly, making the room feel cozy and warm.
The timing of cherry blossom blooming and “Muchi Besa”
In Okinawa, cherry blossoms start blooming much earlier than on the mainland.
In the mountainous areas of the north, they begin blooming around late January. Here in the flatlands of Urasoe where I live, they usually reach their peak around February. The variety is the “Kanhi-zakura” (寒緋桜). It’s characterized by its deep pink color and downward-facing blossoms, a type commonly seen in Taiwan and Okinawa.
As for famous cherry blossom viewing spots,
- Nakijin Castle Ruins
- Yaedake in Nago
In Urasoe City, the cherry blossoms at Izo Castle Ruins are particularly well-known.
The deep pink flowers contrast beautifully with the historic site, creating a truly stunning scene.
🌸 Cherry Blossom Timing and “Muchi-Bisa”
Okinawan cherry blossoms are said to bloom all at once
once it gets properly cold and then warms up again.
Right now is precisely when the cold snap after New Year’s arrives.
In Okinawa, this cold spell is called “Muchi-Bisa.”
This year’s Muchi (an old lunar calendar event) falls on January 26th.
It’s a tradition where mochi rice cakes wrapped in shell ginger leaves are steamed and eaten,
believed to bring health for the entire year.
When Muchi-Bisa arrives, the cherry trees prepare themselves,
and then burst into bloom all at once with the warmth that follows.
It’s a moment that lets you feel the rhythm of Okinawa’s seasons.
🌸 Starting “Cherry Blossom Fixed-Point Observations” from my balcony
There are several cherry trees right next to my apartment building.
They’re still in bud form, but they’re gradually swelling,
and I’m looking forward to seeing how they change from here.
From now on, I plan to update with photos, like fixed-point observations,
of the cherry blossoms visible from my balcony.
- Swelling buds
- Beginning to color
- The moment a single blossom opens
- Full bloom
- The scene as they begin to fall
I plan to record these small changes like a diary.
I’d be delighted if readers could enjoy the time leading up to the blooms with me.
Right now, there are few petals and the buds are still firm,
but they should burst into bloom all at once very soon.
I’m savoring today’s sunny spell while eagerly awaiting that moment.
✨ Summary
It was a long-awaited sunny day, perfect for drying laundry.
Okinawa’s cherry blossoms are nearing their blooming season, signaling the changing seasons.
The Kanhi cherry blossoms will burst into bloom all at once after Mochi-Bisa.
I look forward to welcoming the cherry blossom season while enjoying my fixed-point observations from the balcony.
I’ll be posting articles about the cherry blossoms, so please read them if you like.
