What is Sakura Day? The Significance of March 27th
Do you know that March 27th is designated as “Sakura Day” in Japan?
This special day was established in 1992 by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association (Nihon Sakura no Kai). The date selection combines clever wordplay—“3×9=27” representing “sakura” (cherry blossom)—with the traditional calendar period called “Sakura Hajimete Hiraku” (cherry blossoms begin to open), one of the 72 micro-seasons of the traditional Japanese calendar.
The Japan Cherry Blossom Association aims to deepen people’s appreciation for Japan’s natural beauty and culture through sakura, while promoting the creation of a land rich with flowers and greenery. Cherry blossoms are not merely flowers—they represent the very soul of Japanese culture, deeply intertwined with the nation’s history and traditions.
The Historical Connection Between Cherry Blossoms and Shrines
The Goddess Konohanasakuya-hime
Central to understanding the relationship between cherry blossoms and shrines is the deity Konohanasakuya-hime (木花咲耶姫), whose name literally means “tree flower blooming princess.”
In Japanese mythology, this goddess embodies the beauty and purity of cherry blossoms. As the consort of Ninigi-no-mikoto (the grandson of Amaterasu), she is considered one of Japan’s primordial mother figures. Her name itself is intrinsically connected to the blooming of flowers, particularly sakura.
Throughout Japan, numerous shrines dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime, especially the Asama shrines with Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha as their head shrine, hold special ceremonies during cherry blossom season.
Sacred Cherry Trees (Go-shinboku)
Cherry trees in shrine grounds are not merely ornamental plants. Many serve as go-shinboku (sacred trees), carefully protected as dwelling places of divine spirits.
Since ancient times, Japanese people have revered the cherry blossom’s ephemeral nature—its ability to bloom magnificently and then fall gracefully—connecting it to the samurai spirit and viewing it as a sacred herald of spring. From Heian court culture to Edo period common folk traditions, sakura has maintained its special place in Japanese hearts.
Five Cherry Blossom Shrines for Goshuin Collecting
1. Sakura Shrine (Tokyo, Setagaya)
True to its name, this shrine has deep connections to cherry blossoms, with various sakura species planted throughout the grounds. From March to April, beautiful limited-edition goshuin featuring cherry blossom motifs are distributed. The shrine offers extended sakura viewing pleasure, from early-blooming Kawazu-zakura to late-blooming double cherry blossoms.
2. Sakuragi Shrine (Chiba, Noda)
This shrine bearing the “sakura” name attracts numerous visitors during cherry blossom season. The ancient cherry trees on the grounds are magnificent, and goshuin sometimes feature special sakura designs.
3. Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha (Shizuoka, Fujinomiya)
The head shrine of approximately 1,300 Sengen shrines nationwide, dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime herself. The grounds feature around 500 cherry trees, including the magnificent weeping cherry “Shingen-zakura.” Viewing cherry blossoms at the shrine of the cherry blossom goddess—it doesn’t get more fitting than that.
4. Yasukuni Shrine (Tokyo, Chiyoda)
Known as one of Tokyo’s premier cherry blossom viewing spots, the shrine grounds house approximately 400 cherry trees. Special goshuin are sometimes available during spring festivals, attracting crowds of visitors.
5. Yoshinoyama Shrine Complex (Nara)
Mount Yoshino, one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom destinations, hosts Kinpusen-ji and numerous other sacred sites representing syncretic Buddhism-Shintoism. The sight of the entire mountain covered in cherry blossoms is breathtaking, and limited-edition goshuin are not to be missed.
Highlights of Spring Limited-Edition Goshuin
The Beauty of Cherry Blossom Designs
The greatest appeal of spring limited-edition goshuin lies in their beautiful sakura-themed designs. From watercolor-style pale pink cherry blossoms to silhouette cutout designs and luxurious gold leaf decorations, each shrine offers uniquely expressive interpretations.
Monthly Variations
Many shrines prepare different cherry blossom goshuin for each month from March through May. Beginning with early plum blossoms, progressing through Somei-yoshino and double cherry blossoms to fresh greenery, you can experience the seasonal transition through goshuin—a truly special experience.
Pre-written vs. Hand-written Goshuin
Due to large crowds during cherry blossom season, many shrines offer beautifully designed goshuin as kaki-oki (pre-written on paper) rather than writing them directly in your book. However, basic goshuin are often still available as direct calligraphy, so it’s worth inquiring in advance.
Cherry Blossom Season Goshuin Etiquette
Worship First, Goshuin Second
Regardless of the season, the fundamental purpose of visiting a shrine is worship. Since goshuin serve as proof of pilgrimage, always pay your respects at the main hall before visiting the shrine office.
While cherry blossoms may captivate your attention, remember that shrines are sacred spaces. Approach with gratitude and reverence.
Consideration During Busy Times
Cherry blossom season brings larger crowds than usual, so please observe these courtesies:
- Allow extra time: Weekends and holidays are especially busy
- Queue etiquette: Show consideration for other visitors while waiting for goshuin
- Photography courtesy: When capturing beautiful shrine and sakura scenes, avoid blocking other visitors’ paths
Preparing for Wait Times
At popular shrines, you may wait over an hour to receive goshuin. Consider this waiting time as a valuable part of your shrine experience.
Use this opportunity to contemplate the cherry blossoms, step away from daily routines, and quiet your mind. This perspective will deepen your appreciation when you finally receive your goshuin.
Goshuin Book Preparation
Since many shrines offer limited-edition goshuin during cherry blossom season, you might run out of pages in your goshuin book. Check your available pages beforehand and prepare a new book if necessary.
Conclusion: Cherry Blossoms, Goshuin, and Spiritual Connection
Through exploring “Sakura Day,” we’ve examined the deep relationship between cherry blossoms and shrines. Sakura hold a special place in Japanese hearts, with their connection to shrines representing an important cultural tradition spanning centuries.
Through goshuin collecting, we experience more than just gathering beautiful designs—we connect with Japanese traditions, culture, and seasonal transitions. The special experiences available only during cherry blossom season deserve to be enjoyed fully while maintaining proper etiquette.
The goshuin you receive in spring sunshine under falling cherry petals at a shrine will surely become treasured memories. May this cherry blossom season bring you wonderful goshuin collecting experiences.
Image Credit: Cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi - Photography by Kimura Yuji. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons
