Sakura bloom in Nantou central Taiwan

Sakura is the Japanese name for the Japanese Cherry (Prunus serrulata)  tree. At this time of year they bloom in various places throughout Taiwan. Although not as spectacular as the Sakura blossom in Japan, they still attract a number of visitors each year.

 

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Although these are called Cherry trees they do not produce cherries and are not fruit trees. Sakura is associated with the traditional Japanese custom of Hanami. Hanami is the centuries old tradition of pickining under blooming Sakura or Ume trees. It is said to have started in the Nara Period (710-794) when people would go to admire the ume blossom. By the Heian Period (794-1185) the attraction changed to the Sakura trees.

This one of the places which attracts many people each year, in the mountains in Nantou county Taiwan. Many blooming Sakura trees can be found here amongst the tea plantations. Due to weather conditions, the bloom this year was not as spectacular as previous years.