Cherry Blossom Lingo: spring's first cherry blossom

Last year I introduced ten of my favorite cherry blossom season expressions, words used in the Japanese language to describe a specific aspect of the sakura season. As promised, this year I will continue introducing some cherry blossom specific lingo. And where better to start than with "the year's first cherry blossom".

Hatsuzakura 初桜 is the term for the very first cherry blossoms of the year. Generally relating to spring sakura not winter cherry blossoms. The word "hatsu" is used a lot in Japan for seasonal firsts. For example, you may have heard of "hatsumode" at New Year - the first prayers of the year. "Hatsuhinode" refers to the first sunrise of the year. So, it is only fitting that there is also a "hatsu" word for the first cherry blossoms.

My "hatsuzakura" (excluding winter cherry blossoms) this year was exactly a month ago, on February 16th 2026, in Kawagoe, pictured. It is a type of cherry blossom called "kawazuzakura". And it marked the start of my cherry blossom hunting for

the 2026 season! Have you seen your first cherry blossom of the year yet?