The features and highlights of Kanzan
Kanzan is a variety of cherry blossom characterised by its vivid pink, large-petalled flowers. With an abundance of petals, it has a lavish appearance and is cherished by many as one of spring's iconic sights. Kanzan is also a robust variety, resistant to disease and environmental change, and is widely planted in gardens and parks. Its blossoms are sometimes pickled and eaten.
The difference between Somei Yoshino and Kanzan
Japan's most iconic cherry blossom, Somei Yoshino, and Kanzan differ in appearance and flowering time. Somei Yoshino is known for its simple, pale pink flowers and blooms from late March to early April. Kanzan, on the other hand, has deeper pink flowers with more petals, and its peak bloom comes slightly later than Somei Yoshino — typically from mid to late April.
When to see Kanzan along Ginza Sakura-dori
Ginza Sakura-dori, which runs along the northern edge of Ginza, is lined with cherry trees as the name suggests, and comes alive with tourists and locals each spring. Kanzan in particular stands out among the cherry trees planted along Ginza Sakura-dori, its beautiful pink blooms adding colour to this urban oasis. The best time to visit is from mid to late April — perfect for a walk or hanami (blossom-viewing).
Enjoying Kanzan via AR
You don't have to wait until next spring: using AR technology provided by the Ginza Biodiversity Museum, you can enjoy the beautiful blooms of Kanzan anytime and anywhere. Viewing the flowers overlaid onto the real world through your smartphone or tablet gives you the sensation of seeing real cherry blossoms in front of you.
Ginza Biodiversity Museum