August 27, 2019
15 Japanese Flower Meanings and Where to Find Them
Many flowers from Japan have lovely and sacred meanings, each bringing their own purpose to those who admire them. Japanese flowers come in various shapes, sizes and colors. Japanese people understand the beauty of their flowers and the country has a plethora of incredible gardens for the public to enjoy. Many of these flowers can be found next to zen gardens. Look through our list to see which flowers speak to you and find a Japanese garden to explore from our guide.
15 Japanese Flower Names + Meanings
As mentioned, Japanese flower meanings are significant to the culture. We’ve noted the meaning behind each flower, where you can find them, and the time of year each flower blooms. Each flower is unique in its apperance and symbolism, so you’re sure to have fun learning about each one.
1. Himawari (Sunflowers)
This Japanese sunflower looks very similar to other sunflower types. The Himawaris usually grow in large fields, giving the appearance of a vast yellow sea. There is even a sunflower festival (Himawari Matsuri) that many attend to admire the beauty of these sunflowers.
Meaning: Adoration, loyalty and longevity
Where you can find them: Hokuryu, Hokkaido Island, Furano Flower Fields
Blooms: Summer
2. Tsubaki (Camellia)
Camellias are evergreen shrubs or small trees with glossy, dark green leaves. The flowers of the shrub are large (usually around 12 centimeters tall) and can vary in color from shades of red to pink. Each blossom has a group of yellow stamens.
Meaning: Humility, discretion and perfect love
Where you can find them: Along the coast of Southern Japan
Blooms: Spring
3. Ume (Japanese Apricot)
The blossoms of the Japanese apricot tree are incredibly fragrant, smelling like sweet honey. They are edible and bonsai suitable as well, making for stunning houseplants. The blossom buds are dark pink but fade to a pale pink once fully mature.
Meaning: Elegance, faithfulness and pure heart
Where you can find them: Commonly seen through the gardens of Japan
Blooms: Early Spring
4. Asagao (Morning Glory)
As the name says, the morning glory only blooms in the cool, breezy mornings. The base of the plant consists of green shrubbery, and the leaves are heart-shaped. The blossoms look tie-dyed with blue and white streaks.
Meaning: Brief love and bond of love
Where you can find them: Japanese gardens of Osaka (Sakai)
Blooms: Summer to Early Autumn
5. Kaneshon (Carnation)
Carnations are a sweet symbol of love, both in Japan and across the globe. They are often given and received as caring gifts to close family members and significant others. Carnations come in a handful of colors and can even be dyed.
Meaning: Love
Where you can find them: Commonly seen through the gardens of Japan
Blooms: Late Spring to Midsummer
6. Ajisai (Hydrangea)
Hydrangeas are a wonderful present to convey your gratitude for someone who has recently done you a favor, or just because. This flower is known for changing color according to the acidity of the soil, but is usually found as indigo blue.
Meaning: Apologies and gratitude
Where you can find them: Nabana No Sato Park
Blooms: Spring to Early Autumn
7. Kinmokusei (Orange Osmanthus)
A very bright and bushy blossom, the orange osmanthus was introduced to Japan from China in the Edo period. It has evergreen shrubs and also produces a purple-black fruit drupe containing a hard-shelled seed.
Meaning: Truth and noble person
Where you can find them: Commonly seen through the gardens of Japan
Blooms: Autumn
8. Akaibara (Red Rose)
These beautiful red roses are bright red and can be seen in many Japanese flower gardens. Roses have a global meaning of romance and can be offered as a sign of love to your significant other.
Meaning: Romance
Where you can find them: Gora Park and most Japan flower gardens
Blooms: Autumn
9. Sakurasou (Primula Sieboldii)
This flower is called sakurasou because it resembles a sakura, which is a flowering cherry tree. The flower also looks like a magenta daisy. The flower is quite popular in Japan and dates back to the Edo period.
Meaning: Desire and long-lasting love
Where you can find them: Wet areas and forests in Japan
Blooms: Spring
10. Akaichurippu (Red Tulip)
Red tulips are very popular globally and make for a gorgeous field of flowers or bouquet. The name tulip comes from the Persian word turban since the tulip blooms resemble a turban.
Meaning: Fame and eternal love
Where you can find them: Gunma Flower Park, Huis Ten Bosch, Nabana No Sato
Blooms: Spring
11. Sumire (Violet)
This flower blooms from tiny shrubs that usually grow along walls or in gardens. Their blooms are bright violet and the plant has long ivory stems and leaves. This flower is typically used to spruce up front lawns.
Meaning: Ink container, sincerity and small bliss
Where you can find them: Commonly seen through the gardens of Japan
Blooms: Spring
12. Shobu (Iris)
This Japanese iris is known to ring in good news. These beautiful and unique flowers have three bluish-purple petals and are marked with strips of yellow that sprout from the middle. They stem from the ground and flourish in Spring.
Meaning: Good news, glad tidings and loyalty
Where you can find them: Gunma Flower Park and Nabana No Sato Park
Blooms: Late Spring to Midsummer
13. Rabenda (Lavender)
Lavender is a purple colored blossom with a white edge. The blossom itself has petals that form an almost perfect circle, creating a unique beauty to the flower. It usually grows as a vine along pipes and fences.
Meaning: Faithful
Where you can find them: Furano Flower Fields or Tambara Flower Park
Blooms: Summer
14. Momo (Prunus persica)
This edible flower has bright pink blossoms that are light as a feather. Two or more of the flowers bloom from each end of the bud, covering the tree in pink petals. The tree that the momo flower belongs to bears a delicious fruit known as the peach.
Meaning: Fascinating personality
Where you can find them: Ibaraki, Koga Park, Yamanashi Togenkyo, and the Southern Alps
Blooms: Early to Mid-April
15. Sakura (Japanese Cherry)
Cherry blossoms are intrinsic to the national image of Japan, since cherry blossoms are the national flower of Japan. The blooms are light pink and white, and many tend to bloom on a single branch. Each blossom has a long stem that grows from the branch.
Meaning: Accomplishment and beauty of heart
Where you can find them: Hokkaido Island, gardens in Tokyo, and Sumida Park
Blooms: Spring
Fabulous Flower Gardens in Japan
Flower fields in Japan are cherished parks open to the public and flourish with beautiful blooms. They are well kept and create a peaceful landscape for people to enjoy. Most flower fields allow visitors to walk among the blooms. Read below to find a flower field in Japan that fancies you!
Furano Flower Fields
Location: 1-41 Miyamachi, Nakafurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0714, Japan
These flower fields are home to poppies, lilies, salvias, sunflowers and more. The best time to visit is between May and October — plus, there is no entrance fee. There are large lavender plants that fragrant the air.
Nabana No Sato Park
Location: 270 Nagashimacho Komae, Kuwana, Mie 511-1144, Japan
This park will never let you down since new flowers blossom every season. This park is home to plenty of cherry blossoms, roses, irises, tulips and hydrangeas. During the summer, the park hosts one of Japan’s largest flower festivals. The entrance fee varies depending on the season and events.
Hitachi Seaside Park
Location: 605-4 Mawatari Onuma, Hitachinaka 312-0012, Ibaraki Prefecture
This park is quite scenic since all of the nemophila flowers create a sea of blue when they begin to bloom in April. The best time to visit is between April and May, as well as a second visit in mid-October. The entrance fee for this park is 410 yen, but incredibly worth every penny.
Gora Park
Location: 1300 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan
One of the most peaceful gardens because of its various fountains, Gora Park is filled to the brim with red roses. This oasis is perfect to visit in the months of September to October. The entrance fee is 550 yen.
Common Japanese Flowers Questions
If you still have a few questions about Japanese flowers, check out these FAQs to see if one blossoms clarity.
What is the most popular flower in Japan?
The Japanese cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan and is by far the most popular. These flowers can be enjoyed and admired during spring, and there’s even a cherry blossom festival during this time that takes place in cherry blossom gardens all over Japan.
Are cherry blossoms only found in Japan?
Even though cherry blossoms are closely tied to Japan and most grow there, cherry blossoms can be found in other parts of the world, including Washington, D.C., New York and Georgia.
What month do cherry blossoms bloom in Japan?
Between March and April are the prime months to visit Japan to take in the wondrous cherry blossoms. Towards the end of the season, the blossoms begin to fall creating a snowfall of cherry blossoms that you probably do not want to miss.
We hope that you connect with one of these flowers and find your zen within one of Japan’s flower gardens. If this guide has you excited to welcome new plant friends, check out our new arrivals to freshen your home.