50 Popular Japanese Flowers

Flowers have a special meaning in Japanese culture and are highly prized for their beauty and symbolism. Since ancient times, flowers have been used in important ceremonies and celebrations such as weddings, funerals, festivals and religious ceremonies. Each flower has its own symbolic meaning, which is often mentioned in Japanese literature, poetry and art.

In this article, we will present 50 Japanese flowers and their meanings, from the best known and popular to the lesser known, but equally valued in Japanese culture. To help you get your bearings, we've also ranked the flowers based on their popularity and symbolic meaning.

Among the most popular flowers in Japan are sakura (Japanese cherry), ume (Japanese plum), kiku (Japanese chrysanthemum), ayame (Japanese iris) and himawari (Japanese sunflower). In addition to these, we will present another 45 Japanese flowers with their respective symbolic meanings and cultural stories.

Prepare for a journey of beauty and symbolism as we explore the world of Japanese flowers and their significance in Japanese culture and tradition.

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Sakura: The Cherry Blossom

Sakura, or cherry blossom, is probably Japan's best known and most iconic flower. It has a special meaning in Japanese culture, symbolizing the beauty and transience of life. Cherry blossoms are enjoyed during “hanami,” a Japanese tradition of enjoying the blossoms and having picnics under cherry blossom trees in full bloom.

Each spring, cherry trees bloom across Japan, creating stunning landscapes with their delicate, pink blossoms. The cherry blossom has been the subject of countless works of art and poetry, and remains an enduring symbol of Japan and its culture.

In addition to the cultural and symbolic importance, the cherry blossom is also valued for its aesthetic beauty. There are over 200 varieties of cherry trees, each with its own characteristics and flower colors ranging from pure white to deep pink.

Sakura – all about japan cherry trees

Ume: The Plum Blossom

Ume, or plum blossom, is another much-loved and celebrated Japanese flower. The plum blossom is one of the first to bloom each year, usually in late winter or early spring, symbolizing resilience and renewal. Plum blossoms are a sign that spring is on the way, bringing hope and joy after the cold winter months.

Plum blossoms are very similar to cherry blossoms, but can be distinguished by their petals, which are more rounded and do not have notches. Plum blossoms also have a sweet, delicate scent that attracts people and pollinators. They vary in color from white to deep pink and are often used in floral arrangements and as artistic motifs in paintings, ceramics and textiles.

The tradition of enjoying plum blossoms, called “ume matsuri”, takes place in various parts of Japan, with festivals and events dedicated to celebrating the beauty of these blossoms. During the flowering season, people visit parks and gardens with plum trees to enjoy the flowers and take photographs. In addition, the Japanese plum (Prunus mume) is valued not only for its flowers, but also for its fruits, which are used in Japanese cuisine to make preserves, liqueurs and other delicacies.

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Ume - Know ume, the Japanese plum and its variations

Kiku: The Chrysanthemum

The Kiku, or chrysanthemum, is an extremely popular and significant Japanese flower that plays an important role in the country's culture and traditions. The chrysanthemum is the national flower of Japan and represents nobility, longevity and endurance. The Japanese emperor's throne is known as the "Chrysanthemum Throne", and the flower is also used as an imperial symbol and in Japanese heraldry.

Chrysanthemums come in a wide variety of shapes and colors, from simple flowers with just a few petals to extremely elaborate, folded flowers. They can be found in a variety of colors such as white, yellow, orange, pink, red and purple. The diversity and beauty of chrysanthemums make them a popular choice for floral arrangements and decorations at events and celebrations.

In Japan, the Chrysanthemum Festival is a tradition that celebrates the beauty and importance of this flower. The festival takes place across the country, usually in October and November when the chrysanthemums are in full bloom. During the festival, gardens and temples are decorated with elaborate arrangements and displays of chrysanthemums, often featuring unique forms and styles of cultivation. Visitors enjoy the flowers and participate in activities related to Japanese culture and traditions.

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Chrysanthemum - the symbol of the Japanese throne

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Ayame: The Japanese Iris

The Ayame, or Japanese iris, is another flower widely prized in Japan for its beauty and cultural significance. There are several species of iris native to Japan, such as the Iris ensata (Japanese iris) and the Iris laevigata (aquatic iris). These stunning flowers are especially popular in Japanese gardens and as the subject of art and poetry.

The Japanese iris is known for its large, elegant petals, which can come in a wide range of colors, including purple, blue, white, yellow, and pink. Irises bloom in late spring and early summer, attracting visitors to gardens and parks to admire their beauty. Iris also has medicinal properties and is used in traditional Japanese medicine.

The tradition of enjoying Japanese irises is called “kakitsubata matsuri”. During this festival, people visit gardens and parks with iris plantations and participate in special events such as dance and music performances. Iris gardens are specially designed to display the flowers in a harmonious way, integrating landscape elements such as rocks and water to create a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.

Iris, flor, roxo

Tsubaki: The Japanese Camellia

The Tsubaki, or Japanese Camellia, is a flower highly prized in Japan for its elegance and enduring beauty. The Japanese Camellia is native to East Asia and is especially popular in Japan, where it has been cultivated for centuries. There are many varieties of camellias, with flowers ranging from white to deep red and pink to yellow.

The camellia is known for its large, showy flowers, which bloom in winter and spring. The flowers are composed of several layers of petals, some varieties have single flowers, while others have double flowers. The camellia is an evergreen plant that keeps its bright green leaves all year round, adding visual interest to gardens even when they are not in bloom.

The Japanese camellia has been cultivated and prized for centuries, both as an ornamental plant and for its medicinal and cosmetic properties. Oil extracted from camellia seeds is known as “tsubaki-abura” and is traditionally used for hair and skin care. Furthermore, the camellia is also a symbol of love and admiration in Japanese culture, and its flowers are often used in flower arrangements and tea ceremonies.

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Camellia, camellia blossom, flower

Higanbana: The Flower of the Spider Lily

Higanbana, also known as spider lily flower or Lycoris radiata, is a unique and distinctive Japanese flower. Higanbana has a striking appearance, with bright red petals that curve backwards and long stamens that protrude outward, creating a spider-like shape. This stunning flower blooms in the fall, providing a vibrant splash of color towards the end of the flowering season.

Higanbana has unique cultural significance in Japan, where it is associated with the afterlife and the passage of time. It is often found growing near cemeteries and temples, and the flower is believed to help guide the souls of the deceased on their journey to the afterlife. The flower is also known for its toxicity, being used traditionally as a pest repellent, such as rats and insects.

Despite its association with death and toxicity, Higanbana is admired for its unique and striking beauty. Its presence in autumnal landscapes, such as rice fields and riverbanks, attracts visitors who want to capture the ephemeral beauty of this flower. Higanbana has also been depicted in Japanese artwork and literature, symbolizing the impermanence of life and the passage of time.

AMARYLLIS, CLUSTER AMARYLLIS, SPIDER LILY

Yuzu: The Japanese Lemon Blossom

Yuzu is a Japanese lemon flower highly prized for its fragrant aroma and unique citrus flavor. The yuzu flower is usually white, small and delicate, and blooms in spring. Although the yuzu flowers are not as prominent as the flowers of other plants such as the cherry tree or the camellia, they are still highly prized for their importance in Japanese cuisine and traditional medicine.

Yuzu is a medium-sized citrus fruit that grows on Japanese lemon trees. The fruit has a rough skin and a pungent taste, and is often used to make spices, sauces, drinks and sweets. The yuzu flower is used in medicinal teas and baths, and is known for its relaxing and invigorating properties.

In Japan, yuzu is prized as a symbol of luck and prosperity, and is often used in celebrations and festivals. Yuzu is widely cultivated across the country, especially in the Shikoku and Kyushu regions, where the warm, humid climate is conducive to its growth. Visitors who want to experience the unique taste and fragrance of yuzu flowers can visit specialty tea and food stores, or attend festivals dedicated to this delicious citrus fruit.

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Yuzu, Japanese Lemon, Blossom

Ajisai: The Japanese Hydrangea

Ajisai, or Japanese hydrangea, is a very popular flower in Japan for its beauty and diversity of colors. Ajisai is native to eastern Asia, and its name in Japanese means “purple garden flower”. The flowers are large, with multiple petals ranging in color from white to pink, blue and violet.

Hydrangeas bloom during the summer, filling gardens and parks with colors and scents. Hydrangeas are often planted in Japanese gardens, public parks and along streets, adding a splash of color and beauty to the urban landscape. Additionally, hydrangeas are often used in flower arrangements and tea ceremonies, symbolizing humility and grace.

The tradition of enjoying hydrangeas is called “ajisai matsuri” and takes place in many parts of Japan during the flowering season. During this festival, people visit parks and gardens with hydrangea plantations and participate in cultural activities and special events. Furthermore, Ajisai is often used in wedding decorations, where it symbolizes sincere love and marital happiness.

Hortênsias, azul, flores

Fujibakama: The Autumn Herb

The Fujibakama, or autumn herb, is a rare Japanese flower highly prized for its beauty and importance in the country's culture and traditions. Fujibakama is a flower that blooms in September, usually in mountainous terrain and uncultivated areas. It is known for its delicate, fragrant white petals, which open in a fashion similar to camellia flowers.

Fujibakama is a flower that has been cultivated and enjoyed in Japan for centuries. It is often used in tea ceremonies and in floral arrangements, where it is prized for its unique beauty and delicacy. The flower is also considered a symbol of purity and simplicity, important values in Japanese culture.

Despite its beauty, the Fujibakama is a rare and endangered flower. It grows in mountainous areas and is often threatened by human activities such as deforestation and urbanization. As a result, cultivation and preservation of Fujibakama has become a priority for many botanical gardens and conservation institutions in Japan.

I'm sorry, but it looks like "Kunigunde herb" and "eupatorium cannabinum" are already in English. "Water hemp" is also in English. If you need a translation for other words or phrases, feel free to ask!

Sumire: The Japanese Violet

Sumire, or Japanese violet, is a flower native to Japan that blooms in winter and early spring. Sumire is a small, delicate flower with heart-shaped petals that range in color from white to purple. This flower is one of the first to bloom in spring and is often seen in gardens and public parks across the country.

Sumire has important cultural significance in Japan, often being associated with humility, modesty and sincere love. The flower is often used in wedding ceremonies, where it symbolizes devotion and eternal love. In addition, Sumire is also appreciated as an ingredient in many dishes of Japanese cuisine, such as desserts, teas and drinks.

In Japan, cultivation and appreciation of Sumire is an integral part of the country's culture. There are many different varieties of violets, each with its own distinct characteristics and unique beauty. People visit gardens and public parks across the country to appreciate the beauty of violets and attend festivals and exhibitions related to the flower.

Pansy, violet, wall

Nadeshiko: The Wild Rose Flower

The Nadeshiko, or wild rose flower, is a flower that grows in mountains and fields across Japan. The flower has a sweet, mild scent and a simple, elegant beauty. Nadeshiko's petals range in color from pink to red, and the flower blooms throughout the summer.

The Nadeshiko is highly prized in Japanese culture and is often used as a symbol of beauty and femininity. The flower is often mentioned in Japanese poetry and literature, and is a popular subject in paintings and other artwork. Additionally, Nadeshiko is used in many traditional Japanese flower arrangements, adding a delicate touch of color and scent.

Despite its beauty, the Nadeshiko is a rare and endangered flower in some parts of Japan due to habitat loss and environmental degradation. As a result, preserving and growing Nadeshiko has become a priority for many botanical gardens and conservation organizations across the country.

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Dianthus, er duo, pink

Tsubaki: The Japanese Camellia

Tsubaki, or Japanese camellia, is a very popular flower in Japan for its beauty and simplicity. Tsubaki has large, shiny petals that range in color from white to pink and red. The flower blooms in winter and early spring, providing a splash of color and beauty at a time of year when many other flowers don't bloom.

Tsubaki is highly prized in Japanese culture and is often used in flower arrangements and tea ceremonies. The flower is often associated with purity, elegance and modesty, and is a popular symbol of beauty and femininity. Furthermore, Tsubaki seed oil is used in many Japanese beauty products due to its moisturizing and antioxidant properties.

Camellias are widely grown throughout Japan, and there are many different Tsubaki varieties available, each with its own beauty and distinctive characteristics. People visit gardens and public parks across the country to admire the beauty of camellias and attend festivals and exhibitions related to the flower.

Botan: The Japanese Peony

Botan, or Japanese peony, is a flower much appreciated in Japan for its exuberant beauty and medicinal properties. Botan has large, shiny petals that range in color from white to red and pink, and it blooms in spring. The flower is often used in floral arrangements and tea ceremonies, and is highly prized for its sweet, mild fragrance.

Botan is known for its medicinal properties and is often used in traditional Japanese medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments and conditions. The flower is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, and is considered a natural remedy for fatigue, headaches, joint pain and other health problems.

In addition to its medicinal properties, Botan is highly prized for its beauty and elegance. People visit botanical gardens and public parks across the country to admire Botan flowers and attend flower-related festivals and exhibitions. Also, Botan is often used in wedding decorations and other ceremonies, where it symbolizes love and marital happiness.

Flores, peônias, buquê

Kikyo: The Japanese Tinker Bell

Kikyo, or Japanese bell, is a flower native to Japan that grows in mountainous terrain and uncultivated areas. Kikyo has star-shaped petals that range in color from white to blue and violet, and it blooms in summer and early fall. The flower is highly prized in Japanese culture for its delicate beauty and symbolic meaning.

Kikyo is often associated with humility and sincerity, and is a popular symbol of friendship and true love. The flower is often used in tea ceremonies and in floral arrangements, adding a delicate touch of color and aroma. Additionally, Kikyo is often mentioned in Japanese literature and poetry, where it is prized for its beauty and simplicity.

People visit gardens and public parks across Japan to admire the beauty of Kikyo and attend flower-related festivals and exhibitions. Furthermore, Kikyo is often used in wedding decorations and other ceremonies, where it symbolizes fidelity and devotion.

Campainha, flor azul, pétalas

Yukiyanagi: The Japanese Willow

The Yukiyanagi, or Japanese willow, is a tree native to Japan that is highly prized for its beauty and cultural importance. The tree has an elegant and graceful appearance, with long branches and delicate leaves that gently flutter in the wind. The Yukiyanagi blooms in early spring, producing small yellow flowers that add a splash of color and beauty to the landscape.

Yukiyanagi is often used in flower arrangements and tea ceremonies, and is a popular symbol of elegance and simplicity. The tree is often mentioned in Japanese literature and poetry, where it is prized for its beauty and its ability to symbolize the transience of life. Furthermore, Yukiyanagi is often used in landscaping, adding a touch of serenity and harmony to gardens and public parks.

People visit botanical gardens and public parks across Japan to admire the beauty of the Yukiyanagi and attend tree-related festivals and exhibitions. Also, Yukiyanagi is often used in wedding decorations and other ceremonies, where it symbolizes harmony and peace.

Natural, flores, paisagem
Photo by shell_ghostcage on Pixabay

Hagi: The Japanese Bush Clover

Hagi, or Japanese bush clover, is a plant native to Japan that blooms in late summer and early fall. The plant has dark green leaves and small, delicate flowers that vary in color from white to pink and purple. Hagi is highly valued in Japanese culture for its beauty and symbolic importance.

The Hagi is often associated with humility and perseverance, and is a popular symbol of resilience and resilience. The plant is often mentioned in Japanese literature and poetry, where it is prized for its delicate beauty and its ability to symbolize strength and determination. Additionally, Hagi is often used in floral arrangements and tea ceremonies, adding a splash of color and scent to decor.

People visit gardens and public parks across Japan to admire the beauty of Hagi and attend festivals and exhibitions related to the plant. Furthermore, Hagi is often used in wedding decorations and other ceremonies, where it symbolizes perseverance and determination.

Bush clover (Japanese)

Renge: The Japanese Lotus

The Renge, or Japanese lotus, is an aquatic plant much appreciated in Japan for its beauty and symbolic meaning. The plant has large, showy flowers that range in color from white to pink and red, and is one of the most sacred and important plants in Japanese Buddhist culture.

The Renge is often associated with spiritual purity, renewal and enlightenment, and is a popular symbol of peace and harmony. The plant is often used in Buddhist ceremonies and rituals, where it is prized for its ability to symbolize the individual's spiritual journey. Furthermore, the Renge is often mentioned in Japanese literature and poetry, where it is prized for its beauty and its ability to symbolize eternal life.

People visit Buddhist temples and public gardens across Japan to admire the beauty of the Renge and attend festivals and exhibitions related to the plant. Furthermore, the Renge is often used in decorations for weddings and other ceremonies, where it symbolizes purity and spiritual renewal.

Lotus flower - meanings and curiosities

Himawari: The Japanese Sunflower

The Himawari, or Japanese sunflower, is a popular and highly prized flower in Japan for its beauty and symbolism. The flower has bright yellow petals that surround a dark central disc, and is one of the most well known and loved flowers around the world. Himawari blooms in summer and is highly valued in Japanese culture for its cheerfulness and vitality.

The Himawari is often associated with happiness, optimism and love, and is a popular symbol of friendship and loyalty. The flower is often used in floral arrangements and decorations, adding a touch of color and joy to the environment. Additionally, the Himawari is often mentioned in Japanese literature and poetry, where it is prized for its beauty and symbolism.

People visit gardens and public parks across Japan to admire Himawari's beauty and attend flower-related festivals and exhibitions. Furthermore, Himawari is often used in decorations for weddings and other ceremonies, where it symbolizes happiness and prosperity.

50 popular Japanese flowers

Other Japanese Flowers

Want more flowers? Then take:

  1. Ayatori: Daisy-like flower that blooms in early spring.
  2. Botan: the popular Japanese paeonia, blooms in late spring and early summer.
  3. Fuji: the flower of the wisteria, a vine that blooms in spring.
  4. Hanashobu: The Japanese iris that blooms in late spring and early summer.
  5. Katakuri: a small violet flower that blooms in early spring.
  6. Nadeshiko: A pink flower with fringed petals that blooms in summer.
  7. Rengetsu: the azalea flower, which blooms in early spring.
  8. Satsuki: the flower of the Japanese rhododendron, which blooms in early summer.
  9. Shion: the Japanese violet flower, which blooms in late spring and early summer.
  10. Tsubaki: the popular Japanese camellia, which blooms in winter and early spring.

Not satisfied yet? Catch more Japanese flowers:

  1. Akebi
  2. Amanatsu
  3. Aoi
  4. Asagao
  5. Asatsuyu
  6. Azami
  7. Botanboufu
  8. Chrysanthemum yezoense
  9. Winter persimmon
  10. Gaku
  11. Gomphrena
  12. Hanaguruma
  13. Hanaikada
  14. Hanakotoba
  15. Hanamomo
  16. Hanazakura
  17. Higanbana
  18. Hikagezakura
  19. Himesayuri
  20. Hototogisu
  21. Inuharigon
  22. Katsura
  23. Kikyō
  24. Kirishima
  25. Kokia
  26. Kuchinasi
  27. Kusabira
  28. Kuwana
  29. Nadeshiko
  30. Nageia
  31. Nezumisou
  32. Oban
  33. Renzokuujou
  34. marmoset
  35. Sazanka
  36. Shakuyaku
  37. Shirayuri
  38. Suisen
  39. "Orange tree"
  40. Tawara
  41. Tenjikubotan
  42. take
  43. Tsurukame
  44. Utsugi
  45. Wagayama
  46. Wakamurasaki
  47. Yamabuki
  48. Yama-aoi
  49. Yomogi
  50. Yurine

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