Cherry blossoms season is fleeting, but Instagram photos are forever. So far there’s a compilation of more than 2,700 photos across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the #GaijinPotSakura tag of cherry blossom (or sakura, in Japanese) photos/vids. And, yes, we’ve checked them all out.
The GaijinPot 2018 Cherry Blossom Contest is still going because even though blossoms are fading in some parts of Japan, they will soon flourish in the northern areas like Tohoku and Hokkaido.
We noticed a few themes emerging among the photos and videos entered in the contest. Here are a few to keep you (and us!) inspired. And don’t forget to keep posting — the contest isn’t over yet! (See here for full contest details and prizes.)
Love & sakura
Sakura petals — wait, no — “love” is in the air… we can feel it all around! Can somebody please rewrite the 2000s rom-com cult classic Love Actually but have it set in Japan during cherry blossom season. People were not shy about showing off their affection, and who could blame them? Afterall, it’s Japan’s most romantic season.
Kissy face.
Can’t help it.
I do.
Animals & Sakura
When we started this contest, it never occurred to us that we’d get so many nifty animal pics with sakura. The only question is, if one of these shots wins the contest, will the photographer split the prize?
Who hasn’t thought about eating sakura — if only the taste matched the smell.
If this isn’t a coincidence…
Even the owls come out for sakura.
When your dog is more stylish than you, they get to be in the epic sakura shot.
Selfies & sakura
Yeah, go ahead witchya bad self…ies.
Sakura, GoPro and selfies.
Must document.
When the chu-hai sets in…
Me when I finally see them in person…
When a selfie will NOT do it justice.
5,000 sakura points for most creative sakura selfie.
Epic scenery & sakura
Just a tiny segment of the magical sakura season all over Japan, if you time your springg trip just right.
Fleeting yet still on point.
Right out of … another world.
Subtle sakura.
Not subtle sakura 😁
The concrete jungle a shade pink.
Tokyo tower!
What more is there to say!
#GaijinPotSakura #cherryblossoms #japan pic.twitter.com/B94GeqqFWj
— ばくらお うぃりー (@askalinu) March 26, 2018
GaijinPot 2018 Cherry Blossom Contest ends in May. We are still accepting photos via social media by using the tag #GaijinPotSakura. The above photos are just taste of what’s been submitted. Winners of the contest will not be chosen until the after the contest closes out on May 13. Even if you are not one of our top winners, your post could still be reposted.
Big thanks to everyone who has submitted so far! 🌸
Love sakura and want to read more? Try these…
- Learn more about the history and significance of the cherry blossom.
- Check our list of more than 500 places to view cherry blossoms in Japan.
- More on Sakura season in Tokyo.
- How about learning the inner workings of a cherry blossom viewing party aka hanami.
- Love sakura sweets? Check out Savvy Tokyo’s 2018 roundup of the best cherry-blossom-flavored sweets!
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