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Thursday, September 6, 2012

2012 Olinda Cherry Blossom Festival

Spring is upon us in Australia with warmer temperatures and the beautiful spring flowers and blooming cherry blossom trees. In Japan, spring is the time for hanami or cherry blossom viewing. The sakura or cherry blossom is Japan’s unofficial national flower and every March in Japan, thousands of cherry blossom trees come to life as they cover Japan, signifying the start of the annual Hanami season.

The National Rhododendron Gardens in Olinda in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria pays homage to this ancient Japanese tradition with their own version of hanami, the Annual Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival with cherry blossom trees captivating the landscape. Enjoy the beauty of the blossoms along with the myriad of other plants such as azaleas, magnolias and rhododendrons.


This annual festival takes place on Sunday September 23rd 2012 and provides a fantastic opportunity to engage in a traditional Japanese event and celebrate the beauty of all things hanami. 

Event Information 










Website: http://www.experiencethedandenongs.com.au/national-rhododendron-gardens/

The National Rhododendron Gardens is located at

 
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16 comments:

  1. RuroushaSeptember 6, 2012 at 6:07 PM

    You're enjoying cherry blossoms down south? Put a few in an envelope and mail it thisaway!

    Only one thing prevents me from being very jealous: the knowledge that here in Japan, autumn awaits. :)

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    1. Japan-AustraliaSeptember 6, 2012 at 7:13 PM

      Thanks Rurousha, Just about to with festival food and music - a real Japanese celebration. My new camera should be arriving soon, just in time for some great pictures. I'll be waiting to see some of your Autumn snaps very soon as well :)

      John

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    2. RuroushaSeptember 7, 2012 at 8:50 PM

      A new camera? What kind of camera did you get? You'll have to practice diligently ^^ and show us many photos. :)

      Delete
    3. Japan-AustraliaSeptember 8, 2012 at 2:45 PM

      Hi Rurousha, Picked up a Nikon D3100 dirt cheap with a couple of lenses. Just picked up a highly quality memory card today to handle the pictures and HD video, so will be ready to shoot shortly. Shame about the weather here in Melbourne the last few days. Wild with 100km winds :(

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    4. RuroushaSeptember 9, 2012 at 8:23 AM

      I'm a Canon fan but I'll forgive you ... provided you publish many photos.

      So go practice taking windy photos! It will help you to develop a steady hand. :D

      Delete
    5. Japan-AustraliaSeptember 9, 2012 at 9:21 AM

      Yeah, It was between Canon and Nikon but a couple of my photographer friends pointed me in the Nikon direction. I needed to get a few accessories before I can head out and shoot, so hopefully next weekend picture will come :)

      John

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  2. LisaSeptember 6, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    I remember Olinda (I was born in Melbourne) I would love to see that festival. We don't get cherry blossoms in QLD!

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    1. Japan-AustraliaSeptember 7, 2012 at 9:44 AM

      Thanks Lisa, I didn't know that! Olinda is a beautiful area in the scenic Dandenong Ranges that comes alive with colour in spring. It gives me a chance to get my cherry blossom fix when I can't visit Japan :)

      John

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  3. linaSeptember 7, 2012 at 12:38 AM

    Spring in Australia

    and Autumn (soon) in Japan.

    I wish I can see them both!

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    1. Japan-AustraliaSeptember 7, 2012 at 9:45 AM

      Thanks Lina, Two of the best times of the year. You gotta pay Australia a visit some time to see the beauty of spring here :)

      John

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  4. AnonymousSeptember 7, 2012 at 4:58 AM

    The festival sounds very interesting. Cherry blossoms are our heart.

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    1. Japan-AustraliaSeptember 7, 2012 at 9:47 AM

      Thanks Cocomino, Yeah, it is fun and a taste of Japan in Australia :)

      John

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  5. UnknownSeptember 7, 2012 at 4:27 PM

    Sounds very cool (^_^)

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    1. Japan-AustraliaSeptember 7, 2012 at 4:59 PM

      Thanks Thomas, Yeah, it does. Hope to post lots of picture, too with my new camera :)

      John

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  6. AnonymousSeptember 16, 2012 at 10:22 AM

    I'm getting married in the cherry blossom grove next year so can't wait to see them in all their glory next week!! Will be bringing the camera down too for some snaps to blow up on canvas!!

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    1. Japan-AustraliaSeptember 16, 2012 at 10:43 AM

      Thanks Geishagirl79, Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and I can't think of a better place than under the beautiful cherry blossoms. I hope the weather is good for next week as I plan to take lots of pictures :)

      John

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