Tourists Disrespectful Behavior Made it to Japanese Television: 2 things to never do in Japan

I remember when my wife and I went out to enjoy the Sakura trees a couple of weeks ago. We had a light picnic and took some pictures of the Cherry Blossoms. Then I thought it would be cute to take a picture of her with one cherry blossom flower in her hair--like a Hawaii type effect. So I plucked one off the tree! Ouch!

​What I did paled in comparison to what happened on April 7th when a couple of tourist were caught climbing the Sakura trees and plucking off the petals at Castle Park in Osaka a couple of weeks ago.

What these tourists did was not only looked at as disrespectful in the eyes of bystanders but also in the eyes of Japan as a whole when it was publicly broadcasted on Japanese national television.

Apparently there are those of the older Japanese who hold these trees to the utmost respect. Therefore witnessing someone climbing the trees or plucking the petals is frowned upon.

Words on Above Picture: 桜の愛で力には文化の違いが…(The way of reverencing the Sakura seems to be different in other cultures)

The nation watched in horror at the sight of their nations iconic cherry blossom petals and branches scattered all over the ground and the trees damaged in the wake of these tourists. I guess the lesson from this story is…

1. Never Climb Sakura Trees

2. Never pluck off the petals or the branches

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