Rare cherry blossoms bloom in Philippines goes viral: Baguio Country Club sees Japan's iconic sakura after 7 years

For the first time in seven years, sakura or Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms have burst into bloom at the Baguio Country Club (BCC) in northern Philippines, creating a rare botanical spectacle that locals and tourists are rushing to see.

The delicate pink blossoms have emerged in the summer capital of the Philippines, delighting residents and visitors alike and adding an unexpected floral chapter to Baguio’s emerging flower season.

Cherry blossoms in Philippines: A rare bloom in a tropical land

Cherry blossoms or sakura are emblematic of Japan’s spring and world-famous for their fleeting, ethereal beauty. In tropical countries like the Philippines, however, such trees rarely flower because the warm climate generally does not provide the cool conditions that cherry trees need to thrive.

However, Baguio City’s higher elevations and cooler temperatures have created a unique microclimate where growth and blooming become possible.According to the BCC announcement, the sakura trees were donated by Japanese nationals Shinji Okomora, Shingeru Tsunashima and club member Paz Suzuki in June 2018 and May 2019. The trees finally flowered this January end, after years of patient care and favourable weather conditions.