Hanami – An experience you must have in Japan

If you’ve ever been to Japan during the early spring season, chances are you’ve made your trips especially to see the mesmerizing cherry blossoms, better known in Japanese as “Sakura.” Sakura season is one of the things Japan’s most captivating, however, as this event only lasts for about two weeks (usually from late March to late April) not everyone is lucky enough to get the full experience.

Although it is possible to time your trip to Japan to experience seeing the sakura bloom, some years due to the randomness of when they bloom and the weather you may not get to see them in full bloom.

Foreigners are fascinated by Sakura , but don’t think that this obsession is limited only to tourists, it is also an obsession for the Japanese! The Japanese word, Hanami , is actually the term used to describe the act of viewing and enjoying Sakura . Having a picnic in the park under the Sakura trees, or simply admiring the beauty of its flowers during a night walk, you are already living the Hanami experience.

Hanami has been a deeply rooted custom in Japanese tradition for centuries, beginning around the Nara period (710–794) of Japanese history. Surprisingly at that time, it was not the Sakura blossoms that were admired but the Ume (plum) blossoms. Similar to how sakura is enjoyed now, people would gather to appreciate ume blossoms and search for the best places where they bloomed so they could enjoy looking at them.

It was not until the Heian period (794-1185) that cherry blossoms (Sakura) began to gain popularity. The fact that the time they are in bloom is very ephemeral and being able to capture their beauty with your eyes made it highly appreciated, so people would spend their time enjoying it with loved ones.

What exactly is done in Hanami?

As long as you enjoy the view of sakura, you are technically doing hanami , although it is more common for people to gather in groups with their family or friends, sit under the sakura trees, and enjoy the scenery with these blossoming trees together.

In Sakura ‘s most popular tourist areas, you’ll find tarps everywhere, with people happily sitting on them. People do many typical activities that you would normally do in a park, from taking pictures to eating bentos, playing different games and some even taking a nap.

Hanami is mostly done during the day, but for the true enthusiasts, it can last until sunset. There is even a term for Hanami in the early evening, which is Yozakura (夜桜 lit. cherry blossoms at night). Some Sakura trees are decorated with paper lanterns so that people can see the sakura during Yozakura . Illuminated trees create an ambient feeling and add an extra something to the moment.

We share a video of the Sakura 2021, with real environmental sounds, as if you were here!

The best places to do Hanami

You can find sakura trees almost anywhere in Japan, but there are some incredibly beautiful and famous places to do Hanami . We have compiled the best of the best areas in Japan for you:

1. Goryokaku Park in Hokkaido

This park is famous for the Battle of Hokkaido and for having more than 1,600 sakura trees.

2. Hirosaki Park in Aomori

This place is famous because from this point you can take very nice pictures of the Sakura . The mixture of sakura trees, the traditional bridge and the impressive Hirosaki castle in the background create an impressive backdrop.

3. Chidori-ga-fuchi park in Tokyo

Chidori-ga-fuchi park in Tokyo is famous for its Yozakura (viewing sakura at night). There is a 700-meter-long pedestrian path with more than 260 sakura trees. The trees are illuminated at night during the cherry blossom season. It is most beautiful during the night, but for those who want to see it during the day, they have the opportunity to rent a boat and paddle down the small river while enjoying the beautiful view.