Hanami, the Japanese custom of cherry blossom viewing. This custom dates back centuries to around the 710AD Nara Period. Cherry blossoms are one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions.
Japan calls flowering cherry trees ” Sakura“. They usually reach their peak around the beginning of April. The cherry blossoms only bloom for two weeks, and have since become a symbol that life is fleeting.
To honor and celebrate the Sakura, Japanese people hold hanami party where they picnic under the blossoming trees in the morning until evening. You’ll see thousands of Japanese people socializing in parks over tea, sake and bento boxes. Special edibles will be sold in many local restaurants and department stores.
Hanami, the Japanese festival of cherry blooms is a beautiful event. Here are some tips on how to enjoy it.
Mark a good spot
The ideal location has shade and comfortable ground with a view of the blossoms. If you are in Japan, ensure that the area is suitable for picnicking. Also make sure there’s no need to reserve a spot. When reservations are not required, get a good spot as Japanese camp all day.
Respect the trees
is to be praised and honored because of their fleeting beauty. They are fragile, despite their beauty. Do not disrespect the trees by climbing, pulling the branches or removing the flowers.
Prepare Your Packing Like a Professional
Prepare yourself with a waterproof picnic sheet, such as a tent or tarp. The ground is often damp and cold during the early spring. For extra comfort, many hanami goers also bring folding chairs or cushions. Choose food which can easily be shared and eaten at room temperature. Make sure that it is legal for you to consume alcohol or sake in public. Use a pack of Wet Towelettes to keep your hands clean both before and after consuming food.
Remember that April’s weather is unpredictable. Keep an rain umbrella on hand and some warm clothing in the event of a sudden change.
Leave No Trash behind
What else should you pack? A garbage bag! It is expected that visitors clean up their own mess. Not all parks have large garbage bins.
You should know where the restrooms are located
After a few drinks and meals, you will need to go. Bring your own toilet tissue. Some Japanese parks may not have any or run out due to the crowds. Expect long queues at the restrooms. Don’t leave it until the last moment to complete your duties. You may regret this.
Cherry Blossom Season is in Japan
Cherry blossom (sakura) season is one of the most popular reasons for people to visit Japan.
Sakura Season: Its Importance
Cherry blossoms are delicate and beautiful flowers that appear at the start of spring. They provide subtle colour after winter, marking important life changes for many Japanese as they begin new careers or schools.
The cherry blossom season is usually short. This makes it a special event for both local Japanese and foreign visitors.
Kaika Sengen
Kaika Sengen is the official flowering declaration. It’s linked to one specific type of cherry tree in Tokyo (the exact trees are kept a secret). This forecast is not accurate because there are over 200 different cherry tree varieties in Japan. Also, the bloom of other trees, such as plum and apricot, can be just as stunning. It is enough to say that there are many varieties.
Cherry Blossom Forecast
This means that even the official forecasts can span several months, not just weeks. The official cherry blossom forecast spans not only weeks but also several months. That does not include the early varieties or those that bloom in winter.
When do the cherry blossoms bloom in Japan?
The blossom front moves up and down the length of Japan, so you can travel the entire country. You can spend up to six weeks between mid-March and the end of April admiring cherry blossom.
Japan Cherry Blossom Association lists its top 100 sites. Some of the featured sites only feature a single cherry tree. While full-blooming trees with cascades of blossoms are impressive, others have many. Cherry blossom Japan, however, is not just a week-long affair. There are thousands of parks, a list of the top 100, and many thousands of trees.