Hanami (花見) — literally “flower viewing” — is the Japanese tradition of gathering under blooming cherry trees to eat, drink, and celebrate spring. It’s one of the most joyful cultural traditions in Japan, and completely open to everyone.
When Is Cherry Blossom Season?
Cherry blossom timing varies by year and location. The Japan Meteorological Corporation releases an annual sakura forecast in January.
Approximate timing by region:
| Region | Typical Full Bloom |
|---|---|
| Okinawa | Late January–February |
| Kyushu (Fukuoka) | Late March |
| Tokyo / Kanto | Late March–Early April |
| Osaka / Kyoto | Late March–Early April |
| Nagoya | Late March–Early April |
| Sendai / Tohoku | Mid April |
| Sapporo / Hokkaido | Late April–Early May |
Bloom lasts only about 1–2 weeks. The peak (mankai, 満開) is fleeting — watch forecasts and act quickly.
How to Do Hanami
Hanami is a picnic under the cherry trees. The format is simple:
- Find a good spot under cherry trees in a park
- Spread a blue tarp (blue sheet — sold everywhere in early spring for ¥200–800)
- Bring food and drinks — convenience store bento, homemade food, beer, juice
- Sit, eat, drink, and enjoy with friends, family, or colleagues
The mood: Relaxed, festive, and communal. Strangers share smiles. Music is common (keep it reasonable). Laughter is everywhere.
Best Hanami Spots in Japan
Tokyo
- 上野公園 (Ueno Park) — most famous, 1,200 trees, lively atmosphere, food stalls
- 千鳥ヶ淵 (Chidorigafuchi) — moat around the Imperial Palace, boat rides under blossoms
- 目黒川 (Meguro River) — river lined with trees, lit up at night
- 新宿御苑 (Shinjuku Gyoen) — beautiful gardens, no alcohol allowed, family-friendly; entry ¥500
Kyoto
- 円山公園 (Maruyama Park) — lively hanami scene, famous weeping cherry tree
- 哲学の道 (Philosopher’s Path) — tranquil canal lined with hundreds of trees
- 二条城 (Nijo Castle) — stunning trees against castle walls
Osaka
- 大阪城公園 (Osaka Castle Park) — hundreds of trees, castle backdrop
- 毛馬桜之宮公園 (Kema Sakuranomiya Park) — river-side path, very popular
Elsewhere
- 弘前城 (Hirosaki Castle, Aomori) — one of Japan’s most dramatic castle hanami spots
- 高遠城址公園 (Takato, Nagano) — known for deep pink horsechestnut-leafed cherry trees
Spot Reservations: A Real Thing
For popular parks, arriving early — sometimes hours before dawn — to reserve a spot with a tarp is common and accepted. Colleagues send junior staff to hold spots from 6am for a 12pm gathering.
If you can’t get to a park early, go on weekday mornings or evenings for a quieter experience.
What to Bring
Essential:
- Blue plastic sheet/tarp (ブルーシート) — sold at convenience stores, ¥200–800
- Food and drinks
- Plastic bags for trash (parks have limited bins or none)
- Wet wipes
Recommended:
- Layers — spring evenings can be cold
- Small speaker (keep volume reasonable)
- A blanket if sitting on the ground is uncomfortable
- Camera
Food and Drinks for Hanami
Convenience Store Picks
- Bento boxes
- Onigiri (rice balls)
- Karaage, sandwiches
- Beer, canned cocktails (chu-hi)
- Sakura-flavored snacks (Starbucks, Lawson, 7-Eleven all do seasonal sakura items)
Traditional Hanami Foods
- 花見団子 (Hanami dango) — tri-colored rice cake skewers (pink, white, green)
- お花見弁当 (Ohanami bento) — spring-themed box lunches from department store B1F
- 桜餅 (Sakura mochi) — sweet rice cake wrapped in a pickled cherry leaf
Drinks
- Sakura beer, sakura sake (seasonal)
- Picnic wine or beer
- Amazake (warm sweet sake)
Night Hanami (夜桜, Yozakura)
Many parks illuminate trees at night (ライトアップ, light-up). Night hanami has a different, romantic atmosphere.
Best night hanami spots:
- 目黒川 (Meguro River, Tokyo)
- 円山公園 (Maruyama Park, Kyoto)
- 大阪城公園
Hanami Etiquette
- Take your trash home — bins are often unavailable or overflow; bring your own bags
- Don’t damage trees — do not climb, shake, or break branches
- Keep noise reasonable — especially at nighttime
- Respect other picnickers — leave space between groups