Cherry Blossom Viewing花見[ Hanami ]

Hanami (花見, lit. "flower viewing") is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers, "flower" in this case almost always meaning cherry blossoms ("sakura") or (less often) plum blossoms ("ume"). From the end of March to early May, sakura bloom all over Japan, and around the first of February on the island of Okinawa. The blossom forecast (桜前線, sakura-zensen, literally cherry blossom front) is announced each year by the weather bureau, and is watched carefully by those planning hanami as the blossoms only last a week or two. In modern-day Japan, hanami mostly consists of having an outdoor party beneath the sakura during daytime or at night. In some contexts the Sino-Japanese term kan'ō (観桜, view-cherry) is used instead, particularly for festivals. Hanami at night is called yozakura (夜桜, literally night sakura). In many places such as Ueno Park temporary paper lanterns are hung for the purpose of yozakura. On the island of Okinawa, decorative electric lanterns are hung in the trees for evening enjoyment, such as on the trees ascending Mt. Yae, near Motobu Town, or at the Nakijin Castle.

from Hanami (Wikipedia) CC BY SA 3.0

Advice about Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing)

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Hanami at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo images

Hanami at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo

The Japanese garden at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo is one of the best places to see all kinds of Japanese flowers throughout the year. Of course, it is also an excellent place to see sakura - cherry blossoms.The first picture is from the Ninomaru Japanese garden. You can always visit this beau…(308 words)

David image

David

Sakura in Asakusa images

Sakura in Asakusa

Denbouin Garden will be opened to public from mid-March through early May. This Japanese garden is usually closed. The best time will be late March or early April when Sakura blooms. (The photos in this page are taken in late March or early April last year).entrance fee: 300 yentime: 10:00 - …(123 words)

Keiko, OTT image

Keiko, OTT

Kinuta Park as one of the best hanami park in Tokyo images

Kinuta Park as one of the best hanami park in Tokyo

My recommendation is Kinuta Park in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. You can visit there by bus from Futako Tamagawa station of Tokyu Den'en Toshi Line or Yoga Station of Tokyu Den'en Toshi Line, or Seijyo Gakuen Mae station of Odakyu Line. It is very big park with much of greenery atomsphere. The best season …(125 words)

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kurukurugurume

Yozakura - cherry blossoms at night images

Yozakura - cherry blossoms at night

Sakura (桜) is Japanese for cherry blossom. Yozakura (夜桜) is written with the characters for night and sakura and means viewing cherry blossoms at night. Sakura looks beautiful in the evening with the right lighting. Try both, a cherry blossom picnic during the day and an evening visit to fully e…(335 words)

David image

David

Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #13 images

Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #13

Honmoku Sancho Park is a massive oasis of flora and quiet located in western Naka-ku. Comprised of several connecting hilltops with a plethora of trees and grassy lawns, the park explodes with colour in the spring. It's a perfect place, if not one of the best, to enjoy the sights and sounds of Hana…(407 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo images

Cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo

Where does the cherry-viewing buzz come from?“Cherry blossom period is starting in Japan. It is the time when Japanese people are enjoying watching flowers blooming everywhere... But where does this habit come from exactly? Why do the Japanese enjoy watching sakura so much? I think that the see…(528 words)

DeepJapan image

DeepJapan

Yokohama Hanami Hotspots images

Yokohama Hanami Hotspots

It's that time of year again, when we look forward to warmer weather and the rebirth of spring. In Japan, that also means the brief return of "sakura" (cherry blossoms) and "hanami" (flower viewing). All across the country, cherry trees will explode in whites and light-and-dark pinks, inviting peop…(227 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

HANAMI (a MUST-DO) images

HANAMI (a MUST-DO)

THE thing to do in Japan during the spring is hanami. Even as a Japanese who has lived and grown up in Japan, I am still astounded by the beauty of the cherry blossoms. It can be difficult to estimate when the cherry blossoms will fully bloom, because the condition changes depending on the temperat…(212 words)

RieS image

RieS

Hanami images

Hanami

Hanami is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers and people eat “bento” and drink alcohols under the trees. Every television and newspapers share the blossom forecast early March each year, which shows how hanami is a cherished annual event for the whole nation. T…(95 words)

Daijo image

Daijo

Ume (plum) blossoms in Sumida-ku images

Ume (plum) blossoms in Sumida-ku

Can not wait Sakura? February is the time for Ume (plum) blossoms. In Sumida-ku, there are some places famous for Ume blossoms. Though Kameido Tenjin is also famous for wisteria, there are over 300 Ume trees. 15 minutes walk from JR Kameido Station.Omurai-Katori Shrine is a small shrine, which …(118 words)

Keiko, OTT image

Keiko, OTT

Spring in Japan is cherry blossom season images

Spring in Japan is cherry blossom season

Sakura – cherry blossom time“Sakura are all things cherry, everything cherry blossoms and cherry trees. Think of sakura as a season in Japan, the height of spring... Hanami, written with the characters for flower and to see, is just that: seeing the flowers. Taking a walk and looking at the che…(460 words)

DeepJapan image

DeepJapan

Hanami at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park images

Hanami at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park

Ueno Park is one of Tokyo's most famous places for hanami during the cherry blossom season. Inside the park, make sure to visit the Tokyo National Museum and its beautiful Japanese garden in the spring. This garden lies hidden from view behind the main building. It is open to the public during …(227 words)

David image

David

Hanami, Yakata-bune, and don't be selfish! images

Hanami, Yakata-bune, and don't be selfish!

As with last few years, we (our ever so shrinking family) reserved the Yakatabune to do the annual Hanami. There must be lots of posts about Yakatabune or Yakata-bune or Hanami on this site.Basically, the boat is equipped with Tatami (but you can throw your legs down, so no worry there) and wo…(557 words)

KIH image

KIH

Yatai while doing hanami images

Yatai while doing hanami

Yatai or open-air food stalls are seen at festivals and big events. I love stopping at several yatais when I go do hanami at Gumyoji. During the sakura-blooming season, there is a row of yatai along the river in Gumyoji. Along the river, there are also cherry-blossom trees! Therefore, it is a great…(131 words)

RieS image

RieS

Cherry blossoms: Sakura Time & Timing in Japan images

Cherry blossoms: Sakura Time & Timing in Japan

Sakura 桜 are all things cherry, everything cherry blossoms and cherry trees. Think of sakura as a season in Japan, the height of spring. When will the cherry blossom start to open and how long will they last? This question is essential for hanami planning and discussed in detail in the media e…(345 words)

David image

David

Hanami: Do it like the Japanese images

Hanami: Do it like the Japanese

This is the check list of things that you absolutely need stricto minima to do your Hanami party like the Japanese! If you have the following kit, you will look like the real part! - blue plastic sheet: to use as a carpet. You can use one with Hello Kitty or Pikatchu but blue will do it. …(210 words)

Claire image

Claire

Hanami - another way to enjoy (for the next year) images

Hanami - another way to enjoy (for the next year)

Belatedly, let me introduce another way to enjoy cherry blossoms - please take this FYI for the next year :-)Yakata-Bune is the traditionally shaped smallish boat to go up and down the river. There are a few boat operators in Tokyo and one of them is in the canal near Shinagawa station. It ha…(170 words)

KIH image

KIH

Hanami Dango (Three-color dumpling) images

Hanami Dango (Three-color dumpling)

Sanshoku Dango (dango of three colors)is a skewered dango formed of one pink dumpling, one non-colored white dumpling and one green dumpling. Each color has a meaning : cherry blossom in spring, snow in winter and grass in summer. Wagashi (Japanese sweets) is one of the wonderful Japanese culture d…(67 words)

OKAKI-sun image

OKAKI-sun

Sakura in Jijyugaoka and Tokyo Institute of Technology images

Sakura in Jijyugaoka and Tokyo Institute of Technology

The “hanami” experience is highly recommended for those visiting Japan around this time. My family visits Jiyugaoka every year for Hanami. We went there last weekend and it was pretty as always! I would recommend to get off at Midorigaoka Station (Oimachi line) and walk along the sidewalk to Jiyuga…(257 words)

EmiOnishi image

EmiOnishi

Senso-ji Temple's Secret Japanese Garden in Asakusa images

Senso-ji Temple's Secret Japanese Garden in Asakusa

Senso-ji in Asakusa Tokyo is famous for its tall pagoda, red gates, and huge lanterns, but the temple also has a fantastic Japanese garden. It lies hidden, closed to the public together with Dembou-in, the residency of the temple's head priest. In the spring, the garden is open to visitors. M…(291 words)

David image

David

Hirosaki, Aomori For Beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Japan images

Hirosaki, Aomori For Beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Japan

"Get the latest updates here on Deep Japan as we collaborate with Tokyo Broadcasting System(TBS) Television, JNN(Japan News Network/TBS nation wide affiliates)'s seven-station network across Japan and Vietnam's VTV station to bring the people in Vietnam informative and fun reports from the fantasti…(823 words)

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Dave

Local Secret: Sakura at Zenpukuji images

Local Secret: Sakura at Zenpukuji

In a bid to get away from the crowds of Nakameguro, Ueno and Shinjuku, I found out about a minor sakura covered park in Nishiogikubo, about 20 minutes away from the station. Zenpukuji is a miniaturized version of the famous Inokashira park, and has the same lovely cherry trees stretching over a…(202 words)

Chiara image

Chiara

Nakameguro is very Female Friendly! images

Nakameguro is very Female Friendly!

The neighborhood of Nakameguro (nickname Nakame) is packed with great little boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The beautiful tree lined canal (cherry blossoms in hanami season) is perfect for a day out with friends, or a lovely afternoon on your own. The range in this small neighborhood is amazing…(124 words)

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LShannon

Before you leave... images

Before you leave...

When staying at the park or street with cherry blossoms, you should not take up excessive amounts of space, especially if it is a popular location. Take a picnic sheet that will fit your friends and/or family members with whom you will be doing hanami. Also, you must remember to throw out your own …(106 words)

RieS image

RieS

Beautiful, but not too touristy: Negishi and Gumyoji images

Beautiful, but not too touristy: Negishi and Gumyoji

My two favorite spots near Tokyo are Negishi Park and Gumyoji. During the day, I go to Negishi Park, which is a huge park with innumerable cherry blossom trees. It is so fun to have a picnic with your friends and play badminton or catch during this beautiful season. The parks is a great place to re…(192 words)

RieS image

RieS

Hidden beauty images

Hidden beauty

At Kouza Shibuya, there is a small Japanese temple named Jousenji (常泉寺) with an absolutely beautiful Japanese garden. If you love flowers and different types of plants, this is the place to go. The gorgeous flowers change seasonally and the garden is copious with different colors each season. I …(156 words)

RieS image

RieS

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT JAPAN? images

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT JAPAN?

A common question we hear from travelers is, “If you could visit Japan at any time of year, when would you go?”One of the best things about Japan is that it’s truly worth visiting at any time of year! Every season has its highlights, and Japanese culture is remarkable in its appreciation of the…(350 words)

Andres Zuleta, Boutique Japan image

Andres Zuleta, Boutique Japan

Great Events On All the Time at Japan's Shinjuku gyoen images

Great Events On All the Time at Japan's Shinjuku gyoen

You would never fail to enjoy cherry blossoms at the Shinjuku-gyoen every spring time. Five minute-walk from the south exit of JR Shinjuku will lead you there.There are Rose festivals and beautiful Autumn colors to enjoy too!If you are in Shinjuku and want a reprieve from the crowds and bu…(71 words)

yumin image

yumin

The Plum Blossoms are the tough guys... images

The Plum Blossoms are the tough guys...

People think of Japan and many think of Cherry Blossoms first. Actually Apricot and Plum Blossoms are the tough guys, they push past the snow, they stand firm in rainstorms and endure the rainstorms... Posting this photo was inspired by a kind Facebook Friend who had spotted the early plum blos…(317 words)

Andrew Grimes image

Andrew Grimes

Smell the spring in the air! images

Smell the spring in the air!

Looks like we are up for some cold weather next week.Today was nice and warm in Hamamatsu.A cup of coffee in the morning and decided to take a walk in the nice weather.It's one of the things I like to do in the summer time but today seemed like a great day to start.I live on a small isl…(309 words)

Yuuki I image

Yuuki I

Spring for HANAMI (cherry blossom viewing) has come !! images

Spring for HANAMI (cherry blossom viewing) has come !!

In Japan, we have a custom of enjoying changes in nature which occurred as the seasons progresses such as hanami (cherry blossom viewing), Tsukimi (moon viewing) and Yukimi (snow viewing). Hanami is a kind of party to celebrate the upcoming spring and it will be seen throughout the country from aro…(621 words)

fujimorison image

fujimorison

Walk & Play at Sumida Park in Asakusa images

Walk & Play at Sumida Park in Asakusa

When you visit Asakusa, don't only go to Senso-ji temple. Also go to Sumida River and take a walk in Sumida Park. The park has great views of Tokyo Skytree and a big playground for children. There are also two small cafes here overlooking the river. To reach Sumida Park go towards the river from As…(143 words)

David image

David

Where can I take a nice jog in Nagoya? images

Where can I take a nice jog in Nagoya?

You might of heard of Kin-shachi if you have visited Nagoya.The Kin-shachi or the golden dolphin is known for the symbol of Nagoya.Where does this Kin-shachi come from?There is actually two and they proudly sit on top of the the Nagoya castle.The Nagoya castle is known for one of the we…(159 words)

Yuuki I image

Yuuki I

Koishikawa Korakuen Japanese Garden in Tokyo images

Koishikawa Korakuen Japanese Garden in Tokyo

Tokyo is huge, busy, and rebuilding itself nonstop, but some old Japanese gardens remain in the city. Koishikawa Korakuen is one of these spots where time has stopped and a little bit of old Japan has been preserved.This is a beautifully landscaped area with paths around a lake for a leisurely …(244 words)

David image

David