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 around the end of March to the middle of May.

Here are several recommended hamami spots.

> Chidorigafuchi Park at Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Best time to see : Towards the end of March to early April

https://www.google.co.jp/maps/search/%E5%8D%83%E9%B3%A5%E3%82%B1%E6%B7%B5%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92/@35.6899552,139.7441961,16z?hl=ja

> Meguro River at Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Best time : Late March to early April

https://www.google.co.jp/maps/place/%E7%9B%AE%E9%BB%92%E5%B7%9D%E3%81%AE%E6%A1%9C%E4%B8%A6%E6%9C%A8/@35.6403024,139.7045851,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x60188b1f906d5635:0x5648e41133f6fce8?hl=ja

> Osaka Castle Park at Chuo-ku, Osaka
Best time : Late March to early April

https://www.google.co.jp/maps/place/%E5%A4%A7%E9%98%AA%E5%9F%8E%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92/@34.6865865,135.5272705,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x6000e0cbfe14cf33:0x4078464cbdad0c28?hl=ja

> Arashiyama at Nishikyogoku, Kyoto
Best time : Middle of March to the middle of April

https://www.google.co.jp/maps/search/%E5%B5%90%E5%B1%B1++%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%BA%9C%E3%80%80%E6%A1%9C/@35.0124427,135.6942017,13z?hl=ja

> Tsuruga Castle Park, Aizuwakamatsu city, Fukushima
Best time : April 15 - 25

https://www.google.co.jp/maps/place/%E9%B6%B4%E3%83%B6%E5%9F%8E/@37.4878198,139.9296657,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x5ff554974e2fffbb:0x677cc0bc9a812e8b?hl=ja

> Hirosaki Park, Hirosaki city, Aomori
Best time : Late April to early May

https://www.google.co.jp/maps/place/%E9%B7%B9%E6%8F%9A%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92/@40.6076905,140.4647053,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x5f9b01c6a7daae41:0xb357399f6ccc6bd?hl=ja

Usually people bring their own bento boxes for Hanami. The more people gather, the more fun the event will be! Many people enjoy liquors at Hanami parties and there will be several drunken people. As they may be pass their limit to pester people around them, be careful of such kind of people! If you go to popular spots for Hanami, there will be lots of food stalls and you don’t have problem finding something to eat on the spot as well.

Recently, proper manners are often discussed during the Hanami season every year. Some disgraceful behaviors such as the abuse of alcohol by many revelers, and the excessive amounts of trash left after these hanami parties. We should pay attention to these facts in order to enjoy this seasonal event.

<Tips to enjoy Hanami : No.2>

Sakura figure changes completely between daytime and nighttime.
We even have a special word for nighttime sakura, which is “Yozakura”. Sakura shows a fascinating beauty and artistic figure with beautiful illuminations.

Here is a video clip on Youtube on yozakura.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yfOjZ9EwXI

When cherry blossom season is over and cherry trees reveal the fresh green leaves, we call such sakura trees as “Hazakura”. During Hazakura season, you can observe amazing "Cherry Blossom Storm (sakura fubuki)" and I hope you will have opportunity to enjoy this exquisite beauty during your stay in Japan.

sakurafubuki
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrsFKAoYEgY

Cautions !
Due to irregular climate, Sakura season can be sometimes over a lot earlier than usual such as late March to early April. So, please watch weather news closely not to miss the best timing.