In Japan, the country’s beloved cherry blossoms are in full bloom between the end of March and the beginning of May. During this period, crowds gather together to hold a party like none other under the sakura trees. This tradition, known as “hanami” (flower viewing in English), started about 1200 years ago and is still loved by Japanese people today. While many tourists enjoy the season in their own way, only a few know how to celebrate it like the locals. Today we will show you how to enjoy an authentic hanami experience!
Cherry blossoms – Photo Credit: Abby Chung
Before Going to Hanami
When you are planning your own Sakura celebrations, there are several things you need to keep in mind to do beforehand. But don’t fret; we’ve got you covered. So, let’s go through all these things together.
Find the Perfect Location
The first step is to decide where to go. We recommend you check the cherry blossom forecast and see if cherry blossoms are in bloom at your destination. If not, you may have to travel, so it’s best to know all the dates, as the blooming period tends to end quite quickly. Our team at Arigato Travel posts a continuously updated forecast each year. Here is the 2025 version!
Prepare or Buy Some Delicious Japanese Foods
Locals tend to bring traditional bento boxes with beverages and eat them under the cherry blossom trees. The boxes are full of delicious foods, traditional and modern, that are perfect for a party!
Here is a list of things you should bring to enjoy cherry blossom viewing.
Bento Boxes: These typical Japanese lunch boxes usually include sushi, Japanese omelette, rice balls, and Japanese fried chicken. Each separate item is perfectly proportioned so that you can enjoy every morsel without wasting any of it.
Sakura Desserts: In spring, you should definitely try sakura mochi, sakura-flavoured snacks, and hanami dango (rice dumplings). These delicious sweets perfectly encapsulate the cherry blossom season and are a great way to celebrate Hanami.
Beverages: Many local people like to drink sake, beer, and sakura-flavoured beverages at their annual party. But of course, if any of these aren’t for you, you are free to bring whatever you like!
Utensils and Other Essentials: Make sure to bring cutlery, napkins, wet wipes, a picnic blanket, and trash bags. After all, we need to be tidy and respectful.
Bento box – Photo Credit: Ryutaro Tsukata
Understand Hanami Etiquette
Did you know that there is etiquette to follow during hanami? It is important to check these rules each year before cherry blossom viewing to make sure you don’t forget them. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy this tradition respectfully and blend in with the Japanese culture.
Respect the Cherry Trees: It is forbidden to shake or break branches of trees. The sakura are fragile, and any form of damage could lead to disease or death.
Clean Up After Yourself: Many of the parks have trash cans, but you should always bring trash bags to put any waste or mess in following your party. An important and respectful part of this season is to make sure to keep the area clean, we are respecting nature after all.
Be Careful of Noise Levels: Drinking alcohol is not prohibited in most of the locations (except big parks such as Shinjuku Gyoen, etc), but please mind your neighbors. You are not likely to be the only ones celebrating in the park, so you should always respect those around you to ensure that everyone has the best time possible. Also, karaoke is banned in many parks.
Reserve Spots: Because hanami is incredibly popular, local parks are likely to be very crowded, so it is best to find yourself a good spot early. Many locals use picnic blankets to reserve the spots in the early morning.
Branch of cherry blossom – Photo Credit: Ester Marie Doysabas
Dressing for Hanami
Some people wear traditional outfits like the kimono. This is the warmer version of Yukata, which is appropriate for summer festivals. Being clothed in a kimono, you can feel the traditional atmosphere of hanami, making it the perfect event for anyone who has been looking for that chance to dress up in traditional clothing.
You can find kimonos in a rental shop. Also, some of these shops teach you how to wear it. If not, there are plenty of online guides to help make sure that you put on your garb correctly. There are some interesting rules about kimono, making it a great cultural experience and a must-do for those who want to experience Japan to its fullest.
Two women in kimono – Photo Credit: James Pere
How to Enjoy Hanami
At hanami viewing spots, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the blooming sakura and the exciting vibe. Many of the more popular parks will typically have rules and guidelines posted on their websites or in the park itself to ensure that everyone has a good time. If not, there are simple steps you should always keep in mind when you are attending a hanami party. Follow the rules, and make sure you have fun!
Sakura season in Asakusa – Photo Credit: Susann Schuster
Relax and Enjoy the Atmosphere
One of the primary meanings behind hanami is “to admire the beauty of the cherry blossoms.” During this time, people appreciate nature and chill out, taking a break from the typical hassles of everyday life. Watching the cherry blossoms and listening to the sounds of nature is sure to leave you very relaxed and re-energized for the year to come.
Engage in Conversation
Remember, hanami is also a social event. It is so enjoyable to have conversations with friends, family, and colleagues while eating delicious food. Even if you attend alone, don’t be afraid to mingle and strike up a conversation with other groups in the park. We promise they won’t bite.
Capture Life-Long Memories
By taking pictures and videos, you can review these memories after hanami. Don’t forget to share them with families and friends; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, after all, and the pictures are bound to be gorgeous. Also, watching beautiful and real cherry blossoms with your eyes will be a precious experience, something you will want to remember and look back on for the rest of your life.
Tokyo Skytree at night with cherry blossoms – Photo Credit: Susann Schuster
Stay until the evening
During cherry blossom season, many of the parks and cities light up the sakura trees, with the illuminations beginning at sundown. It is called “Yozakura,” cherry blossoms at night. The illuminated trees provide stunning scenery and attract visitors from far and wide.
Hanami is a vital part of traditional Japanese culture. You can enjoy it just like a local by preparing bento boxes, understanding etiquette, and admiring cherry blossoms.
Chatting with your family and friends under the cherry blossom trees is sure to create memories you won’t soon forget. It’s a time when beauty remains all day, with gorgeous illuminations lighting up the trees and parks, creating sights you’ve never seen before. Spring is coming! Visit hanami spots and spend your time relaxing with friends and family. Make sure to check out our 2025 tour lineup for here!
Featured Photo Credit: Shawn.ccf
