When the cherry blossoms bloom in Japan, people of all ages and professions gather under the trees to see the cherry blossoms: a time to admire, reflect and celebrate and this is the Hanami festival.
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Few natural phenomena are as closely associated with Japanese beauty, culture and philosophy as the cherry blossoms that bloom for a moment. The majestic trees stretch their rosettes into the sky, the tiny petals blown away by the spring wind, and the stinging joy of knowing that this breathtaking beauty will fade away in just a few days – here’s what it looks like of cherry blossoms.
Here we will share all about hanami – the Japanese way of celebrating cherry blossom season.
What is Hanami?
Hanami means “flower viewing” in Japanese, which is the traditional custom to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms. It means public picnics, where friends and family gather under the trees with food and drink.
However, the custom of “flower viewing” is not just a big spring party.
Hanami’s centuries-old roots go deep into Japanese history. This custom can be traced back to the Nara period (710~794), although the people of that time greatly admired ume, a plant related to both plums and apricots. In contrast to cherry blossoms, ume blooms last from January to late February – a period that lasts almost two months.
Like many other things, the custom of flower viewing was inspired by China’s Tang Dynasty. Cherry blossoms are for Japanese culture, ume for Chinese people, leaving beautiful imprints in poetry, philosophy and literature. However, when the custom of admiring the flowers in full bloom settled in Japan, the uniqueness of sakura was noticed rather quickly.
How to join Hanami
Hanami literally translates to “flower viewing” and is an annual celebration of Sakura and spring. People gather around the cherry blossom trees with family and friends to enjoy delicious drinks and food under the beautiful pink trees, often with petals gently falling from the branches when in full bloom.
Want to take part in this exciting tradition? While hanami may include a drinker under a sakura tree, the preparations for large parties can make the event much more enjoyable. You can easily find many hanami supplies at 100 yen shops .
What to Bring to the Hanami Party
- Tarpaulin/Picnic Sheet – Available in different sizes depending on the number of people in your group.
- Disposable plates, cups, utensils – Hanami is a picnic; After all, these will help share your food and drink.
- Trash bags – While hanami is an occasion to be enjoyed, it is important to follow the rules of the park or area. Make sure to clean up yourself after this part is over.
- Tissues and Wipes – There are bound to be spills during the hanami period, get ready to clean everything up.
- Kairo – With the hanami season starting in March, temperatures may not be quite warm yet. The convenient Japanese thermal bag can keep you warm while enjoying your time.
- Food and Drink – Many parks and streets often have drink and snack vendors, but buying food and drinks in advance can save some money for those on a tight budget.
Useful tips for a perfect Hanami party
In popular parks like Ueno or Yoyogi, the spots under the cherry blossoms often fill up quickly. To prepare for this, some groups do not hesitate to appoint a placeholder by arriving early in the morning and stretching the canvas.
This is especially true when companies want to hold a hanami – when it’s usually a junior member sent out in the morning to reserve a nice spot. There are also other things to keep in mind for any first-timers looking for a cherry blossom viewing spot. This includes:
- Not near the footpath. This is especially true for popular parks like Yoyogi and Ueno : the crowds are often huge and one can easily get overwhelmed by the crowds.
- Do not stay near trash cans. Even if it might be fine in the morning, the smell quickly becomes unpleasant, especially on sunny days. Also, some websites don’t have a recycle bin. In that case, take your trash when you leave and dispose of it at home.
- Look for a nearby restroom first and remember to get in line early. Waiting time can sometimes be more than 30 minutes.
- Bring warm clothes. The weather can still feel quite cold, especially late in the day, when night falls.
Meaning of cherry blossoms
So, what makes a cherry blossom different from a blooming ume or wisteria tree? The answer lies in the short life of the petals – as soon as the flowers are fully developed, the wind begins to blow them away. Sitting under the cherry tree, it is impossible not to remember its glorious brevity. The passage of time is what determines the sakura meaning. The beautiful little petals are not only a beautiful sight of nature but also a metaphor for life itself.
