What Is Hanami? Cherry Blossom Viewing Parties in Japan

What Is Hanami?

Hanami is the act of flower viewing and is a beloved custom in Japan that is particularly associated with the “sakura” cherry blossoms in the spring. People flock to flowering cherry trees to appreciate the beauty of the ephemeral blossoms and bask in the seasonal atmosphere.

The History of Hanami in Japan

The custom of cherry blossom hanami in Japan can be traced back to ancient times, when the aristocrats of the Heian period (794 - 1185) would write poetry and play “kemari” (a traditional type of football) while enjoying the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Farmers later began to hold banquets under the cherry blossoms to pray for abundant harvests.

The common people would finally come to partake in the festivities during the Edo period (1603 - 1868). Hanami at the time mainly took place near the cherry trees on shrine and temple grounds, so rulers even planted cherry trees around open areas such as along the Sumida River to promote the custom of hanami to the common people.

What Is Usually Done at Hanami in Japan?

Hanami can be a simple or grand affair, whether it be among the cherry blossoms of a single tree or a cluster of trees blooming in tandem. The flowers can be enjoyed in passing while leisurely walking by the trees, but once the cherry blossom period hits Japan, you will also see many people laying out picnic blankets to spend time basking in the flowers’ beauty.

Anyone can partake in hanami, all you need is a cherry blossom tree to enjoy, and whatever comforts take your fancy such as picnic rugs, food, drinks, etc. Hanami is generally a casual and private affair, which can be done freely individually or with a group. However, there are some points of etiquette to keep in mind to ensure you don't bother the locals, which you can read further before.

What to Eat During Hanami

To leisurely spend the day appreciating the cherry blossoms during hanami, it is common for people to bring food and snacks to nosh on throughout the day. Whether it be a quaint picnic with homemade bento boxes, onigiri, or sandwiches, or an all-out feast with goodies purchased from restaurants and supermarkets, food certainly heightens the festivities. Some retailers will even prepare hanami-themed dishes including bento boxes to tie into the hanami mood.

There are several dishes that are commonly associated with hanami in Japan, one of which is “chirashizushi.” Chirashizushi is often seen during celebrations, including the springtime festival Hinamatsuri, and consists of a bowl of vinegared sushi rice topped with several ingredients such as raw fish and shredded egg.

Stock up on snacks for your hanami outing at the major discount store Don Quijote!

Desserts are also not to be missed! “Hanami dango” is a popular hanami treat consisting of three smooth, chewy rice flour dumplings on a skewer. It is said to be related to the custom’s religious origins - the pink and white are meant to bring luck, while the green drives away evil. “Sakura mochi” is a grainy, glutinous sweet rice ball filled with red bean paste and wrapped in a pickled cherry blossom leaf. The light pink color of the rice cake is reminiscent of the cherry blossoms, making it a beloved springtime treat in Japan.

Drinking alcohol while partaking in hanami is also extremely popular, with many seizing the opportunity to relax and indulge while admiring the cherry blossoms. For added seasonality, you will find many beer cans decorated with limited-time cherry blossom-themed packaging, truly putting one in the mood for hanami. However, some places do not allow alcoholic beverages, so check the rules of your hanami destination before going.

Cherry Blossoms and Sakura Matsuri Festivals

Many popular cherry blossom spots will hold cherry blossom festivals in tandem with the peak flowering period. These festivals range in scale depending on the location, but large festivals can see dozens of food stalls, cherry blossom light-ups, and even live performances. Basking in the lively festival ambiance under the delicate cherry blossoms creates a quintessentially Japanese atmosphere that further enhances the hanami experience.

Major cherry blossom festivals in Tokyo include the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival, Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival, and the Chiyoda City Sakura Festival.

Yozakura (Cherry Blossoms at Night)

It is common for popular cherry blossom destinations to illuminate their cherry blossoms at night, creating new, mystical scenery that offers a different vibe from the daytime. Seeing the contrast of the light, pale color of the cherry blossoms against the dark nighttime sky is hypnotizing. The yozakura are perfect for snapping fantastic shots! 

Famous yozakura spots in Tokyo include the Meguro River, Ueno Park, and Chidorigafuchi Moat.

When Is the Hanami Season in Japan?

The peak for the cherry blossoms varies depending on the region, with southern Japan seeing the blossoms earlier and northern Japan having later blooming periods.

The flowering period usually starts in late March in the south and late April in the north, but can also change with the year’s climate and weather, so it’s best to keep track of cherry blossom forecasts for the most up-to-date information.

Hanami Etiquette: What to Remember When Enjoying Hanami in Japan

With so many people gathering to admire the flowers, it’s important to remember hanami etiquette to ensure that everyone has as peaceful and pleasant a time as possible. We have listed some principal things to keep in mind below, but for a more comprehensive list, we recommend checking out our article on hanami etiquette.

Snag Your Hanami Spot Early

Also remember that as hanami is extremely popular, famous cherry blossom spots will see people gathering early to secure their spots, so there is usually competition for prime locations. 

Some people will come early in the morning to find and reserve their spots, and will even wait there throughout the day for their friends and acquaintances to join them. You may also see blankets laid out seemingly without any occupants, but these are simply people reserving their spots, so be sure to not sit on any empty blankets.

Also, as there is often only so much space for so many excited hanami-goers, only use as much space as needed to leave room for others.

Maintain Your Space

Take care in keeping your space clean. This will enhance the hanami experience for yourself, others, and protect the integrity of the area around the cherry blossoms. You may be hard-pressed to find trash cans nearby when participating in hanami, so it’s best to bring your own extra bags to hold and take your trash back with you.

Do Not Touch the Flowers or Branches

The cherry blossoms are for looking, not touching. This includes the flowers, branches, and standing on the roots. In some cases, you may not even be able to lay blankets or sit too close to the trunk of the tree.

Do Not Disturb Others

This should go without saying, but with so many people gathering, especially in popular cherry blossom spots, crowds cannot be helped. Therefore, loud noises such as shouting and music are not recommended so as to not disturb others’ experiences.

Where to Partake in Hanami in Tokyo

There are plenty of spots around Tokyo where you can enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms, but below are some particularly popular spots with stunning views of the flowers.

Meguro River (Nakameguro)

The Meguro River is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Tokyo, with hundreds of cherry trees lining a four-kilometer stretch along the river. When the flowering season comes, a tunnel of pink blossoms covers the river, creating a fantastic sight that enshrouds visitors in a wispy pink cloud. When the petals fall, they land on and float down the river, dyeing it pale pink.

During the peak of the cherry blossom season, many hanami goers gather around the Meguro River, especially in the Nakameguro area, to take breathtaking photos and enjoy the cherry blossom festival. At the festival, you can snack on street food and local delicacies as you take in the beauty of the blossoms and the effervescent atmosphere.

byFood offers a Nakameguro cherry blossom tour that guides you through the festival!

Inokashira Park

Inokashira Park is home to around 400 cherry trees that surround the lake with clusters of pale pink blossoms come cherry blossom season (usually around late March to early April). When the petals fall, the lake is covered with what looks like a pink sheet, and the petals gently sway and swirl along with the ripples of water.

With beautiful natural views and a relaxing atmosphere, Inokashira Park is a popular spot for hanami, with many visitors relaxing on the lawns and benches around the trees. For a unique hanami experience, why not board one of the iconic swan boats for a view of the cherry blossoms from atop the water?

Shinjuku Gyoen

One of Tokyo’s most famous and popular parks, Shinjuku Gyoen is also a top hanami destination. Home to some 900 cherry trees of around 70 different varieties, catching the elusive cherry blossoms in bloom is much more likely in Shinjuku Gyoen, as the different types of cherry trees bloom at different times for a period that can last from January to April. 

The vast grounds are ideal for hanami picnics (although alcohol is prohibited in Shinjuku Gyoen), so you can relax and take in the sight of the delicate cherry blossoms with the Tokyo skyline peeking out from beyond the trees.

Check out our cherry blossom forecast for more hanami spots across Japan!

Enjoy the Beauty of the Cherry Blossoms With Hanami in Japan

Cherry blossoms are one of Japan’s most iconic seasonal sights, with people gathering from far and wide to take in their beauty. The hanami custom has been beloved in Japan for centuries, and is sure to continue for many more years to come. If you’re lucky enough to be in Japan while the stunning cherry blossoms are in bloom, you should seize the chance to appreciate their seasonal wonder with hanami, whether it be a small, quiet affair or celebrating while surrounded by numerous other hanami-goers.

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