Hanami (花見・はなみ) means, literally, “flower viewing” or “contemplate the flowers”. The word 花見 is composed of two kanjis:
- 花 (はな・hana) – flower
- 見 (み・mi) – see/watch
Although this expression refers specifically to cherry blossoms during the cherry blossom season (it only lasts up to a couple of weeks!).
READ – Pink color or Momoiro (桃色): it’s Springtime!
The 4 most popular activities during Hanami
- People organize outdoor activities and picnics under cherry (sakura・桜・さくら) trees, particularly during weekends.
- Blossom can be appreciated in the daylight and during the night: Yozakura (夜桜・よざくら) or “night sakura”, the view of illuminated sakura trees is very popular.
- Drinking sake and traditional tea. Eating seasonal foods.
- Decorating spaces with lanterns and motifs recalling sakura and spring.
What should you bring with you during Hanami?
- A waterproof tarp or a picnic blanket (can be found in 100 yen shops).
- A plastic bag to collect your garbage.
- Wet wipes.
- Warmer clothes for the night.
- You should be able to find some special sakura-teme bentos at convenience store or supermarket.
How to behave during Cherry Blossom Festival?
- Check if the specific outdoor space where you’re planning to go allows food and drink consumption.
- When picnicking, don’t leave garbage of any kind in the park.
- Don’t act inappropriately, don’t take more space than necessary, respect others’ space, avoid being loud.
- Don’t damage trees and don’t touch blossoms. You can grab the ones that fall spontaneously.
History of the Hanami festival
This festival has its roots in the Nara Period (710-794). Since then, it’s a special moment to honor the coming of the spring and to appreciate the beauty of nature. In the past centuries, farmers prayed to cherry blossoms deities to increase their harvest.
The philosophical concept behind Hanami (mono no aware)
The brief cherry bloom has a lot to do with the impermanence of life. It remembers that everything is impermanent and passes away. This approach has been a relevant part of the Japanese mindset since ancient times. It is called Mono no Aware (物の哀れ) or “the pathos of things” and can be meet in everyday life.
Does Hanami occur at the same time in all the Country?
Sakura trees blossom at different times across Japan. They open first in the warmer southwest, while the last blooms are visible in the colder north. From the end of March to the beginning of May. Usually, people rely on the cherry blossom forecast called Sakura Zensen (桜前線).
In Japan, there are many species of cherry with different shades of pink (cultivated through cross-breeding). This is also the Plum blossoms season!
When is Japan’s cherry blossom expected in 2022?
According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation’s official cherry blossom forecast (February 17, 2022)
- Tokyo – Flowering: March 25 / Full bloom: April 1
- Sapporo – Flowering: April 28 / Full bloom: May 1
- Sendai – Flowering: April 8 / Full bloom: April 12
- Kanazawa – Flowering: April 5 / Full bloom: April 10
- Nagoya – Flowering: March 24 / Full bloom: April 3
- Kyoto – Flowering: March 28 / Full bloom: April 5
- Osaka – Flowering: March 28 / Full bloom: April 4
- Hiroshima – Flowering: March 25 / Full bloom: April 3
- Fukuoka – Flowering: March 19 / Full bloom: March 29
SEE THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM FORECAST (IN ENGLISH) – OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival!
