When you visit Japan in spring, you can see cherry blossoms in many places.
You may see them in parks, along rivers, near schools, or on the way to the station.
In Japan, cherry blossoms are not just beautiful flowers.
Some foreign visitors may wonder:
“Why do Japanese people love cherry blossoms so much?”
“Why do people sit on picnic sheets in parks just to look at flowers?”
Hello, I’m Hirossy.
As an ordinary Japanese dad, I feel that cherry blossom season is a little special.
It is not only a time to enjoy beautiful flowers. It is also a time to go outside with family and feel the change of the season.
What Is Hanami in Japan?
Hanami means “flower viewing” in Japanese.
But in most cases, it means enjoying cherry blossoms in spring.
In Japan, when cherry blossoms bloom, many people go to parks and spread picnic sheets on the ground. They eat lunch, talk with family or friends, and enjoy the flowers.
Some people also walk along rivers where many cherry trees are planted.
Of course, not all Japanese people do hanami every year.
Some people are too busy. Some people do not like crowded places.
But when cherry blossom season comes, we often see cherry blossom news on TV and weather reports.
This shows how close cherry blossoms are to Japanese spring.
Why Do Japanese People Love Cherry Blossoms?
I think there are several reasons why Japanese people love cherry blossoms.
One big reason is that cherry blossoms tell us spring has come.
In Japan, a new school year and a new business year usually begin in April.
Many children enter school. Many people start a new job or move to a new place.
Cherry blossoms bloom around this time, so many people connect cherry blossoms with a new start.
Cherry blossoms are also beautiful, but they do not last very long.
They bloom, become full, and then fall quickly.
Sometimes rain or strong wind makes the petals fall in just a few days.
This short time is part of their beauty.
People may think:
“I’m glad I could see them this year.”
“This view is only here for a short time.”
Maybe that is one reason why cherry blossoms feel so special in Japan.
Hanami Is Special, but Also Close to Daily Life
Hanami may sound like a big event.
But actually, it can be very simple and close to daily life.
Some people spread a picnic sheet in a park and eat with family or friends.
Some people walk slowly along a river with cherry blossoms.
Some people just look up at the flowers on the way to work or while shopping.
So, some people enjoy hanami as an event, and some people enjoy it in a small way during daily life.
For me, I like both.
Sometimes I enjoy hanami in a park with a picnic sheet.
Sometimes I walk along a river where food stalls are open.
When I walk under cherry blossoms, even a normal road feels a little special.
Food Stalls Are Also Fun
At some famous cherry blossom spots, there are food stalls.
You may find takoyaki, yakisoba, fried chicken, baby castella cakes, and other foods often seen at Japanese festivals.
I feel that food stalls are changing little by little every year.
There are still many traditional festival foods, but sometimes I see cute sweets or new kinds of food too.
It is fun to see these small changes.
However, when I go with my children, they often look at the food stalls more than the cherry blossoms.
As a parent, I want to say, “Look, the cherry blossoms are beautiful!”
But my children look like they are thinking, “What should we eat?”
I think this is common in many Japanese families.
But that is also a fun part of hanami.
Cherry Blossom Season Makes Japan Look Beautiful
Japan has four seasons, but cherry blossom season is a very photogenic time.
Cherry blossoms with a blue sky.
Cherry trees along a river.
Children playing in a park under the flowers.
Cherry blossoms lit up at night.
These scenes make us feel the beauty of spring in Japan.
For travelers from other countries, Japan in cherry blossom season can be very memorable.
But the best time to see cherry blossoms depends on the area and the year.
In Tokyo and Kyoto, cherry blossoms often bloom from late March to early April.
In Hokkaido, they usually bloom later.
If you want to see cherry blossoms during your trip, it is a good idea to check the cherry blossom forecast for the area you will visit.
Things to Keep in Mind During Hanami
Hanami is fun, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Famous cherry blossom spots can be very crowded.
Especially on weekends or when the flowers are in full bloom, there may be many people. It can be hard to walk slowly.
Also, if you want to use a picnic sheet in a park, please check the local rules.
Some places allow eating and drinking.
Some places do not.
Some places also have rules about saving space.
Garbage is another thing to remember.
In Japan, there are not many public trash cans outside.
If you buy food from a stall, there may be a trash can near the stall, but not always.
Sometimes you may need to take your trash with you.
You do not need to worry too much.
Just try to enjoy hanami while being kind to the people around you.
Friendly Advice for Foreign Visitors
If you want to enjoy hanami in Japan, you do not always need to go to a famous place.
Famous cherry blossom spots are beautiful, of course.
But small parks and rivers near local neighborhoods can also be very beautiful.
Cherry blossoms in Japan are not only in famous tourist areas.
They are also part of everyday life.
If you find a street with cherry trees during your trip, try walking slowly for a while.
You can buy a drink at a convenience store and sit on a park bench.
Even that small moment can help you feel spring in Japan.
There is no one “correct” way to enjoy hanami.
Some people take photos.
Some people eat with family.
Some people walk with friends.
Some people enjoy the flowers quietly alone.
I think it is best to enjoy hanami in your own way.
Conclusion
Japanese people love cherry blossoms not only because they are beautiful.
Cherry blossoms tell us that spring has come.
They remind us of new beginnings.
And because they bloom for only a short time, they stay in our hearts.
Hanami is one of Japan’s warm and familiar spring traditions.
A family sitting on a picnic sheet in a park.
People walking along a river under cherry blossoms.
Children looking more excited about food stalls than flowers.
These small scenes are part of spring in Japan.
If you visit Japan in spring, I hope you take a little time to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Maybe they will help you feel closer to Japanese life and culture.
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