The Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan is an event not to be missed. Every culture has its traditions for welcoming the arrival of spring and in Japan it’s “Hanami,” the centuries-old practice of picnicking under a blooming sakura (cherry) tree. In Japanese, Hanami is spelled phonetically as はなみ and pictographically as 花見 (where 花 means flower and 見 represents watching or looking). It’s one of the most beautiful and exciting times to be in Japan.
There are a lot of resources for how best to experience Hanami. This post is based on my personal experience, having spent five years living in Tokyo. For most of that time, I worked for a small company with less than 50 employees. Each year, the owners would charter a bus and drive us out to a park along the river, just outside of the city. There we would grill meat, drink beer and sake and enjoy the scenery.
When To Go
Part of the magic of Hanami season is how short it is. For Tokyo, first bloom is typically around March 28 and full bloom around April 5. Timing is everything. One weekend, every cherry tree in the city is in full bloom, covered in delicate pink and white flowers. The next weekend they’re gone.
Where To Go
By far, Ueno Park is my favorite cherry blossom viewing spot (and also the favorite of 2 million others who visit the park during Hanami season). Located in central Tokyo, there are approximately 1,200 cherry trees on this 133-acre park. The parks wide walkways, mostly empty for much of the year, become filled to capacity with families and groups of young people, walking or picnicking under the trees. You have to get there early if you want to claim a picnic spot but most years I’ve enjoyed just walking through it.
Another of my favorites spots is Asakusa, the last stop on the Ginza subway line. Best known for the Senso-ji Temple and as an outlet for inexpensive tourist souvenirs, it’s also a prime spot for cherry trees. Head toward Sumida Park and take a walk along the riverbank. You can also visit the Asahi Beer Headquarters with its beer halls. And you’ll be very close to Tokyo Sky Tree, worth a visit if you don’t mind the long lines.
From Sumida park, you can take Sumida River Cruise, where you’ll pass hundreds of cherry trees lining the banks of the Sumida River. They even offer night cruises.
But really any big park in Tokyo will do. Yoyogi and Shinjuku parks are both popular Hanami destinations. You can just walk around the city and the celebrations are everywhere.
Beyond Tokyo
If you have time, consider a Hanami tour, following the cherry blossoms as they bloom from the south to the north. Or at least head to Kyoto, just over two hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen (bullet train). Riding the Shinkansen is an experience in itself. Once there, I highly recommend a stroll along The Philosopher’s Walk. And the temples, so beautiful the rest of the year, are even more breathtaking when framed by cherry blossoms.
With the yen at historical lows, 2015 is a great year to visit Japan. And the excitement and beauty of Hanami season make it one of the best times of the year to go. So what are you waiting for? I’ll see you there!