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Cherry Blossom Festival: More Than Just a Spring Party!
Published by Valerie Caulin, Writer
Country: Japan 
The Experience
They say that the "Land of the Rising Sun" is at its prettiest during springtime, and this certainly is no bogus claim. The famous Japanese Cherry Blossom or 'Sakura' blooms during this time of the year; showcasing its beauty on every street, corner and park of Japan. Along with the blooming of the Sakuras is the tradition of Hanami or the Cherry Blossom Festival.
The Cherry Blossom Festival is a special social event in Japan from the time of antiquity when aristocrats along with their artists, musicians and poets spent some time under the blooming Sakuras. It might be surprising to know that "Hanami" simply means “flower viewing" and for non-Japanese as well as those who do not possess knowledge of Japanese culture, it might be a wonder why viewing some flowers in a park is a special event.
The Sakura is an icon in Japanese culture and society, and is often depicted in Japanese art and even on candy wrappers. The flower represents the rare beauty of a woman, and aside from its exquisite charm, it only blooms for ten days during the year. This flower may literally be a "late bloomer," but when it does it is certainly the prettiest of its kind.
The traditional way of observing the Cherry Blossom Festival is to visit parks and temples and adore the beauty of this unique blossom with some traditional Japanese music, dancing and even a tea ceremony. In modern times, Hanami is celebrated more with a picnic or a party. Some people think it's just a time for Japanese people to get drunk with their foreign friends. However, to others, it's more than that. The Cherry Blossom Festival is a time to bond and hang out with your friends outside of the bars and clubs of Roppongi district in Tokyo.
The Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan is also a chance for foreigners to wear a Yukata (a Japanese cotton Kimono). When donning a Japanese costume, visit a park nearby which is favoured by older Japanese people. This way, you can avoid rowdy picnic-goers. The parks are shaded with little pink flowers, and as the wind gusts the fallen petals draw a magical twirl. With all the trees in full bloom you will be transported into this enchanting experience. If you look closely, the flowers are almost white in colour, but if you watch the trees from afar, it has a pretty and faint pink hue. Watching the Sakura, these dainty little flowers explicitly symbolize simplicity and beauty.
The Cherry Blossom Festival is a special social event in Japan from the time of antiquity when aristocrats along with their artists, musicians and poets spent some time under the blooming Sakuras. It might be surprising to know that "Hanami" simply means “flower viewing" and for non-Japanese as well as those who do not possess knowledge of Japanese culture, it might be a wonder why viewing some flowers in a park is a special event.
The Sakura is an icon in Japanese culture and society, and is often depicted in Japanese art and even on candy wrappers. The flower represents the rare beauty of a woman, and aside from its exquisite charm, it only blooms for ten days during the year. This flower may literally be a "late bloomer," but when it does it is certainly the prettiest of its kind.
The traditional way of observing the Cherry Blossom Festival is to visit parks and temples and adore the beauty of this unique blossom with some traditional Japanese music, dancing and even a tea ceremony. In modern times, Hanami is celebrated more with a picnic or a party. Some people think it's just a time for Japanese people to get drunk with their foreign friends. However, to others, it's more than that. The Cherry Blossom Festival is a time to bond and hang out with your friends outside of the bars and clubs of Roppongi district in Tokyo.
The Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan is also a chance for foreigners to wear a Yukata (a Japanese cotton Kimono). When donning a Japanese costume, visit a park nearby which is favoured by older Japanese people. This way, you can avoid rowdy picnic-goers. The parks are shaded with little pink flowers, and as the wind gusts the fallen petals draw a magical twirl. With all the trees in full bloom you will be transported into this enchanting experience. If you look closely, the flowers are almost white in colour, but if you watch the trees from afar, it has a pretty and faint pink hue. Watching the Sakura, these dainty little flowers explicitly symbolize simplicity and beauty.
When to Go to Cherry Blossom Festival
Odds n' Ends
A distinctive characteristic of this flower is that it is hard to predict when the flowers will bloom. Hence, there is no exact date for the Cherry Blossom Festival and in Japan they have a "Cherry Blossom Forecast" for those who are patiently waiting for the flowers to come out from their buds. Many organizations or groups (usually that of foreigners in Japan) plan a Hanami only to realize that the Sakuras are still in their slumber state during their picnic or party.
If you happen to arrive in a crowded park in Tokyo or any metropolitan city in Japan, try the Cherry Blossom Festival at night. Also known as "night viewing" this type of Hanami is only done in famous gardens in Japan and the Sakuras are made even more charming with the lights illuminating each blossom. Strolling in a Japanese garden and drinking your hot green tea, this experience can reduce stress after a day of working or touring around Japan. Instead of young people, you will often meet families, older Japanese or couples out for a romantic date during "night viewing". After eating or drinking, be sure to clean up your mess. Though most people think it's a time for a drinking spree, some parks prohibit bringing alcohol during Hanami.
Lastly, you don't have to visit a famous temple or a crowded park for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Sakura trees are planted along the streets of Japan and in just a quick turn to the left or right you will find a small spot to adore their beauty. For the modern Japanese society, Hanami is a time to sit back and spend some lazy afternoons away from the hustle and bustle of their intoxicating lives.
If you happen to arrive in a crowded park in Tokyo or any metropolitan city in Japan, try the Cherry Blossom Festival at night. Also known as "night viewing" this type of Hanami is only done in famous gardens in Japan and the Sakuras are made even more charming with the lights illuminating each blossom. Strolling in a Japanese garden and drinking your hot green tea, this experience can reduce stress after a day of working or touring around Japan. Instead of young people, you will often meet families, older Japanese or couples out for a romantic date during "night viewing". After eating or drinking, be sure to clean up your mess. Though most people think it's a time for a drinking spree, some parks prohibit bringing alcohol during Hanami.
Lastly, you don't have to visit a famous temple or a crowded park for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Sakura trees are planted along the streets of Japan and in just a quick turn to the left or right you will find a small spot to adore their beauty. For the modern Japanese society, Hanami is a time to sit back and spend some lazy afternoons away from the hustle and bustle of their intoxicating lives.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Sakura Hotel
- Cheap hotel accommodation in Japan, mostly favored by young travelers.
- Capsule Inn
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- Ryokan: Japanese Traditional Inns
- Complete your whole Japanese experience by staying in this traditional Japanese guesthouses
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Elsewhere on the Web
- Hanami in Japan
- Cherry blossom viewing in Japan
- National Cherry Blossom Festival - Official Site
Media References
- Hanami Among the Mountain Gods (newspaper)
- Newspaper article on the solemnity of Hanami in traditional Japanese culture
- What is Hanami? (blog)
- Give a more detailed historical narrative of the Hanami.
- How to Have a Great Hanami - MetBlogs.com (blog)
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