Hanami is a traditional Japanese cultural practice of appreciating cherry blossoms in spring while experiencing the changing of the seasons. In Japan, people gather in parks and along rivers as the cherry blossoms bloom, sharing time with family and friends. This custom is more than just nature appreciation—it reflects the values of Japanese people who have lived in harmony with nature. Cherry blossoms have a short blooming period from flowering to falling, and their ephemeral beauty symbolizes the fleeting moments of life.
This article introduces the meaning and history of hanami, representative foods and viewing spots, and etiquette for enjoying hanami in a way that is easy to understand even for those experiencing Japanese culture for the first time.
1. Japanese Traditional Culture: What is Hanami?
Hanami refers to the traditional Japanese cultural practice of appreciating cherry blossoms in spring while savoring the beauty of nature. While translated into English as “flower viewing,” hanami is not simply the act of looking at flowers. Under the fully bloomed cherry blossoms, families and friends gather to share food and drinks while cherishing the brief spring moments.
Because cherry blossoms scatter within one to two weeks, Japanese people have long associated their appearance with the transience of life. This concept is called “mono no aware” and is one of the important values in Japanese culture. Hanami remains widely beloved in modern Japan as an event that fosters gratitude toward nature and appreciation for the present moment.
1-1. The History of Hanami in Japan
The history of hanami in Japan began during the Nara period (710-794). At that time, influenced by Chinese culture, aristocrats appreciated plum blossoms. Entering the Heian period, Japan’s native cherry blossoms gained attention and became established as the flower symbolizing spring. In literary works, many expressions celebrating cherry blossoms remain in the Kokin Wakashu and The Tale of Genji.
Meanwhile, farmers considered the blooming of cherry blossoms a sign that the rice field deity was descending to the village, and held festivals praying for abundant harvests. During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shoguns planted cherry trees throughout various regions, and commoners also began enjoying hanami. Thus, hanami evolved into an event where people across social classes celebrated spring together.
2. Foods to Enjoy at Japanese Hanami
At Japanese hanami, enjoying springtime foods is one of the major pleasures alongside the cherry blossom scenery. Dishes and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) made to coincide with the cherry blossom season reflect Japanese culture’s emphasis on seasonality and auspiciousness. The experience of dining while viewing cherry blossoms in parks or along rivers becomes a special time to experience Japanese spring with all five senses.
2-1. Sakuramochi
Sakuramochi is a representative Japanese wagashi of spring, consisting of sweet azuki bean paste wrapped in mochi and encased in a salt-preserved cherry blossom leaf. The subtle saltiness of the cherry leaf harmonizes with the sweetness of the paste, offering an elegant and refined flavor that evokes the flowering season.
Sakuramochi comes in two main types. The Kanto-style Chomei-ji Sakuramochi wraps the paste in a thin crepe made from wheat flour. Meanwhile, the Kansai-style Domyoji Sakuramochi uses coarsely crushed glutinous rice called domyoji-ko, featuring a chewy texture. Both are beloved as essential sweets during cherry blossom season.
2-2. Sanshoku Dango
Sanshoku Dango is a wagashi known as a hanami staple. Three dango skewered on a bamboo stick are arranged from top to bottom in pink, white, and green, each carrying meaning. Pink represents spring cherry blossoms, white represents winter snow, and green represents summer vegetation. This expresses the changing of seasons on a single skewer.
Characterized by a subtly sweet taste, the pink and green dango sometimes incorporate sakura or mugwort. There is a theory that these were served when Toyotomi Hideyoshi held a hanami banquet at Daigo-ji temple in Kyoto, making them hanami sweets with a long history.
2-3. Hanami Bento
Hanami Bento is a special bento box prepared for enjoyment under cherry blossoms. Typically, participants bring food to share with everyone. Contents include maki-zushi (rolled sushi), inari-zushi (sweet tofu pouch sushi), tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), karaage (fried chicken), grilled fish, and spring vegetables. A characteristic feature is packing items with attention to color balance—red, yellow, and green. Sometimes cherry blossoms or leaves are added to enhance the springtime appearance.
Hanami Bento symbolizes Japanese culture’s emphasis not only on taste but also on presentation that evokes the season.
3. Recommended Spots to Enjoy Hanami in Japan
Throughout Japan, there are numerous hanami spots where cherry blossoms harmonize with history, nature, and urban culture. Since the scenery and atmosphere differ by location, the ability to choose according to your travel purpose is part of the appeal. From parks where you can feel the city’s vibrancy, scenic areas retaining the atmosphere of ancient capitals, to famous castles where World Heritage sites and cherry blossoms perform together—each location offers a uniquely Japanese expression of spring.
Here we introduce three representative locations that are accessible even for those experiencing hanami in Japan for the first time.
3-1. Ueno Park (Tokyo)
Ueno Onshi Park is a representative urban park of Japan located in Taito Ward, Tokyo. Opened in 1873 (Meiji 6), it celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023. Approximately 1,200 cherry trees are planted within the park, drawing large crowds every spring. The location just a few minutes’ walk from JR Ueno Station is convenient for foreign tourists arriving from Narita Airport.
The cherry blossoms reflected on the surface of Shinobazu Pond and the scenery of fallen petals coloring the pond are particularly worth seeing. During cherry blossom season, food stalls and events are held, allowing you to experience the vibrant Tokyo-style hanami.
3-2. Arashiyama (Kyoto)
Arashiyama is a historic scenic area spreading across western Kyoto that has been beloved as a cherry blossom viewing spot since the Heian period. The peak viewing time is typically from late March to early April, when approximately 1,500 cherry trees bloom magnificently along the mountains and Katsura River.
Particularly famous is the scenery around Togetsukyo Bridge, where the bridge surrounded by cherry blossoms and the flowing river create an elegant atmosphere characteristic of Kyoto. If you wish to avoid crowds, using a rowboat on the river allows you to view cherry blossoms quietly from the water. This is an ideal location for those wanting to enjoy hanami where nature and tradition harmonize.
3-3. Himeji Castle (Hyogo)
Himeji Castle is a representative Japanese castle registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. In spring, approximately 1,000 cherry trees bloom around the castle, creating a striking contrast between the beautiful white castle tower and the vibrant cherry blossoms.
The peak viewing time is from late March to early April. During the blooming period, night illumination events are sometimes held in the adjacent Japanese garden, allowing you to enjoy a fantastical scenery different from daytime.If you have time, visiting both day and night is recommended.
4. Etiquette for Enjoying Hanami in Japan
When enjoying hanami in Japan, consideration for cherry blossoms and those around you is essential.
First, never touch the cherry trees. Breaking branches, picking flowers, or pulling branches to take photos is strictly prohibited. Cherry blossoms are extremely delicate, and even small damage can weaken the entire tree.
When reserving space, avoid securing more area than necessary and be mindful not to disturb others. Also avoid behaviors such as tying ropes to branches or sitting on roots. Rules regarding fire use differ by park, so checking in advance is necessary. Many locations prohibit barbecuing, so take note.
Furthermore, since many parks do not have trash bins installed, it is essential to take all trash home with you. An attitude of respecting local rules leads to a pleasant hanami experience.
Conclusion
Hanami is not only about enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms but also serves as a key to understanding Japanese views of nature and seasonality. Foods eaten during hanami such as sakuramochi, sanshoku dango, and hanami bento reflect the meaning of celebrating spring and the value placed on colorful presentation.
At famous spots like Ueno Park, Arashiyama, and Himeji Castle, you can experience different Japanese spring landscapes. Meanwhile, it is important to show consideration for cherry blossoms and those around you while respecting local rules. Through hanami, experience the depth of Japanese culture and the spirit of honoring the seasons.
*This article is based on information available as of January 2026.
