Hanami

Overview

Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is a traditional Japanese custom of appreciating flowers blooming on trees, primarily cherry blossoms (sakura), and celebrating the arrival of spring. The sakura tree is found widely throughout Japan, and the representative variety Somei-Yoshino is a clone, meaning that after breaking dormancy, the blossoms open almost simultaneously in each region. This simultaneous blooming forms an important part of the Japanese sense of season and has become a significant spring tradition beyond mere flower appreciation.

The traditional way to enjoy hanami is not only to view the flowers but also to hold banquets with hanami bento (boxed lunches) and sake among groups of people. Drinking hanami-zake (sake while viewing flowers) is considered elegant, but in large groups, it is not uncommon for the gathering to become boisterous. The cherry blossom period lasts less than two weeks from blooming to falling, and the scattering petals, described as hanafubuki (cherry blossom blizzard), have been likened to the transience of human life. Since ancient times, it has been said that "sakura drives people mad."

History and Origins

Japanese hanami is said to have originated as an aristocratic event during the Nara period (710-794). During the Nara period, ume (plum blossoms), which had recently been introduced from China, were the primary objects of appreciation, but during the Heian period (794-1185), cherry blossoms replaced them as the main focus. In the Manyoshu (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves), there are 43 poems about cherry blossoms and approximately 110 poems about ume, and poetry gatherings such as the plum blossom banquet (baika no en) were held. By the time of the Kokin Wakashu (Collection of Ancient and Modern Japanese Poetry) in the early 10th century, the numbers had reversed, with 70 poems about cherry blossoms compared to 18 about ume. The word "hana" (flower) came to be used as a synonym for cherry blossoms, and women's beauty began to be compared to cherry blossoms during this period.

The first recorded instance of hanami appears in the Nihon Koki (Later Chronicle of Japan), which records that Emperor Saga held a "flower banquet" (hana no en no sechi) at Shinsenen Garden on March 28, 812 (the 12th day of the 2nd month of the 3rd year of the Konin era). Given the season, cherry blossoms were likely the main flowers, and this is considered the first documented hanami. The previous year, Emperor Saga had greatly admired the cherry blossoms at Jishu Shrine and ordered the shrine to present cherry blossoms to the court every year thereafter. Although ume was the standard flower for viewing at the time, cherry blossom viewing spread rapidly among the aristocracy, and this is seen as the origin of the Japanese love for sakura. From 831 (the 8th year of the Tencho era), it became a regular event hosted by the emperor at the imperial court, and this scene is depicted in the "Hana no En" (The Festival of the Cherry Blossoms) chapter of The Tale of Genji.

During the Kamakura (1185-1333) and Muromachi (1336-1573) periods, the aristocratic custom of hanami spread to the warrior class. In the 137th section of his work Tsurezuregusa (Essays in Idleness), the priest Kenko discusses the difference between hanami conducted by people of rank and that of "people in remote rural areas." While casting a cool eye on contrived displays of refinement and noisy celebrations, Kenko's writings reveal that hanami banquets were already being held in rural areas by the late Kamakura to early Muromachi period.

During the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600), outdoor hanami gatherings are confirmed in pictorial records. Notable large-scale hanami events of this era include Toyotomi Hideyoshi's famous cherry blossom viewing at Yoshino (1594, Bunroku 3) and the Daigo no Hanami at Daigo Temple (April 20, 1598, Keicho 3). The custom of hanami spread widely among the common people during the mid-Edo period (1603-1868). At that time, wild mountain cherries were the main variety, and the primary purpose was for visitors to show off their behavior and attire. Teahouses rented out shamisen (three-stringed instruments) and wigs, allowing people to enjoy singing, dancing, and impromptu theater at hanami sites even without bringing anything themselves.

Highlights

Hanami Dango (Cherry Blossom Dumplings) Dumplings are said to be indispensable for hanami, and "hanami dango" has been a standard offering for common people's hanami since the Edo period. The typical arrangement features three colors: sakura-iro (light pink), white, and green, creating a colorful and festive appearance. The pink represents cherry blossoms symbolizing the breath of spring, white represents snow as a remnant of winter, and green represents mugwort as a sign of the coming summer. The proverb "Hana yori dango" (dumplings rather than flowers) originates from these hanami dango, satirizing the choice of practical substance over the aesthetic act of flower viewing.

Hanami Bento (Picnic Lunch) Since the Edo period, hanami bento has been considered indispensable for cherry blossom viewing, with tiered lacquer boxes (jubako) designed to hold Japanese sake and food. Today, Japanese restaurants and other establishments accept orders for elaborately prepared hanami bento. The meals packed in jubako make abundant use of spring ingredients and place great emphasis on visual appeal. A hanami bento spread beneath the cherry blossoms enriches the time spent with family and friends, making the gathering more festive and memorable.

Yozakura (Night Cherry Blossoms) Viewing cherry blossoms at night is called yozakura or yozakura kenbutsu (night blossom viewing). In Tokyo, at famous cherry blossom sites such as Ueno Park and Yasukuni Shrine, paper lanterns (bonbori) are set up for night viewing. The cherry blossoms illuminated in the darkness possess a different, fantastical beauty compared to daytime viewing, and some locations like Rikugien Garden offer special nighttime openings with atmospheric lighting. Night blossom viewing offers a different charm from daytime hanami, providing visitors with a quiet and ethereal experience.

Hanafubuki (Cherry Blossom Blizzard) and Hazakura (Leaf Cherries) Hanafubuki refers to the spectacle of numerous petals scattering in the wind at cherry blossom groves or along cherry tree avenues, and this beauty is also appreciated. Because the blooming period is so short, once the peak bloom passes, the petals fall all at once. After all the petals have fallen, the trees enter a state called hazakura (leaf cherries), marking the transition to the season of fresh green leaves. The ephemeral beauty of hanafubuki has become deeply connected with the Japanese sense of mortality and the concept of impermanence.

Regional Variations in Hanami In Hokkaido, the cherry blossom season arrives later than on the main island of Honshu, typically from late April to mid-May, and there is a custom of eating Genghis Khan (grilled mutton) during hanami. In Aomori Prefecture, the spiny horsehair crab is called "hanami-gani" or "sakura-gani" and is enjoyed at hanami banquets. In Okinawa, the Kanhizakura (Taiwan cherry) is the standard variety for hanami, blooming from January to February, and banquets accompanying hanami are less common than on the mainland, with a tendency to simply enjoy viewing the flowers. Thus, the way hanami is enjoyed has developed diversely according to regional climate and food culture.

The Custom of "Hana Yori Dango" During the Edo period, hanami consisted of three types: "Umemi" for renewing friendships with close friends, "Sakura-mi" corresponding to welcome and farewell parties, and "Momomi" for enjoying family time. Achieving all three was considered the full accomplishment of spring. Hanami was also frequently used as an opportunity for arranged marriages (miai); a favorable encounter at hanami would lead to a sequence of wild vegetable picking, clam digging at low tide, and summer mountain walks, culminating in a wedding ceremony in the autumn, which was regarded as "auspicious." The spirit of "hana yori dango" (practicality over aesthetics), which emphasizes eating and socializing beneath the blossoms rather than contemplating the flowers themselves, reflects this history of hanami as a social gathering.

Air Hanami (Indoor Cherry Blossom Viewing) Because outdoor hanami requires overcoming various difficulties such as weather conditions and pollen allergies, services have emerged that allow people to enjoy pseudo-cherry blossom viewing indoors, avoiding these problems. Stores often decorate with fresh or artificial cherry blossoms as decorations, and when this is offered as a paid banquet package with food and drinks, it is called "air hanami." Virtual reality (VR) streaming of cherry blossoms (provided by companies such as Weathernews) is also referred to as "air hanami."

Event Information and Access

Timing by Region: The cherry blossom season varies greatly by region. In Okinawa, blooming occurs from January to February; along the Pacific coast of Kyushu, Shikoku, and Honshu, it runs from late March to early April; in Hokuriku and Tohoku, it falls in April; and in Hokkaido, it typically occurs from late April to mid-May. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the "blossoming date" (kaika-bi) is defined as "the first day when 5 to 6 or more flowers have opened on the specimen tree," and the "full bloom date" (mankai-bi) is defined as "the first day when 80% or more of the buds have opened on the specimen tree."

Sakura Front (Cherry Blossom Forecast Line): Forecasts for cherry blossom blooming dates in each region are announced annually from February to April by private weather companies, and the line connecting areas predicted to bloom on the same day is called the sakura zensen (cherry blossom front). This front is based on specimen trees of the Somei-Yoshino variety in each region, so the actual blooming period can vary depending on climate and topography. In Hokkaido, Somei-Yoshino is used in the southwestern region and Sapporo, but in other areas where it cannot grow (northern and eastern regions), Ezo-yamazakura is used, and in Nemuro where blooming is even later, Chishimazakura is used.

Ueno Onshi Park, Tokyo: The most famous hanami spot in Edo was Shinobugaoka, with the cherry blossoms of Ueno Onshi Park planted by the high priest Tenkai (approximately 1536-1643). The park is located just a short walk from JR Ueno Station, and the peak viewing period is typically from late March to early April. Paper lanterns are set up for night blossom viewing, and the park is crowded with visitors both day and night.

Hirosaki Park, Aomori Prefecture: Hirosaki City is a popular travel destination for hanami because the cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle often reach full bloom during the Golden Week holiday period, after most cherry blossoms in the Kanto region have already fallen. In recent years, the blooming has tended to come earlier than the "Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival" scheduled for the holiday period, and attempts have been made to delay the blooming and full bloom by piling snow around the roots of the cherry trees so that they coincide with the holiday week. The venue is the nationally designated historic site "Hirosaki Castle Ruins," and walking the entire circuit of the park takes approximately 2 hours.

Jishu Shrine and Higashiyama, Kyoto: The cherry blossoms at Jishu Shrine that Emperor Saga admired are said to have been presented to the court every year thereafter, and it is believed that Higashiyama in Kyoto was established as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot during the Heian period. The gardening treatise Sakuteiki states that "cherry trees should be planted in gardens," and during the Heian period, cherry blossoms became an essential element of garden design. Temples and shrines in Kyoto sometimes hold special openings and nighttime illuminations during this season.

Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C.: In 1912, as a symbol of Japan-American friendship, 3,000 cherry tree saplings from Arakawa were gifted to the capital of the United States and planted along the Potomac River. Today, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually, featuring parades and stage shows, making it the largest Japanese cultural festival in America. The cherry blossom promenade at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York City was also gifted by the Empire of Japan after World War I.

Other Famous Cherry Blossom Spots: In Macon, Georgia, numerous cherry trees have been planted, and the city calls itself the "Cherry Blossom Capital of the World," hosting the "International Cherry Blossom Festival." In Brazil, approximately 4,000 cherry trees grow in Carmo Park in Sao Paulo, and because the city is in the Southern Hemisphere, a cherry blossom festival is held in early August during the peak blooming period. In Europe, cherry blossom festivals are held at the Sakura Park in Helsinki, Finland; in the Royal National City Park in Stockholm, Sweden, which received many cherry trees as gifts from Japan; and at Langelinie Park in Copenhagen, Denmark, where two rows of cherry trees were donated by the Andersen company of Hiroshima.

Surrounding Information

When going to view cherry blossoms, it is advisable to also check tourism information around the famous cherry blossom sites. Around Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture, historic buildings including Hirosaki Castle are scattered throughout the area, allowing visitors to combine hanami with a stroll through this castle town. Since walking the entire circuit of the park takes approximately 2 hours, planning with ample time is recommended. The contrast between the stone walls and the cherry blossoms is famous nationwide, and many photography enthusiasts visit each year.

In Tokyo, around Ueno Onshi Park, which was a famous hanami spot during the Edo period, many art museums and museums are located nearby, allowing visitors to combine cherry blossom viewing with cultural appreciation. At institutions such as the Tokyo National Museum, cultural properties that are not normally open to the public may be specially exhibited during the cherry blossom season. Ueno is easily accessible from JR Ueno Station, and the nighttime illumination of the park's cherry blossoms is known for its soft lighting using paper lanterns.

At overseas cherry blossom viewing spots, opportunities to experience Japanese culture are also provided. At Carmo Park in Sao Paulo, Brazil, because the cherry blossom festival period overlaps with the local Tanabata (Star Festival) season, a unique custom has emerged in which tanzaku (colorful paper strips with wishes written on them) from Tanabata are tied to the branches of cherry trees in full bloom. Along the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., various events related to Japanese culture are held in conjunction with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, serving as a venue for Japan-America exchange.

Related Information

Cultivation and Preservation of Cherry Blossom Varieties: During the Meiji period (1868-1912), the gardens and daimyo estates in Edo where cherry trees had been planted were successively demolished, and the cherry trees were used as firewood, threatening many improved varieties from the Edo period with extinction. Takagi Magoemon, a nurseryman from Komagome, Tokyo, collected these trees and transplanted them in his garden, preserving 84 varieties. In 1886, he cooperated in creating the Arakawa River embankment cherry tree avenue, which became established as a new famous hanami spot in 1910. The 78 varieties planted at Arakawa were transplanted to research facilities in various regions for preservation and subsequently spread throughout Japan. In 1912, as a symbol of Japan-America friendship, 3,000 cherry saplings from Arakawa were gifted to Washington, D.C.

Hanami in Literature and Poetry: Hanami has been depicted in numerous literary works since ancient times. The "Hana no En" (Festival of the Cherry Blossoms) chapter of The Tale of Genji describes the hanami banquets of the aristocracy. In the 137th section of Tsurezuregusa, a cool gaze is directed at contrived displays of refinement and noisy celebrations. Because the blooming period of cherry blossoms is so brief, they have frequently been used as symbols of transience in literature and poetry.

Hanami in Rakugo (Comic Storytelling): Rakugo stories set during Edo-period hanami include "Nagaya no Hanami," "Atamayama," and "Hanami no Adauchi," which was created with Asukayama cherry blossom viewing in mind. These rakugo pieces are also valuable cultural materials that convey the hanami customs of common people and the scenery of Edo-period hanami spots. The hanami scenes depicted in rakugo transmit the customs of the time to the present day.

Hanami and Weather: The hanami season is characterized by unstable weather described by the term "sankankan" (three cold days followed by four warm days), and there is a tendency for large diurnal temperature ranges. Without appropriate cold-weather measures for the temperature on the day of hanami, visitors may become ill. Additionally, the hanami season overlaps with the cedar pollen dispersal period, and for patients with cedar pollen allergies, outdoor hanami can exacerbate symptoms.

Hanami and Economic Impact: During hanami, large quantities of food and alcoholic beverages are consumed, and some "cherry blossom famous spots" attract large numbers of tourists who stay overnight. For this reason, events and campaigns under names such as "Sakura Matsuri" (Cherry Blossom Festival) are held across Japan in the spring, with expectations of economic benefits. Hanami is not only a cultural event but also an important tourism resource that supports regional economies.

International Spread of Hanami: Japanese hanami has become a purpose for foreign tourists visiting Japan, and the custom has spread to Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Because the seasons are reversed between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the timing of hanami as an annual event varies by region. Cherry blossom festivals are held in Brazil, the United States, and various European countries, and hanami is spreading internationally as an aspect of Japanese culture.

Sakura Front and Bloom Forecasts: Forecasts for cherry blossom blooming dates in each region are announced annually from February to April by private weather companies. The line connecting areas forecast to bloom on the same day is called the sakura front, which is used as a reference when planning hanami. This front is based on specimen trees of the Somei-Yoshino variety in each region, so the actual blooming dates can shift depending on climate and topography. The period from blooming to full bloom is expressed in stages such as "gobu-zaki" (fifty percent bloom).

Hanami and Annual Events: In regions where early April is the peak season, hanami coincides with entrance ceremonies, opening ceremonies, and welcome parties, and hanami may be held as banquets to celebrate these occasions. Hanami is not merely nature appreciation but also has the aspect of a social event celebrating milestones in life. In Hokkaido, there is a custom of holding banquets called "kanpukai" (autumn leaf viewing parties) during the fall foliage season, which forms a counterpart to hanami as a culture of enjoying the changing seasons.

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