If you are lucky enough to be in Japan during cherry blossom season, it is de rigueur to head out into the local parks and gardens, bring a selection of picnic food and drinks and join the locals for a hanami – or”flower-viewing”. It is during this period that the Japanese are at their most relaxed, and all public places take on a party-like atmosphere. 

Typical hanami spots include city parks, landscape gardens, castle grounds and along riverbanks, and you’ll find all of these areas buzzing with people throughout the sakura season. The blossom usually only hangs around for a couple of weeks – sometimes less if there is heavy rain on the cards – so you only have a brief window in which to enjoy the trees in full bloom. So popular are these parties that some companies will pay a member of staff to sit in the park all day, saving a spot for the office hanami in the evening!

Hanami can be conducted in the daytime sun or in the evening. Both are lovely, but we particularly enjoy the blossoms at dusk when lanterns hang in the trees, turning the canopy a glowing pink. You might also be lucky enough to spot a geisha or two entertaining clients under the trees!花見