Hanami Guide for Visitors

🌸 What is Hanami?

Hanami (花見) literally means "flower viewing." It's the centuries-old Japanese tradition of gathering under cherry blossom trees with food, drinks, and good company. Today it's a beloved springtime celebration — parks fill with picnic sheets, food stalls, and happy crowds from late March through May.

📅 When to Go

🎒 What to Bring

• 🧺
  Picnic sheet / blue tarp — Standard hanami setup — sold at convenience stores
• 🍱
  Bento & snacks — Buy from 7-Eleven, FamilyMart or a nearby depachika
• 🍺
  Drinks — Most parks allow alcohol (check rules — Shinjuku Gyoen does not)
• 🗑️
  Trash bags — Many parks have no trash cans — take it with you
• 🧥
  A light jacket — Spring evenings can get chilly, especially in March
• 📷
  Camera or phone — Obvious — but charge it the night before

🙏 Etiquette & Tips

• ✓ Arrive early — popular parks fill up by 10am on weekends
• ✓ Keep noise levels reasonable, especially near residential areas
• ✓ Take your trash home if no bins are available
• ✗ Do not climb or shake the trees — it damages the branches
• ✗ Do not pick flowers or branches
• ✗ Do not bring alcohol to parks that prohibit it

🏮 Yozakura — Night Viewing

Yozakura (夜桜) is cherry blossom viewing after dark. Many parks light up the trees with lanterns and spotlights. Best spots: Maruyama Park (Kyoto), Osaka Castle, Chidorigafuchi (Tokyo).

🍡 Sakura-Themed Food to Try

❓ FAQ