A Neophyte’s Hanami Guide

5 Important Tips for Cherry Blossom Season

Hanami (lit. “flower viewing”) is the traditional annual Japanese custom of enjoying the transience of the country’s legendary cherry blossoms or sakura as the locals call them. Every year, beginning in the latter half of March, Japan’s sakura emerge from their long dormancy awakening in bursts of breathtaking pink hues. Given that hanami is one of the most quintessential Japanese experiences, it’s no surprise that spring is also a popular period for foreign tourists to visit Japan. Today, we will take a quick look at the history of hanami as well as some key pointers to keep in mind for your maximum enjoyment.

According to historical records, the practice of hanami is well over 1,000 years old and dates back to the Nara period (710–794). Initially, the plum blossoms were admired during hanami. Yet when Kyoto (then called Heian-kyo) became the capital, the sakura tree had come into its own and thus hanami became synonymous with viewing the cherry blossoms. The term hanami itself first appears within the legendary Tale of Genji written by one of Japan’s first female authors, Murasaki Shikibu.

Originally, Japanese sake was offered to the sakura trees as a divine rite. Over time it became common for feasts to be held under the exquisite blossoms. The Edo period (1603–1868) ushered…