Cherry Blossom Season is just around the Corner!
Hanami: How to enjoy view cherry blossoms in Japan as a local
One of the biggest attractions of Japan for tourists is the season of cherry blossoms or sakura (桜・さくら). It has become almost another tourist attraction, which attracts millions of tourists every year. From south to north, the country is dyed pink and white colors. It’s undoubtedly the most waited season (despite allergies).
Surely you have seen millions of photos of beautiful places full of cherry blossoms in Japan, and you may have heard of the word hanami, one of the words that Japanese people use most in spring. But do you know what that word means and what is hanami?
What is the Hanami?
The word hanami (花見・はなみ) in Japanese is composed of the kanji “flower” (花) and “see/watch” (見), so the translation is quite simple: contemplate the flowers. Although the word refers more specifically to cherry blossoms.
If something characterizes the Japanese is that they really know how to enjoy small things and nature. They give a lot of importance to the ephemeral and to live every moment or season. For example, in October there is the momiji-gari that consists of going for a walk or excursion to enjoy the redness of the leaves and in spring there is the famous hanami. Momiji-gari is easier to enjoy because it lasts several weeks, but for example the hanami lasts only a few days since it’s done just at the moment when the cherry blossoms are at their maximum splendor, and these flowers tend to fall a few days later. But precisely because it lasts so short, because it’s ephemeral, it’s so beautiful.
Foreign tourists aren’t the only ones who are attracted to the cherry blossom season in Japan. In spring we can see the parks and gardens of Japan full of Japanese having a picnic, enjoying cherry blossoms with family, friends or co-workers. This is what is known as “go for hanami” or “do hanami”, not only to contemplate the flowers while you are on the way to work or school but to meet with your important people and enjoy a walk or picnic under the flowers.
It’s a scene that appears in many anime, manga or doramas. It’s also common for some people to end up drinking too much and play some funny scenes, although obviously they’re not all. You have to go very early in the morning if you want to get a good place, (especially if it’s done on the weekend) and people usually stay there until the afternoon, before it starts getting dark.