Everything You Need to Know to Celebrate Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

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Cherry blossom season in Japan is a magical time when the whole country seems to be painted in pink and white. 

But it’s not just about the flowers. It’s a time to celebrate, connect, and embrace a centuries-old tradition: hanami, or enjoying the blossoms.

During this season, parks and gardens come alive with families and friends sharing picnics under the trees, soaking in the beauty of nature and the joy of spring.

In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about celebrating cherry blossom season in Japan – from its deep cultural significance to the do’s and don’ts of hanami etiquette!

Cherry blossom tree with text overlay: "How to celebrate cherry blossom season in Japan".

All about cherry blossoms in Japanese culture

Cherry blossoms, or sakura (桜 / さくら), are one of Japan’s most treasured symbols. They represent life’s beauty and its fleeting nature, as these delicate pink blooms only last a short time each spring.

In Japan, sakura are a gentle reminder to cherish the moment – to enjoy the blossoms while they’re here, knowing they’ll soon be gone.

Sakura also appear everywhere in Japanese art and literature. From traditional paintings to modern designs, cherry blossoms have long been used to explore themes of impermanence and beauty. The famous haiku poet Matsuo Basho often wrote about sakura, capturing their charm in just a few words.

Of course, sakura season isn’t just about quiet reflection. It’s also a time to come together!

Hanami (花見 / はなみ) is the Japanese tradition of having picnics under the blooming trees, enjoying the blossoms with friends, family, and colleagues.

This cherished custom brings out the best of Japanese culture – a love for nature, shared moments, and celebrating the simple joys of life.

Hanami: the heart of cherry blossom season

During cherry blossom season, people enjoy a picnic under the blooming trees in the park.

Hanami (花見 / はなみ) – literally ‘flower viewing’ – is one of Japan’s most beloved traditions. The word comes from two kanji: 花 (hana), meaning ‘flower,’ and 見 (mi), meaning ‘look.’

At a typical hanami, you’ll see groups of people gathered under the cherry trees, spreading out blue tarpaulins or blankets for picnics. It’s all about enjoying good food, drinks, and great company while surrounded by the breathtaking pink blossoms.

Bento boxes and seasonal snacks are hanami staples, but you’ll also find people grilling up barbecues. Bottled green tea is a go-to drink for daytime gatherings, while sake and beer are popular for parties that last into the evening.

Seasoned hanami-goers arrive early to reserve a spot, as popular locations can get crowded quickly.

Hanami isn’t just about the flowers – it’s a time to relax, connect with loved ones, and celebrate the arrival of spring. It’s a beautiful reminder of how deeply nature and the changing seasons are woven into Japanese culture.

Traditional customs and activities

Cherry blossom season in Japan isn’t just about picnics. It can also be a chance to enjoy traditional Japanese activities.

While you can enjoy hanami by yourself or with friends in any park or garden with cherry trees, many cities and communities put on hanami festivals, to encourage people to get together.

These events will often have additional activities and vendors to make the season go with a swing.

One popular activity is the tea ceremony, or chanoyu (茶の湯). These peaceful ceremonies are sometimes held under the cherry trees, making them extra special. The calm, mindful atmosphere of a tea ceremony fits perfectly with the beauty of sakura.

Amid the cherry blossom season, a person kneels gracefully in a kimono at a traditional Japanese tea ceremony setup outdoors, surrounded by vibrant red mats and sheltered by a delicate red parasol.
Source: Ermell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You might also see traditional performances such as taiko drumming or traditional dances during cherry blossom festivals.

Hanami events are often lively, with food stalls called yatai (屋台) selling seasonal treats. You’ll find sakura-flavoured mochi, yakitori (grilled chicken), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and more. 

Popular cherry blossom festivals

Cherry blossom season is celebrated all over Japan, but some festivals are especially famous.

One of the most popular is the Hanami Festival at Ueno Park in Tokyo. The park is packed with cherry trees, and during the season, it’s full of people enjoying picnics and yozakura (nighttime cherry blossom viewing).

During cherry blossom season, people gather under blooming trees in the park. Some stroll while others rest on blue tarps, surrounded by red and white lanterns hanging from the branches.
A packed hanami at Ueno Park, Tokyo. Source: Syced, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

In Kyoto, Maruyama Park is the place to be. The park’s weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura) is a famous sight, and if you are lucky you might even see some geisha and maiko from the nearby Gion district.

A large cherry blossom tree in full bloom with pink flowers stands in a wooden enclosure under a partly cloudy sky, perfectly capturing the essence of cherry blossom season.
Giant weeping sakura in Maruyama Park, Kyoto. Source: Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Other regions have their own unique celebrations. At Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture, the cherry blossom festival features stunning nighttime illuminations and reflections of the blossoms in the castle moat. 

But don’t forget, pretty much every town and village in Japan will have hanami events. No matter where you go in Japan, you’ll find something special during sakura season.

Limited edition seasonal products

If I know one thing about Japan, it’s that they love limited edition products!

During cherry blossom season, Japanese companies release special sakura-themed products that everyone goes crazy for.

Basically, everything turns pink!

Convenience stores stock cherry blossom flavoured snacks like KitKats, mochi, and lattes. Starbucks also gets in on the action with their sakura-themed drinks and pink collectible cups, which are hugely popular.

It’s not just food – beauty brands release sakura-themed cosmetics and skincare products, often infused with cherry blossom extract. These items sell out quickly, as they’re not only great products but also a fun way to enjoy the season.

These seasonal products let you bring a bit of the cherry blossom magic home, even after the petals are gone.

Hanami etiquette

Japan is a very etiquette-minded country. When enjoying hanami, it’s important to follow some simple rules to stay respectful and make sure everyone has a good time. 

First, remember not to pick the blossoms! They are there for everyone to enjoy, and picking them can damage the trees. 

Be mindful of your surroundings and respect other people who are also enjoying the view. 

It’s also polite to keep noise levels down, especially in crowded areas.

Here are some more hanami do’s and don’ts for tourists to follow:

Do’s:

  • Do arrive early to secure a good spot under the cherry trees.
  • Do bring a blanket or mat to sit on for comfort.
  • Do share food and drinks with your group (and others!) to enhance the social experience.
  • Do bring a trash bag to collect all your rubbish and leave the area clean.
  • Do take lots of photos to capture the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
  • Do enjoy the moment and relax with friends and family.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t pick the cherry blossoms or damage the trees.
  • Don’t play loud music that might disturb others.
  • Don’t leave any rubbish behind; always clean up after yourself.
  • Don’t block pathways or areas meant for walking.
  • Don’t forget to respect other people enjoying the hanami around you.

These tips will help to make a pleasant and respectful hanami experience for everyone!

During cherry blossom season, people sit at wooden tables beneath trees adorned with blooms and bathed in the warm glow of hanging lights at night.
Night time cherry blossom viewing (yozakura) in Maruyama Park, Kyoto. Source: ccfarmer, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sakura in Japanese history

Cherry blossoms have been an important part of Japanese history and culture for centuries. They are much more than just beautiful flowers – they symbolize renewal, the fleeting nature of life, and the deep appreciation for beauty in the present moment.

During the Heian period (794–1185), cherry blossoms began appearing in poetry and art as an emblem of refinement and elegance. Aristocrats would host hanami gatherings under the blooming trees, where poets would compose verses inspired by the flowers. This helped establish sakura as a symbol of cultural sophistication.

In the Edo period (1603–1868), cherry blossoms became even more widespread in art and literature. Ukiyo-e woodblock prints often featured sakura, capturing their delicate beauty for all to admire. The samurai class adopted cherry blossoms as a symbol of their values – their short blooming season reflected the idea that life is brief, so it should be lived with honour and purpose.

Two horseback riders and a procession of people walk among blossoming trees on a hillside, depicted in traditional Japanese ukiyo-e style, capturing the serene beauty of cherry blossom season.
Cherry-Blossom Viewing at Asuka Hill, a woodblock print from c. 1830 – 1844. Source: Hiroshige, Utagawa; Kihei, Sanoya, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In modern times, sakura have taken on new meanings as symbols of peace and friendship.

In 1912, Japan gifted thousands of cherry trees to the United States as a gesture of goodwill. These trees, planted in Washington, D.C., became the foundation of the now-famous National Cherry Blossom Festival.

To this day, cherry trees are still a common diplomatic gift from Japanese authorities to towns, cities and countries all over the world.

Cherry blossoms are also tied to Japan’s post-war recovery. In the years following World War II, sakura were planted across the country as a symbol of hope and renewal, marking the nation’s resilience.

From ancient poetry to modern diplomacy, sakura have always been a source of inspiration, connecting people to the beauty and impermanence of life.

A celebration of nature and culture

Cherry blossom season in Japan is a magical time that brings people together to celebrate the beauty of nature and the joy of shared traditions.

From peaceful hanami picnics under the blooming trees to lively festivals filled with food, music, and cultural performances, this season is a true highlight of Japanese culture!

If you ever have the chance, visiting Japan during sakura season is a must.

And if a trip to Japan isn’t possible, look for local cherry blossom festivals in your area – they’re a wonderful way to experience a small piece of this beautiful tradition.

Take the time to slow down, enjoy the moment, and embrace the fleeting beauty of the blossoms – just as the Japanese have done for centuries. 🌸

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Rebecca Shiraishi-Miles

Rebecca is the founder of Team Japanese. She spent two years teaching English in Ehime, Japan. Now back in the UK, she spends her time blogging, self-studying Japanese and wrangling a very genki toddler.

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