Hanami — Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan
March 20 · Level 6 · #967 of 2238
Hanami is Japan’s tradition of enjoying flowers, especially cherry blossoms. It is a season of gatherings beneath flowering trees rather than a festival with one fixed date: local weather and geography decide when the best viewing arrives.
How it is celebrated: families, friends and colleagues picnic in parks, share food and photograph the blossoms. Some gardens and parks illuminate their trees, allowing visitors to enjoy the flowers after dark as well.
The season travels across Japan like a wave, generally reaching southern areas before northern ones. Dedicated forecasts track this moving cherry blossom front.