How to hanami like a local: top tips on viewing cherry blossoms in Japan

Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Sakura season has arrived once more; a short period of a few weeks where the cherry blossoms in Japan are out in full bloom. If you are visiting during late March to mid-April then I suggest taking a full day out of your itinerary to really appreciate these flowering trees in all their glory.

One of the best ways to do this is to throw your very own hanami (flower viewing) party.  To see where you can set up your party check out this list of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom spots.  This list was compiled by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association.  Once you have the location sorted, follow these top tips to ensure your viewing party is a huge success.

1. Start early – reserve a spot

Most of the popular sakura spots are likely to be busy, particularly at weekends and in big cities. To ensure yourself a prime viewing position arrive well before lunchtime.

2. Eat, drink and be merry.

The food and drink can make or break a good hanami party. You don’t want to be the only person munching on a soggy sandwich whilst the people around you are dining on a feast! Put together an indulgent picnic to make the whole experience even more enjoyable. For a taste of luxury, splurge on champagne and strawberries or delicate pastries and cakes. Or if you are on a budget, stock up at the convenience store on beer and bento boxes!

3. Buy a ground sheet to sit on

During the spring the weather is likely to be a little chilly, therefore the ground could still be a bit damp and cold. Make sure you keep your butt dry by purchasing a colourful plastic ground sheet at a hundred yen store!

4. Dress weather appropriately 

If the weather is still a little cold, make sure you have plenty of warm layers, you can always take things off if it gets too hot. To stay warm try buying some kairo pads, these are little disposable Japanese heat packs that you can buy everywhere. You can attach them to your clothing, keep them in your pockets or buy some for your shoes to keep your feet warm!

 5. Look but don’t touch

Take tons of photos of the blossoms by all means, but don’t touch the flowers or pull at the branches. Last year I saw a Japanese news report blasting foreign tourists in Tokyo who were pulling at the trees. Don’t be one of those people!

6. Use paper plates, napkins, cups and disposable chopsticks

For easy rubbish disposal, I recommend to use as many paper supplies as you can. That way any uneaten food along with used paper plates and chopsticks can all be thrown away together as burnable trash.  For more information on rubbish see the next tip below.

7. Leave the area as you found it

It’s common sense really, but don’t litter. Take a plastic bag to dispose of all trash and take it with you when you leave. Also when disposing of rubbish make sure to sort through all items correctly. Burnable items, plastics and cans must be separated. You can dispose of some of these items at convenience stores.

The above tips are my personal recommendations that I have learned after spending the last two sakura seasons here in Japan. I hope you find them useful too. If you have any tips to enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms in Japan I’d love to hear them! Get in touch or leave a comment below.