The Japanese cherry blossom tree is one of the country’s most iconic symbols. Seeing the cherry blossom in bloom, “Hanami” is a traditional Japanese celebration of this beautiful sight.

What is hanami ?

Hanami, which means "flower viewing" in Japanese, is the traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms (Sakura). Oftentimes, outdoor parties will occur underneath the cherry blossom trees, where people will gather together and enjoy food, drinks, and celebrations. In parks, numerous food stalls provide catering, and in bigger places people can enjoy the music and dance shows.

Celebrations can take place during the day, and also in the evening after sunsets. These evening parties are uniquely beautiful and are referred to as Yozakura, translating to “night cherry blossoms”. Most popular hanami places are usually lit up with decorative lanterns or spotlights.

When do cherry blossoms bloom in Japan?

The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) on March 21 released its 9th cherry blossom forecast for 2024. This forecast is based on the "Someiyoshino," which is considered the representative variety of sakura.

JMC indicates varied flowering times across the country.

Kochi on Shikoku Island is expected to see the earliest blossoms around March 23, with full bloom by March 27. Fukuoka will likely witness flowering from March 22, reaching full bloom around March 30.

Tokyo and Kyoto are set to experience blooms around March 22-24, with peak beauty approximately a week later.

Osaka's blossoms are expected around March 25, with full bloom by April 1. In the colder region of Hokkaido, Sapporo's flowering is anticipated on April 29, with full bloom by May 2.

Where is the best place to see cherry blossoms?

Ueno Park - TOKYO

The large public park in Tokyo and there are many museums in the park and even a zoo, the Ueno Zoo. You can see more than 1000 cherry trees in bloom in the spring.

Chureito Pagoda - Yamanashi

It has become a hot topic overseas as a place where you can shoot three symbols of Japan, “Mt.Fuji”, “Cherry Blossom” and “Five-storey Pagoda” at the same time. Urui River also offers one of the best scenic views of cherry blossoms and Mt.Fuji with the beautiful stream of the river.

Arashiyama - KYOTO

Arashiyama is a scenic spot where you can appreciate nature. Known as a cherry blossom spot since ancient times, the entire mountain is dyed in a light pink color when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

While going down the river that is special to Arashiyama, being able to have a hanami experience is slightly different than taking the trolley trains, or the boat. At least 1,500 cherry blossom trees are planted near Togetsu-kyo Bridge along Katsuragawa River, which is illuminated at night.

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