How To Hanami 101: Tips & Tricks To Ace Cherry Blossom Season

Hanami is a traditional Japanese custom spanning centuries and literally means “flower viewing” in Japanese. The custom began with plum blossoms (ume) but the focus slowly turned to the more popular sakura or cherry blossoms instead and the rest is history.

In modern-day context, hanami usually involves outdoor parties beneath the cherry blossom blooms in the day and at night (yozakura). Even though cherry blossoms are the main star, plum blossom viewing (umemi) still takes place in some areas and are particularly popular with the elderly.

What to bring to a Hanami?

These can be purchased from discount stores across Japan like Daiso or Don Quijote for as little as JPY100. It’s advisable to buy them beforehand as they won’t be readily available especially at prime viewing spots.

Most locals will recommend staying till evening when the cherry blossom trees are lit up for a completely different experience. Since temperatures tend to dip after sunset, do bring along a blanket or a throw just in case!

Hanami Food

Hanami Bento

These themed lunch boxes are more decorative and elaborate compared to your typical convenience store bento.

Hanami Sweets

Your meal isn’t complete until you’ve had some dessert! Here’s 2 quintessential springtime desserts to try:

Hanami Dango: Sweet dumplings made from rice flour and typically come served on a skewer in three colours – pink, white and green.

How to Hanami?

What to wear to a Hanami?

It’s a waste not to dress up for such a beautiful season! Go all-out with a gorgeous Japanese kimono and don’t forget to snap pictures while you’re at it!

Klook offers personalized kimono rental services – and you can even get your hair done at the same time! With outlets in Tokyo , Kyoto and Fukuoka , you’re bound to find one near you.

Traveling in Japan

Don’t waste precious minutes of the Hanami season. You can book a transfer ride for a hassle-free journey to the Hanami hotspots if you are traveling from the airport.

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