Cherry blossom season is upon us!
Arguably the most beautiful time of year in Japan, and also the most popular time to visit the country, sakura season is characterized by fleeting blossoms, hanami (picnics under the cherry trees), and sakura themed food and drinks.
When are cherry blossoms in peak bloom??
Early blooming varieties of cherry trees, Kawazu Zakura, have already reached their peak in the Izu Peninsula. The most famous variety, Somei Yoshino, is predicted to bloom at the end of March. The most current forecast states that the Somei Yoshino Sakura will reach peak bloom on March 25th in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Depending on the weather, blooms will last for about a week.
.
How to Hanami
Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, has been popular in Japan for centuries. Historically, it was a time for contemplating the fragility and cyclical nature of life. In modern times, hanami is a time for celebrating the coming of spring with friends and family.
Hanami is most often done in the evening, with a bento box dinner and a few drinks. As it is legal in Japan to drink alcohol in public spaces, convenience stores sell limited edition beer and sake, as well as the perennial favorite Mio sparkling sake. Popular parks across Japan will be lit up in the evenings so that revelers can spread a blanket on the ground and enjoy the cherry blossoms after work.
Is it crowded during cherry blossom season?
Yes, cherry blossom season is the single most popular time of year to visit Japan. Locals also flock to parks in the evenings and on weekends to enjoy the fleeting blooms. To avoid the crowds, plan to visit smaller cities or towns in central Japn during peak blooms, or plan a trip later in April to catch the blossoms in the northern regions of Tohoku and Hokkaido.