Every spring, when the cherry trees are in full bloom, people from all over the world flock to Japan's famous cherry blossom locations to experience the breathtaking spectacle of the pink blossoms and celebrate the hanami 花見, "blossom viewing". The cherry blossom front begins between the end of March in Kyushu and moves northeast until it arrives in Hokkaido in early May.
The word hanami is made up of the Japanese characters for "flower" (花) and "see" (見), which literally means "to look at flowers". It is a tradition that looks back on a long history and has a deep cultural influence on Japanese society.
The delicate pink and white blossoms of cherry trees, known as sakura, symbolize the transience of life and the beauty of the moment. Hanami is therefore not only a celebration of nature, but also an opportunity for people to appreciate the beauty and the short but intense flowering period of the cherry blossoms.
During the hanami festival, people flock to parks, gardens and along riverbanks to picnic, celebrate and admire the blossoms under the blooming cherry trees. The most popular places for hanami are often historical sites or parks known for their particularly picturesque cherry tree avenues, such as the famous Ueno Park in Tokyo or the Philosophers' Walk in Kyoto.
The tradition of hanami dates back to the Nara period (710-794 AD), when it was customary in imperial court society to recite poetry under blossoming cherry trees and enjoy alcoholic drinks. Over the centuries, this practice has evolved and become a widespread celebration that brings people of all ages and backgrounds together.
During hanami, people often wear traditional kimonos or yukatas and hold picnics under the cherry trees. Popular foods and drinks for the hanami picnic include sushi, bento boxes, yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), sake and Japanese beer. The atmosphere is lively and cheerful, with music, dancing and singing as people enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
Hanami is also a time for reflection and being together with family and friends. It is an opportunity to take a break from the stresses of everyday life and appreciate the beauty of nature. Many people take time during the hanami festival to reflect on their dreams and goals and recharge their batteries for the challenges ahead.
In recent years, Hanami has also gained international attention as more and more visitors from around the world travel to Japan to take part in this unique festival. The cherry blossom has a special attraction and fascinates people of all cultures.