Every spring, Japan's parks and gardens are transformed into a sea of pastel-colored blossoms. Hanami, the traditional cherry blossom festival, is a cultural highlight that brings people together and celebrates the transience of life.
The tradition behind Hanami
Hanami (語: “looking at blossoms”) has a long history dating back to the Heian period. Originally, it was a practice of the nobility, who recited poetry under blossoming cherry trees and admired the beauty of nature. Later, the festival spread to all levels of society, so that today everyone from families to business people celebrate hanami.
The best places for hanami in Japan
Although cherry trees can be found all over Japan, there are some iconic places that attract countless visitors every year:
🌸 Ueno Park (Tokyo): One of the most famous spots with more than 1,000 cherry trees and lively hanami parties.
🌸 Philosopher's Path (Kyoto): A picturesque path lined with cherry trees along a canal.
🌸 Himeji Castle: The snow-white castle in the background makes the cherry blossoms even more impressive.
🌸 Goryokaku Park (Hokkaido): Slightly later bloom time, but a stunning sight with star-shaped moats.
Experience Hanami: How to celebrate
A successful hanami requires more than just the perfect location. Here are some tips for enjoying the festival to the full:
🌿 Secure a spot early: The best spots go quickly, especially in popular parks.
🌿 Prepare a picnic: Typical dishes such as bentō boxes, dango (sweet rice balls) and sakura mochi (cherry blossom rice cake) are a must.
🌿 Pack drinks: Sake or Kirin beer are traditional.
🌿 Lanterns and blankets: Many people also celebrate hanami at night (yozakura) under illuminated trees.
🌿 Be mindful of nature: Do not pick flowers or damage trees!
Hanami in Berlin: The most beautiful places for the cherry blossoms
Even though the capital is a long way from Japan, it has some impressive places where you can enjoy the natural spectacle. Whether for a romantic picnic, a photo shoot or simply to celebrate spring - here are the best hanami spots in Berlin:
🌸 1. Cherry Blossom Trail along the Wall Trail (Teltow / Lichterfelde)
One of Berlin's most famous hanami spots is without a doubt the cherry blossom path along the former strip of the Berlin Wall between Teltow and Lichterfelde. The approximately 1.5-kilometre-long avenue with over 1,000 cherry trees was donated by the Japanese population after the fall of the Wall - a symbol of peace and friendship. It is also known as the TV-Ashai cherry blossom avenue, as the Japanese TV station came up with the idea and called for donations. Unfortunately, it is closed to visitors in 2025 as construction work is taking place on the wall path and the ground around the trees is to be given a rest..
➡️ Tip: Early to mid-April is the flowering season here - it's worth coming early!
🌸 2. Gardens of the World (Marzahn)
This is where Japan meets Korea, China and Bali - the Gardens of the World are a real highlight for anyone who wants to dream away to Far Eastern landscapes. In the Japanese Garden there are some beautiful cherry trees framed by teahouses, bridges and watercourses.
➡️ Tip: Combine the visit with a ride on the cable car over the site for a great view!
🌸 3. Bornholmer Street (Prenzlauer Berg)
A small, but nice insider tip: along Mauerpark and Bornholmer Brücke you will find a row of cherry trees that glow beautifully, especially in the evening sun. Ideal for a relaxing walk in the city.
➡️ Tip: Open air exhibition on the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Peaceful Revolution at Bornholmer Strasse S-Bahn station.
🌸 4. East Side Gallery
Along the Spree from Oberbaumbrücke at the East Side Gallery towards Ostbahnhof, you can't miss an avenue of blossoming cherry trees on the banks of the river and marvel at the artists' murals and graffiti. You can also enjoy the pink blossoms from a boat.
➡️ Tip: Don't forget your camera and capture the combination of nature and art.
Whether in the middle of the city or on the green outskirts, the cherry blossom is a small miracle every year. Pack your picnic blanket, grab your friends or family and enjoy spring the Berlin way - with a touch of Japan.
Of course, the cherry blossom is not only suitable for a picnic or a walk. They are also a popular protagonist in ikebana at this time of year. In this arrangement, the delicate pink cherry blossoms come into their own in the role of Shu. Branches with open flowers and buds reach towards the light and soften the stiffness of the strelizia as a partner. It almost seems as if it is watching with interest as the flowers open. A sprig of broom supports the whole with fine lines and complements the pair in the background with a little greenery.
In the second arrangement, a freestyle, a flower star shines at an astonishing height, while the other flowers of the single branch form a focal point in the central area. At the foot of the cherry blossom branch, irises - color-coordinated with the bowl - form the matching counterpart. Yellow chrysanthemums provide a cheerful splash of color, while dark cordyline leaves add depth, complemented by a purple bell leaf at the base.
Further information and arrangements can be found in an earlier blog article here: Hanami