East Asia’s nation of Japan is filled with delightful views of mountains, flowers, sea views, and more with local pagodas, shrines, and other eclectic buildings that add to the overall appeal of the culture.
Japanese traditions are very unique and diverse from other cultures around the world. From Bonenkai (office parties) to setsubun in honor of the changing seasons to natsu matsuri festivals in the summer, there are many interesting celebrations that the Japanese culture embraces.
Today, we will be discussing the Japanese tradition of hanami in different regions throughout Japan. Don’t forget before heading to Japan to enjoy the hanami tradition and other unique experiences to sign up for the pass for the Japanese bullet trains for faster transportation around the region. You can book for a one–, two-, or three-week pass, depending on the length of your stay in Japan.
Tolls are pretty expensive throughout Japan and those who do not know the entirety of the written language can find it troubling to read the road signs. Hence, if you are not well-learned in the language and especially if this is your first time in the region, it’s best to sign up for the bullet train pass to get around rather than trying to rent a car to drive around.
What is Hanami?
Hanami is a Japanese word that means “viewing flowers” in English. Hana translates to “flowers” while mi is “viewing”. The cherry blossoms throughout Japan’s parks and shrines, otherwise known as sakura, usually bloom starting at the end of March and going into the start of April.
The Japanese tradition of hanami goes back many centuries as a repetitive practice in the springtime. Aristocrats began to enjoy the tradition of hanami primarily during the Nara period which took place from 710 to 794. They originally enjoyed the views of plum blossoms that were brought from China to Japan’s region. This practice was originally known as Ohanami.
Where Are the Best Places to Practice Hanami?
Throughout spring, hanami parties are everywhere throughout Japan in various local parks and nearby shrines. Locals and tourists gather together to
Yoshino, Kansai
Yoshino, Kansai is the most popular place to view cherry blossoms when they bloom annually in Japan. The tiny mountainous villages in the area are lined with trees blooming with cherry blossoms as you walk to Mt. Yoshino’s peak. The delightful mountainous scenery mixed with the bright pink of the cherry blossoms makes it an awe-inspiring and slightly mysterious experience.
Maruyama Park in Kyoto
Maruyama Park is a scenic park in Kyoto that has existed since Christmas Day 1896. In the heart of Maruyama Park stands a cherry blossom tree named the Gion Weeping Cherry Tree. The more officialized name of this tree is known as the Single White Higan Shidarezakura.
The cherry blossom trees throughout the park were donated many years back and carefully watched by the Cherry Blossom Guardian. This Guardian is none other than the 16th generation of the family of Mr. Toemon Sano.
Near Mount Fuji
The Fuji Five Lakes come together at the bottom of Mount Fuji in Japan. The names of the lakes include Shoji, Motosu, Yamanaka, Saiko, and Kawaguchi. The Yoshida Trail that leads up to Mount Fuji is lined with beautiful cherry blossom trees.
Nearby Mount Fuji are other lakes where cherry blossoms can be seen. Urui River’s Ryuganbuchi Bridge is highly popular as photographers flock to the area to capture the most stunning images of the flowers.
The red Chureito Pagoda has beautiful views of beautiful cherry blossom trees as well as the mountainous background of Mount Fuji. The area has also become known as the best viewpoint when coming to look at Mount Fuji. Even better, this pagoda is now known as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Fuji Shibazakura Festival occurs annually near the Fuji Five Lakes and is one of Japan's most popular cherry blossom festivals during spring. What’s unique about this area of Japan’s cherry blossoms is that they are in bloom until the last weeks of May whereas other cherry blossom locations are only at their peak bloom until middle April.
Where Will You Go for Hanami?
Hanami is a Japanese tradition where you can go to various festivals and areas in the region to enjoy viewing flowers, primarily cherry blossoms, during the springtime. The best time to book your trip to Japan for hanami is late March into early April to enjoy the peak cherry blossom blooming.
Other beautiful flowers can be viewed throughout Japan besides cherry blossoms like lavender, wisteria, ume, ajisai (a type of hydrangea), iris, and so many more. If you are interested in viewing any of these flowers, book your trip around the time that these particular flowers will be in bloom. For example, ajisai between the end of May and the beginning of July.
Author Bio:
Cathy Slater is an experienced content writer. She is associated with many renowned travel blogs as a guest author where she shares her valuable travel tips with the audience.