Let’s Go Hanami – Flower Viewing in Japan

Spring is probably the most beautiful season in Japan. During this time, cherry blossoms beautify the surroundings and captivate the heart of anyone who sees it.

Hanami or flower viewing is a popular spring event in Japan. This traditional celebration is practiced for several centuries now. This practice is believed to have started between 710 and 794 in the Nara period, the time when the Chines Tang Dynasty was a great influence to the Japanese culture. During the Heian period, hanami was used to pertain to cherry blossoms viewing.

Every year, the weather bureau will announce the blossom forecast so that the people who want to go flower viewing will have enough time to prepare for the said event. Cherry blossoms usually bloom at the end of May to the first week of April. Since the blossoms only last for one or two weeks, careful planning is done by those who want to experience hanami by themselves.

There are a lot of easy ways to enjoy hanami. By just looking at the trees, you will instantly appreciate the beauty of the flowers that look perfect with the trees. You can also have a stroll with your friends and have a picnic or party under the blooming trees. In this event, families, peers and other groups of people would sit under the beautiful cherry blossoms while they celebrate with wine and snacks.

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