Hanami (花見): How Japanese People Celebrate Cherry Blossom Season

Culture

Background

Celebrating Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season

Hanami, meaning “flower viewing,” is a Japanese tradition of enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms. It dates back over 1,000 years to the Heian period when aristocrats admired the blossoms and wrote poetry about them. Today, it continues to symbolize the fleeting beauty of life.

What do people do on this day?

Traditions and Activities

During Hanami, people gather under cherry blossom trees in parks for picnics with friends, family, or coworkers. They enjoy seasonal foods, drinks, and often sing or play games. Some parks illuminate the blossoms at night, creating a magical atmosphere called “yozakura.”

Author

  • gokigen japanese
    Author:

    gokigen japanese is an online Japanese tutoring service launched in 2023. Flexible, interactive, and culture-rich, gokigen japanese supports learners at all levels with bilingual Japanese tutors. Over 1,000 students from 30+ countries have used our 300+ original materials, including grammar guides and cultural content.
    gokigen japanese was founded by Hirofumi Naramura, a Kyoto University graduate and former Project Leader at the Boston Consulting Group (2010–2020). The service has received recognition such as the Chiyoda CULTURE x TECH Award 2024 and acceptance into NEXs Tokyo, a startup program by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.