The traditional Hanami picnic is the heart of this thousand-year-old celebration. Prepare a bentō with onigiri, tamagoyaki, edamame and sakura wagashi. Bring warm sake or cherry blossom tea. Arrive early to secure a good spot under the trees and experience the communal Japanese spirit at its finest.
Hanami picnics are a deeply social affair — friends, colleagues and families gather beneath the blossoms, sharing food and conversation. The Japanese word nomunication — a blend of "nomu" (to drink) and "communication" — was practically born under sakura trees. Come prepared to stay a few hours and let the petals set the pace.
Pratical tips:
- Arrive before 8am in popular parks
- Bring bags for your garbage, most parks have no bins
- A blue tarp is the traditional mat colour
- Check the sakura forecast — peak bloom lasts only 5–7 days
- Weekdays are far less crowded than weekends
What to bring:
- A bentō box with onigiri, tamagoyaki and wagashi
- Warm sake, amazake or cherry blossom tea
- A waterproof picnic mat (blue tarp is traditional)
- Light layers — spring mornings under the trees can be cool
