What is Hanami? – 2025

🌸 Definition of Hanami

Hanami is a traditional Japanese event where people appreciate the beauty of spring flowers, especially cherry blossoms, and celebrate the arrival of spring. It is common to gather with family, friends, or colleagues and enjoy food and drinks together under the cherry trees. Spending time enjoying the beautiful scenery and feeling the warmth of spring has a special meaning for the Japanese people.

🌸 History of Hanami

The origin of Hanami is said to be an event for nobles during the Nara period, when plum blossoms were initially admired. Cherry blossoms became popular during the Heian period, and Hanami spread to the common people during the Edo period. Hideyoshi Toyotomi’s “Daigo Hanami” is particularly famous. Today, cherry blossom festivals are held throughout the country, and Hanami has become established as a national event.

🌸 Hanami Season

The cherry blossom viewing season varies depending on the flowering status of the cherry blossoms and shifts from south to north. Below is a summary of the approximate flowering times and characteristics of each area:

1. Okinawa/Amami Region (Late January to Early February) This is the region where cherry blossoms bloom earliest in Japan. You can mainly see a deep pink cherry blossom called Hikanzakura. You can feel the early arrival of spring in the warm climate.
   
2. Kyushu Region (Late March to Early April) You can enjoy Somei Yoshino cherry trees as well as Yamazakura cherry trees. Famous cherry blossom spots are scattered throughout the region, including Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Nagasaki. Due to the warm climate, you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing for a relatively long period.
   
3. Shikoku Region (Late March to Early April) There is a difference in the flowering time between the Seto Inland Sea coast and the mountainous areas. In addition to Somei Yoshino cherry trees, there are also famous weeping cherry tree spots. You can enjoy cherry blossom viewing in a relatively comfortable climate.
   
4. Chugoku Region (Late March to Early April) The flowering time differs between the Seto Inland Sea side and the Sea of Japan side. Somei Yoshino cherry trees are the main type, but Yamazakura cherry trees can also be seen in some areas. There are many places where the combination of historical buildings and cherry blossoms is beautiful.
   
5. Kinki Region (Late March to Early April) There are many famous cherry blossom spots in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and other cities. You can enjoy various types of cherry blossoms, such as Somei Yoshino, weeping cherry trees, and double-flowered cherry trees. It is crowded with many tourists.
   
6. Tokai Region (Late March to Early April) Famous cherry blossom spots are scattered throughout the region, including Aichi, Shizuoka, and Gifu. Centered on Somei Yoshino cherry trees, there are also early-blooming and late-blooming cherry blossoms. You can enjoy cherry blossom viewing in a relatively warm climate.
   
7. Kanto Region (Late March to Early April) There are many famous cherry blossom spots in the city center, including Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Chiba. Somei Yoshino cherry trees are the main type, but you can also see various types of cherry blossoms, such as Ueno weeping cherry trees. Many people visit to see the cherry blossoms.
   
8. Hokuriku Region (Early April to Mid-April) This is the region on the Sea of Japan side, including Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui. Somei Yoshino cherry trees are the main type, but you can also enjoy Yamazakura cherry trees. The best time to see them is in April because the arrival of spring is slightly delayed.
   
9. Koshin Region (Early April to Mid-April) This is a mountainous region including Yamanashi and Nagano. There is a wide range of flowering times due to differences in altitude. In addition to Somei Yoshino cherry trees, you can see various types of cherry blossoms, such as Edo Higan cherry trees.
   
10. Tohoku Region (Mid-April to Late April) This covers a wide area including Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, and Fukushima. Somei Yoshino cherry trees are the main type, but you can also enjoy Yamazakura and Kasumizakura cherry trees. As the cherry blossom front moves north, the cherry blossom viewing season also becomes later.
    
11. Hokkaido (Late April to Early May) This is the region where cherry blossoms bloom latest in Japan. In addition to Somei Yoshino cherry trees, you can also see cherry blossoms unique to Hokkaido, such as Ezo Yamazakura and Chishima cherry trees. The best time to see them is often around Golden Week (late April to early May).

Points to note:
The above flowering times are just a guide and will vary depending on the climate of the year.

Please check the latest flowering forecasts and flowering status on the websites of the Japan Meteorological Agency and private weather companies.

Popular cherry blossom viewing spots are expected to be crowded, so check information in advance and leave plenty of time to get there.

🌸 Why do Japanese people do Hanami?

The Japanese have been an agricultural people since ancient times, and the blooming of cherry blossoms was a sign of the start of rice cultivation. For this reason, it also has the meaning of praying for a good harvest. In addition, the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms is deeply rooted in the Japanese sense of beauty. Today, it is an opportunity to celebrate the arrival of spring, appreciate nature, and deepen bonds with close friends and family.

Chere here for more hanami info!