How to Hanami: A Guide to Cherry Blossom Season

Thousands are flocking to Japan this week as the incredible cherry trees famous in the country have come into bloom a whole nine days earlier than anticipated! And yes, anticipated is right, as cherry blossom is so important in Japan that there is an official forecast each year to predict when the gorgeous blooms will make an appearance. Now that cherry blossom has emerged throughout Japan, we can truly say that Hanami season is upon us! For those who are unaware of what this is, or want to learn how to really party properly, we have put together a guide to help you get started.

So, what is Hanami?

Hanami, also known as the cherry blossom festival, is a long-running tradition in Japan, marking the beginning of spring. Each year, as the cherry blossom comes into bloom, Japanese people begin to gather beneath the blossom to enjoy food, drink and friendship, as well as to revel in the beauty that the stunning cherry trees display. Picnicking in Japan has always been a popular pastime, but there is really something special about sitting beneath the gorgeous pink and white hues of the petals as you enjoy the outdoors in springtime!

What food is eaten?

Packed lunch boxes in Japan are known as Bento boxes, and for Hanami, special hanami bento boxes are put together for the occasion. Typically, these will include items such as sushi rolls, tamagoyaki (a type of Japanese omelette), and kamaboko (white and pink fish cakes). Fried or grilled dishes are also frequently enjoyed, such as fried chicken strips, grilled octopus balls and crumbed fried shrimp. While spring is just beginning, the weather may still prove a little chilly out, so some bring along a hot miso soup in a thermos flask to serve.

Not forgetting the floral basis of this gathering, many foods enjoyed at this time also incorporate cherry blossom into them. For example, onigiri, a type of rice ball, is made using salted cherry blossom, adding a floral hint to the rice to celebrate. Salted cherry blossom is also used extensively in the desserts and drinks during this time, such as in sakura mochi. Hanami dango is a popular type of dumpling during hanami season, made from rice flour. Three of these dumplings, coloured pink, white and green, to represent the spring colours, are served together on a bamboo skewer for a traditional Japanese spring sweet treat! As a seasonal fruit, strawberries are enjoyed in Japan at this time, eaten plain or incorporated as a flavour in other desserts.

When it comes to drinks, sake is often enjoyed, as it is considered the traditional drink for hanami time. It is such a popular choice, in fact, that it has its own name, with sake being drunk beneath a cherry blossom tree known as hanami-zake. At this time, many drinks bottles will be decorated with cherry blossom imagery. For those who do not drink alcohol, tea is a great alternative, and can be drunk hot or cold depending on the weather. Like many other products during spring, a number of cherry-flavoured drinks will also be on offer in shops.

How should you set up your picnic?

First things first; check that the park you have in mind actually allows picnicking to take place. While most will, it is important to check before you get carried away! Many parks will have a website with information, or will have signs in the park to say whether or not it is allowed. This is particularly important if you are looking to drink, as some parks may frown upon you drinking there!

Hanami season sees the parks filling up very quickly with locals and tourists all crowding around to catch a glimpse of the incredible pink blossom. If you are wanting to get a good spot, then arrive early and reserve a spot with your blanket and get someone to wait on it until everyone in your group has gathered.

What is the etiquette for hanami?

As with many Japanese traditions, there are a couple of general rules that should be followed. Picnic mats are considered to be clean areas, so shoes have to be removed before you sit down on it, as if you are entering a home. When you are leaving the picnic area, ensure that all of your rubbish has been removed and disposed of in bins, or taken with you to throw away at home. Most importantly is to respect the trees. Hanami is a time to view and appreciate the trees, and this does not extend to picking off parts of the branch to bring with you. Breaking off a twig can stop the blossom from growing in subsequent years, as it leaves the tree vulnerable to bugs and disease. The blossom is also very fragile, so climbing and shaking the trees are also big no no’s. Remember that the blossom is for everyone to enjoy, so keep to taking pictures of its beauty instead.

If you would like to try your own take on hanami, then why not get yourself some tasty Japanese foods in the UK to try on a picnic!?