Let’s Go and View the Cherry Blossoms with Your Family(A Guide to Hanami)

What is Cherry Blossom Viewing (Hanami)?

Cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, is a traditional Japanese custom where families and friends gather under cherry trees during the blooming season to enjoy food and drinks. The best time to view cherry blossoms varies by region, but in Yokohama, it typically peaks from late March to early April.

Cherry blossoms hold special significance for the Japanese people. They are not just flowers, but symbols that evoke deep meanings and emotions, such as:

🌸 Meaning of Cherry Blossoms

1. Symbol of Life and Transience
   • Cherry blossoms have a short blooming period, which symbolizes the fleeting nature of life and the concept of “mono no aware” (the beauty of impermanence).
     
2. Symbol of New Beginnings
   • The cherry blossom season coincides with the time of year when people start new chapters in life, such as entering school or starting a job, evoking feelings of hope.
     
3. National Flower and Pride of Japan
   • Cherry blossoms are considered Japan’s national flower, representing the nation’s identity and pride.
   • During the Sengoku period, samurai often associated the fleeting nature of cherry blossoms with their own way of life.

🍶 Position of Hanami in Japanese Culture

1. Celebration of Spring’s Arrival
   • Hanami has long been a cherished custom for celebrating the arrival of spring and appreciating the beauty of nature.
2. A Time to Strengthen Bonds with Others
   • It is a social activity where families, friends, and coworkers come together to bond and deepen their relationships while enjoying food and drinks under the blossoms.
   • Hanami is a way to show respect for nature, enjoy its beauty, and celebrate the changing of the seasons.

Cherry blossoms symbolize the beauty and impermanence of life, and hanami serves as an important cultural event to deepen human connections and celebrate the arrival of spring. 🌸

Origins of Cherry Blossom Viewing

The origins of hanami date back to the Nara period (8th century), when the practice of admiring plum blossoms was popular among the aristocracy. In the Heian period (9th century), cherry blossoms became more favored. During the Azuchi-Momoyama period, Toyotomi Hideyoshi held grand hanami parties, which led to the tradition spreading to the common people. By the Edo period, the culture of enjoying feasts under the cherry blossoms had become firmly established. Today, hanami continues to be an enduring symbol of spring.

Recommended Foods for Cherry Blossom Viewing

At hanami, it’s customary to enjoy delicious foods and drinks while admiring the cherry blossoms! 🌸🍱🍶Whether you’re having a family gathering or a picnic with friends, make sure to offer a variety of dishes that everyone can enjoy.

1. Rice Balls (Onigiri)
   • Simple but a staple!
   • Popular fillings include ume (plum), salmon, seaweed, and tuna mayo.
   • Easy for children to eat.
     
2. Sushi Rolls & Inari Sushi
   • Bite-sized and easy to eat.
   • Colorful and perfect for hanami.
     
3. Fried Chicken & Tamagoyaki (Japanese Omelet)
   • Classic bento items.
   • Tasty even when cold, and loved by children.
     
4. Sandwiches
   • With ingredients like ham, cheese, eggs, and cucumber for a colorful and easy-to-eat option for kids.
     
5. Dango (Three-Colored Dumplings)
   • Sweet and enjoyable for children.
   • Hanami Dango (Pink, white, and green—perfect for celebrating spring.) (Three-Colored Dumplings)
   • Mitarashi Dango（rice dumplings with sweet soy glaze）
     
6. Edamame & Pickles
   • Light and refreshing, perfect as a palate cleanser.
     
7. Fruits (Strawberries, Oranges, Grapes)
   • Packed with vitamins and add a splash of color to your picnic.
     
     

🍹 Recommended Drinks for Hanami

1. Green Tea & Roasted Green Tea (Hojicha)
   • Perfect for a traditional atmosphere.
   • Hojicha is caffeine-free and suitable for children.
     
2. Juices (Orange, Apple, etc.)
   • Easy for children to drink.
     
3. Beer, Sake, & Wine (For Adults)
   • Enjoying a drink while viewing the cherry blossoms is a cherished tradition.
   • Cans or small bottles are convenient for carrying.

🍡 Tips for Family Hanami ✅ Choose food items that are easy to share. ✅ Bring picnic mats or cushions for comfort. ✅ Carry trash bags and wet wipes for easy cleanup.

Recommended Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Yokohama:

Yokohama offers many beautiful cherry blossom spots, making it a great place for families to enjoy hanami.

1. Sankeien Garden
   • A beautiful Japanese garden where you can enjoy cherry blossoms. It also has historical buildings and offers a peaceful environment for a stroll. Entry fees apply, so check their website for details.
     58-1 Honmoku Sannomiya-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa 231-0824
     Sankeien Garden

2. Ooka River Promenade
   • About 800 cherry trees line the river, and you can enjoy hanami while strolling beneath the cherry blossom canopy. During the season, lanterns light up the area, adding to the festive atmosphere. Nearby, the Yokohama Gumyōji shopping street offers delicious food and shopping.
     Kōmyōji-machi, Minami-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa
     

3. Negishi Forest Park
   • With large lawns and around 350 cherry trees, this park is great for families with children to run and play while enjoying the blossoms.
     Negishidai, Naka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa 231-0853
     Negishi Forest Park

4. Kodomo-no-Shizen Park (Children’s Nature Park)
   • Surrounded by cherry trees, the park has a beautiful pond called “Ōike” and areas where children can interact with animals. It’s a great spot for family-friendly hanami.
     65-1 Ōike-cho, Asahi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa 241-0834
     Kodomo-no-Shizen Park
      

These spots are perfect for families, offering a safe and beautiful environment to enjoy the cherry blossoms. During your hanami, remember to be mindful of others and have a fun, memorable time! 🌸😆