Hanami, translating to 'flower viewing' in English, is an age-old tradition far transcending its literal meaning. More than just public picnics under blossoming trees, Hanami represents a deep-seated appreciation for the fleeting beauty of nature, a theme resonating through the heart of Japanese culture. It's a time when friends and families gather, not just for merriment with food and drink, but to reflect on the ephemeral beauty of life mirrored in the cherry blossoms.

The roots of Hanami delve deep into Japan's past, tracing back to the Nara period (710-794). Originally, this tradition centered around ume (plum blossoms), a species related to plums and apricots, celebrated for their prolonged bloom from January to February. This practice, inspired by the flower viewing customs of the Chinese Tang Dynasty, initially honored the ume as a symbol of endurance and perseverance. In Chinese culture, ume holds a revered place, much like sakura in Japan, with its essence captured in poetry, philosophy, and literature.

However, as the tradition took root in Japan, the unique charm of sakura - the cherry blossoms - quickly captivated the Japanese ethos. Unlike the enduring ume, sakura blossoms emerge in a fleeting burst of beauty, lasting only for a week or two at most. This transience resonated with the Japanese aesthetic and philosophical concept of 'mono no aware', the poignant awareness of the impermanence of things. Hence, what began as an admiration of ume evolved into a profound celebration of sakura, embodying the delicate balance between the joy of life's beauty and the melancholy of its transient nature.

Today, Hanami is not only a time for leisurely picnics but a period of reflection and appreciation, where the delicate sakura blossoms remind us of life's fleeting moments. This seamless blend of historical tradition with contemporary celebration continues to make Hanami an integral and cherished part of Japanese culture.

Hanami literally translates to "flower watching" and is an annual celebration of Sakura and springtime. People gather around cherry blossom trees with family and friends to enjoy delicious drinks and food under the beautiful pink trees, often with the petals gently snowing from the branches when in full bloom.

Want to participate in this exciting tradition? While hanami can consist of one person having a drink under a sakura tree, a few preparations for bigger parties can make the event much more enjoyable. Many hanami supplies can easily be found at 100 yen shops.

To fully immerse yourself in the Hanami experience, a little preparation and understanding of local customs are key. In popular parks like Ueno or Yoyogi, competition for the prime spots under the cherry blossoms can be intense. It’s common for groups, especially corporate teams, to delegate a junior member to reserve a spot early in the morning by placing a tarp. This practice, while unique, is a testament to the importance of Hanami in both social and corporate circles in Japan.

When planning your Hanami outing, consider exploring a mix of well-known parks and hidden gems. Local neighborhoods often have beautiful, less crowded spots, offering a more intimate experience with the blossoms.

Here are some essential tips for your Hanami party.

What distinguishes the sakura from the blossoming ume or wisteria? It is the haunting brevity of its bloom. As the sakura flowers reach their peak, a gust of wind is enough to start a cascade of petals, a poignant reminder of the transient nature of beauty and life itself. This ephemeral spectacle, where the ground becomes a carpet of pale pink petals, embodies the essence of 'mono no aware' - a sensitivity to the ephemeral, celebrating the bittersweet awareness of impermanence.

In Japanese culture, the sakura is not just a harbinger of spring; it's a metaphor for life's fleeting moments. This acceptance of transience, a fundamental aspect of the philosophy behind sakura, resonates deeply in the Japanese soul. It’s this very sentiment that has inspired an endless array of artistic expressions - from delicate haikus capturing the fleeting beauty of a single blossom to elaborate paintings, songs, and dances celebrating the sakura season.

Moreover, the sakura's fleeting beauty is a perfect embodiment of 'wabi-sabi', the quintessentially Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection and impermanence. Wabi-sabi is about appreciating the simple, the quiet, the less-than-perfect, and the modest - qualities embodied by the delicate and transient sakura.

As you sit under a sakura tree, you are invited to ponder life's beautiful yet transient nature. The sakura urges us to appreciate the present moment, to recognize the beauty in impermanence, and to reflect on our own existence. During your hanami experience in Japan, we encourage you to embrace this 'wabi-sabi' moment - a time to reflect, appreciate, and accept the natural cycle of growth, decay, and death, just as the sakura gracefully does each spring.