April

Hanami, which means “flower viewing,” refers to heading to a park or other place where you’ll be surrounded by cherry trees (sakura) in bloom. Hanami is a popular activity to enjoy with friends and family during the springtime. It feels like the entire country is collectively casting off the winter in a sudden rush of energy. A longtime tradition in Japan, modern hanami is enjoyed with copious amounts of food and drink. The practice is so widespread that finding and securing a good spot in a popular park at peak season may require arriving the day before and essentially camping out. Where to Go for Hanami Around Japan Hanami will be different depending on where you go and who you go with. Although the cherry blossoms begin around the last week of March and continue until around the first week of April, the exact dates differ according to the city. Have a look at these hanami options in your area! Tokyo In 2025, the blossoms are expected to open on March 24 and be in full bloom on March 31 in Tokyo. Check out these top Hanami sites around Tokyo for ideas of where to go. Nagoya Nagoya sees the cherry…