March

Spring is just around the corner, which means Hanami time is here again for many Japanese residents. Hanami means “flower viewing” in Japanese (from the Japanese for flower – “hana”), and, up and down the country, people gather together to spend time with each other and appreciate the beauty of the blooming cherry blossoms (“sakura”). Hanami is a tradition that dates back centuries in Japan. Each region has its favored hotspots where groups organize picnics and small parties as they take in the season’s delights. There are several excellent Hanami spots around Kobe’s many parks and mountains that will be busy from around mid/late March. Here are some of the best places to head. For information on when to plan your Hanami in the Kobe area, see here (in Japanese). Sumaura Park Located on the slopes of Mt. Hachibuse and with Suma beach at its base, Sumaura Park is a great place to see the cherry blossoms and splendid views of Kobe across the sea. It’s one of the most popular Hanami spots in Kobe, although, luckily, it tends not to get too crowded. You can take the ropeway cable car from Sumaura Park station and bask in the glory…