The weather will soon begin to get warmer, the days longer, and it’ll be time again for “hanami.” If you’re new to Japan and Japanese culture, Hanami means “flower viewing,” but not just any flower will do. We’re talking about Japan’s symbol of all things cute, beautiful, and like the flora itself, fleeting; cherry blossoms. Basically, Hanami is a picnic, though with the flowers, and often lights and music, it is more like a picnic at a festival… At least that’s how it usually is; of course, we’re living in a “new normal” until enough people get vaccinated against COVID-19, so the view of thick crowds of people spending time under the pink trees is going to look a bit different again this year.

When will the blossoms bloom?

Of course, we need to know when precisely the trees will burst forth with their lovely pale pink flowers. Every year, the Japan Meteorological Administration (JMA) puts out their “sakura forecast” to show the northward progression across the country of the best times to experience “peak blossoming.”  You can find this information online in many places, but here is my favorite:

2022 Cherry Blossom Forecast (japan-guide.com)

⚠️  Special COVID-19 Considerations!! 🚨

You will need to do the following during this time of great concern.

  • Check websites/call information hotlines/ask around BEFORE you go!
  • Mask up! Make sure you have appropriate masks, sanitizer, etc.
  • The usual activities of picnics and lounging under the trees will likely be prohibited, so be prepared only to have the chance to stroll through the area and take pictures.
  • This also goes for eating. You can pack a lunch but will likely eat it outside the station instead of under the trees. Again, be prepared by checking before you go.

Must have Hanami Gear 

  • Picnic sheet (plastic tarp, bamboo straw, etc.) to sit and eat on (if it’s allowed!)
  • Thin cushion for sitting, or a small folding chair (if it’s allowed at all!)
  • Garbage bags
  • Warm clothes (nights get chilly!)
  • Paper cups, plates, and disposable chopsticks
  • Wet wipes/tissues
  • Bottle opener / Wine opener
  • Food (you can buy special bentos, or get whatever)
  • Drinks (drink what you like, but take empties home with you!)

Hanami Etiquette

Picnic spots are first-come-first-serve

Finding a spot can be challenging, especially in the most popular areas or seemingly anywhere at “peak blossom.” Arriving early, literally with the birds at 5 am, will help ensure you get something. The ONLY surefire way to get a spot is to come early, spread your picnic sheet(s) and sit on them until your guests arrive. Leaving a sheet and a note is tempting but risky. Also, MAKE SURE IT’S ALLOWED during these times!!

Make sure picnics are OK

Be sure you are allowed to picnic there before you set up; the presence of cherry trees and blossoms does not mean you can use the area! Check first. ESPECIALLY NOW!

If you are invited, you MUST bring something everyone else can enjoy

This goes for pretty much anytime you’re a guest in attendance at a Japanese party, but especially for Hanami and other group activities. If possible, inquire about what’s needed (beer, wine, snacks are OK, but I’ve been called a hero for simply bringing paper towels, chopsticks, napkins, and paper cups!)

Mind your garbage

In popular areas, you may find garbage areas set up for you (make sure to check the signage as there are recycling rules in place!) However, many hanami areas don’t have trash cans, and despite what you may see drunken college students do, DO NOT leave your garbage behind. Just like elsewhere in Japan, expect to take your garbage home with you!

Don’t mess with the trees!

I know the flowers are lovely, but DON’T break off a branch to take home; it is not appreciated and could mean a property damage violation and dealing with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police for your souvenir.

Take your shoes off

A picnic sheet on the ground here is considered an inside area, and shoes are not worn on it. Try to wear shoes that are easy to slip into and out of!

Don’t be “that guy” or girl!

You know what I mean here! Just be cool… you can be cool, right? Don’t get “fall down” drunk, belligerent, loud, and/or combative. Behave as if you’re relaxing with friends, and we will too!

Top 10 Hanami Sites in Kanto!

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Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku-Gyoen-Sakura-TokyoLocated just to the east of the bustling Shinjuku district and station of the same name, these imperial gardens, which were once meant for the royalty, were completed in 1906 and destroyed in 1945, during the later stages of World War II. Now under the auspices of the National Environment Ministry, the public can enjoy Hanami in style.

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Sumida Park

Sumida_Park_TokyoThis one is located just across the Sumida River from Asakusa, home of Sensōji Temple and about 15 minutes from the new Tokyo Sky Tree. It’s a great place to begin or end a tour of the attractions in that area during springtime. You can find more information on the Sumida Area, including maps, at the “Visit Sumida Tourism Office” website (English!).

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  • FEE: Free
  • TIME: 7 am to sunset every day mid-March ~ mid-April.
  • ACCESS: Ginza, Asakusa, or Tobu Skytree lines to Asakusa station. 10 minute walk to the park.
  • Map Link

Meguro Cherry Tree RiverWalk

meguro_river_sakura_tokyoMy personal favorite, the Meguro River cherry blossoms, never fail to impress. About 800 cherry trees line the river for almost 4kms between Gotanda and Shibuya. There are many fancy shops and hidden eateries around to enjoy in between gazing at pink trees, so take plenty of time and bring your walking shoes.

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  • FEE: Free
  • TIME: 24hrs (public road) every day mid-March ~ mid-April.
  • ACCESS: Naka-Meguro station on Tokyu Toyoko and Hibiya lines. Meguro station on the JR Yamanote, Tokyu Meguro, Namboku, and Mita lines; Gotanda station on the JR Yamanote, Tokyu Ikegami, and Asakusa lines.
  • Map Link

Ueno Park

Ueno-Park-Tokyo-sakuraIf you want to experience Hanami the Tokyo way (read: crowds everywhere), then your best bet is to head to Ueno. You should get there early, but I recommend going later in the afternoon towards sunset if the forecast is warm. This is because Ueno park has a great “yozakura 夜桜” or night-cherry-blossom-viewing display that’s really nice!

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  • FEE: Free
  • TIME: 8 am to 8 pm everyday 3/23 ~ 4/7.
  • ACCESS: Ginza, Hibiya, Keisei, or JR lines to Ueno station. 2-minute walk to the park.
  • Map Link

Chidori-ga-Buchi Green Road

Chidorigafuchi_sakura_tokyoThis one is a bit of a surprise but no doubt gorgeous as it lies just across the outer lake surrounding the Imperial Palace Grounds and the Japan Budokan. It earned 2012’s top spot for Hanami due to its central location; people were able to relax under the blossoms after a hard day at work! If you work nearby, perhaps you should check it out too.

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  • FEE: Free
  • TIME: 8 am to sunset every day late-March ~ early-April.
  • ACCESS: Hanzomon, Tozai, and Shinjuku subway lines to Kudanshita station. 10-minute walk to the park.
  • Map Link

Inokashira Park

Venturing outside the 23 Wards and into the west, Tokyo burbs on the JR Chuo or Keio Inokashira to Kichijoji Station already affords you entry into one of the area’s coolest neighborhoods for shopping, dining, and people-watching; Kichijoji. But at the beginning of spring, Inokashira Park on the area’s southern end turns into an explosion of pinks and white, as most of the trees around the main lake are of the Japanese Cherry variety. With the lake’s banks sporting 250 of the trees in bloom, why not rent one of the paddle boats and catch the view from the middle of the lake?

  • FEE: Free
  • TIME: 24 hours every day late-March ~ early-April.
  • ACCESS: JR Chuo Local/Rapid and Keio Inokashira lines to Kichijoji station. Follow the South/Park exit signs, a 10-minute walk to the park.
  • Map Link

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  • FEE: Free
  • TIME: 7 am to sunset every day mid-March ~ mid-April.
  • ACCESS: Ginza, Asakusa, or Tobu Skytree lines to Asakusa station. 10 minute walk to the park.
  • Map Link

Kunitachi Station Square

Keeping in line with this year’s theme of “Stay Local, Stay Safe,” those of you living out in the western Tokyo Metropolis area can check out many of the suburban cities’ plumages. Many places have trees that line the boulevards, and you’d never know that they are, in fact, sakura trees until this time of year. For example, Kunitachi, a small suburban community along the JR Chuo and JR Nambu lines about 45 minutes west of Shinjuku, has many avenues lined with cherry trees. Head to the area immediately both stations along Daigaku-dori towards Hitosubashi University, and you can’t miss it.

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Kabazakura in Saitama

Saitama doesn’t get much love in these pages, and some would generally say so as well. But there are some cool things up in the suburban prefecture to the north of Tokyo proper, and one of those happens to be a unique species of cherry blossom that you can only see there, the Kabazakura. Blooming on only one tree in the wild (you can find many more purposefully planted of course — pretty much all the blossoms in this part of Saitama come from this original tree!), the 800 year old Ishitokaba Sakura tree is one of the so-called “five great cherry blossoms of Japan” and has been the stuff of lore and legend for hundreds of years. The tree and area around it have been designated a national treasure since 1922. If you’re into horticultural history, you must check this one out!

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Kinugasayama Park in Yokosuka

Down in Kanagawa Prefecture, the best place to check out the pink trees would be Kinugasa Park, located in a very hilly section of Yokosuka, home to the US Navy’s sprawling military base of the same name. Found in this same park are some pretty cool historical artifacts, including the ruins of Kinugasa Castle, situated on Mt. Miura. This place is pretty well known for its view of Tokyo and Sagami Bay, with the sakura in view when standing on the tops of the many foothills here.

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      • FEE: Free
      • TIME: Daylight hours (public park) every day mid-March ~ mid-April.
      • ACCESS: From central Tokyo, Either take the Keikyu Line [KK] to Yokosuka Chuo station (KK59) and then the 須3, 4, 11 or 53 bus to the stop closest to the entrance of Kinugasayama Park. Or take the JR Yokosuka [JO], Shonan-Shinjuku [JS], or Tokaido [JT] trains to Kinugasa Station (JO02) and walk about 15~20 minutes.
      • Map Link

More Information and Resources

Cherry Blossom Forecast – Japan Guide
The Bloom of Cherry Blossoms (JNTO)
www.sakura.weathermap.jp
Hanami Walker

– By Jason L. Gatewood

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Photo:Toyohara Chikanobu [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Photo:Creative Commons “2007 Sakura of Fukushima” by Kropsoq (CC BY-SA 3.0) -Modified
Photo:Creative Commons “Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Sakura” by Kakidai (CC BY-SA 3.0) -Modified
Photo:Creative Commons “Sumida Park in Tokyo” by Arashiyama (CC BY-SA 3.0) -Modified
Photo:Creative Commons “Meguro gawa sakura.jpg” -Modified
Photo:Creative Commons “Ueno Park” -Modified
Photo:Creative Commons “Chidorigafuchi_in_2011” by Arashiyama (CC BY-SA 3.0) -Modified
Photo: “Lake Inokashira Hanami 2016 and Naka-Meguro Hanami 2015” by Jason L Gatewood (own work)
Photo: Nighttime Kunitachi Sakura via Go Tokyo by Shuji Imatamari
Photo: Kinugasa Park Blossoms courtesy Shonan Tourism Board