HANAMI

Hanami is a traditional Japanese custom of admiring the beauty of blooming cherry blossoms, known as sakura.

This unique ritual symbolizes the fleeting beauty of life and reminds us that every moment is precious. During Hanami, families and friends gather in parks, organize picnics under the blooming trees, and enjoy the atmosphere of peace and harmony with nature.

Hanami is traditionally celebrated during the spring months, when the sakura begin to bloom. The blooming period depends on the region – in the south of Japan, in areas like Okinawa, the flowers appear as early as January, while in the north, such as Hokkaido, they bloom only in May. However, the most famous Hanami celebrations take place in March and April, when the trees bloom in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. This season lasts only a few weeks, adding even more significance and uniqueness to the celebrations.

The tradition of Hanami dates back to the Heian period (794–1185), when the imperial court admired the blooming trees as a symbol of the arrival of spring.

Originally, Hanami was associated with plums (ume), but later cherries (sakura) gained popularity. This custom has spread over time among all layers of society and is still an integral part of Japanese culture, attracting people from all over the world.