What is Ohanami?
Ohanami (お花見) means “flower viewing” in Japanese. It is a special tradition where people enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms (sakura) in the spring. Families, friends, and coworkers gather under the cherry trees to have picnics, eat delicious food, and relax. This tradition has been part of Japanese culture for over 1,000 years.
When Does Ohanami Happen?
Cherry blossoms bloom from March to April, depending on the region. The flowers only last about one or two weeks, so people carefully check the weather forecast to plan their Ohanami at the best time. In some places, there are night-time Ohanami events, where the cherry trees are beautifully lit up.
Best Places to See Sakura in Japan
Japan has many famous spots for Ohanami. Here are some of the best places:
- Ueno Park (Tokyo) – A popular park with over 1,000 cherry trees and many food stalls.
- Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo) – A peaceful park with different types of cherry trees, making the sakura season last longer.
- Maruyama Park (Kyoto) – A beautiful place with a big cherry tree that glows at night.
- Osaka Castle Park (Osaka) – A great spot where you can see cherry blossoms around the historic Osaka Castle.
- Hirosaki Park (Aomori) – A northern location famous for cherry trees around Hirosaki Castle and sakura petals floating in the water.
What Do People Do During Ohanami?
During Ohanami, people bring picnic blankets and enjoy food and drinks under the cherry trees. Some popular foods for Ohanami include:
- Onigiri (rice balls) – Easy to carry and eat.
- Sakura mochi – A sweet pink rice cake wrapped in a cherry leaf.
- Dango (sweet rice dumplings) – Colorful dumplings on a stick.
People also drink beverages like green tea and sake, enjoy music, and take lots of pictures of the beautiful cherry blossoms.
Here in Vancouver, there is a Cherry Blossom Festival where you can enjoy food, arts, and picnics under the beautiful sakura.
Home – Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Let’s enjoy Hanami with amazing sake best for spring
+485902 UMENOYADO Green Tea Plum
Ohanami is a wonderful tradition that brings people together to enjoy Japan’s most beautiful season.
UMENOYADO Green Tea Plum is great option for spring time. A great combination of Umeshu made from Japan’s representative brand plum and the best Japanese tea leaves. The fresh aroma and slight bitterness of the green tea blend beautifully with the mellow sweetness of Umeshu. Excellent to pair with any food or enjoying alone as a dessert liqueur.
If you visit Japan in spring, don’t miss the chance to sit under a sakura tree, eat delicious food, and enjoy the magic of cherry blossoms! 🌸
