Hanami: When and Where to Enjoy the Blooming of Cherry Blossoms in Japan

. These verses from the poet Yosa Buson, a great master of Japanese haiku from the 18th century, immerse us in the Japanese spring, that time of year when cherry blossoms awaken and transform the landscape into a mosaic of delicate white and pink petals, just as happens in Spain, with Aitona and Cieza. It also brings us closer to one of the oldest and most beautiful festivals of the Japanese year: Hanami.

The word > comes from the combination of >, flower, and >, to look or see. Its meaning translates to "to contemplate the flowers" or "to see the flowers," an activity that is linked to the act of observing the beauty of the ephemeral. > insists, in another haiku, Yosa Buson.

Some say that the origin of Hanami dates back to the late 16th century, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi, known as the unifier of Japan, celebrated one of the first Hanami festivities at Daigo-ji Temple in Kyoto for his court. Others trace it even further back, to the 8th century, linking the origin of this tradition to Emperor Saga, who also organized great celebrations under the famous sakuras (cherry blossom) of Kyoto. Regardless, Hanami became popular during the Edo period, meaning between the 17th and 19th centuries, when the Japanese began organizing gatherings in parks or gardens, picnics outdoors, and various activities linked to the contemplation of cherry blossoms.

As it is a celebration linked to a natural phenomenon - the arrival of spring and blooming - the dates when Hanami takes place vary each year, though it typically occurs between late March and early April. The blooming of the sakuras begins in the southern fields and, as temperatures rise, winds its way up the island to the northern territories. From the moment the first flowers bloom until the petals fall, like a kind of spring snow, approximately two weeks pass, which is the time in which Hanami is celebrated.

This festival attracts thousands of travelers each year, who take the opportunity to fly to Japan and experience one of the most authentic moments of Japanese culture. It also attracts the residents of the country, who gather to pay homage to this ancient tradition, whether in their own city or in the most lush natural parks and gardens.

There are several websites or even apps that make predictions about when blooming will begin in each location. Currently, the website Sakura Weathermap forecasts that the phenomenon will begin on March 22 in Fukuoka, Kochi, and Tokyo; on the 26th in Nagoya; on the 27th in Hiroshima and Osaka; on the 28th in Kyoto; on April 2 in Kanazawa; on the 5th in Sendai; on the 8th in Niigata and Nagano; on the 14th in Akita; on the 18th in Aomori; on the 25th in April; and on May 9 in Kushiro.

Beyond these locations, it is good to know which are the best settings to enjoy Hanami. Below, we present the selection we've prepared from jalometalli.net.

This 60-hectare park is one of the largest green spaces in Tokyo. Walking along its paths and under the branches of its grand trees, one almost forgets they are in one of the most populated metropolises on the planet. Hence, it is a perfect place to enjoy Hanami in its fullest splendor.

To enter the park, you must purchase a ticket that costs about ¥500 (approximately three euros); however, the experience's value more than compensates for this. Once inside, you can enjoy the wonderful landscape of cherry blossoms, celebrate a picnic in one of the areas with the best views of the garden, and even access a traditional Japanese tea house. At night, several food trucks sell sweets and traditional food with a very special ingredient: sakura.

The Philosopher's Path, in Japanese Tetsugaku No Michi, runs through the Higashiyama district, located in the northern area of Kyoto. Its name refers to Nishida Kitaro, one of the most important Japanese philosophers of the 20th century, who used to walk and meditate along this path daily. Throughout the approximately 2-kilometer-long pathway, cherry blossoms droop their branches over a small canal, forming a green arch that reflects on the waters.

The path starts at Ginkakuji Temple and continues until it reaches Nanzenji Temple, making it a perfect opportunity to contemplate the cherry blossoms in bloom and discover these two fascinating historical buildings.

Located in the city of Ina, in Nagano Prefecture, Takato Castle Park offers stunning views characterized by over 1,500 cherry trees that bloom in this garden. Most of these cherry trees were planted when the park was built in the 19th century, and others have been added over the years. In addition to the cherry trees, visitors can explore three traditional Japanese buildings: the yagura or Taiko tower, the small Ôunkyo bridge, and the ruins of Takato Castle.

Each year, Takato Castle Park hosts a grand Cherry Blossom Festival, during which the grounds fill with visitors, activities, food, and beautiful nighttime lighting to continue celebrating Hanami even as the sun sets.

Legend has it that it was precisely on the slopes of Mount Yoshino, in Nara, where the first Japanese cherry trees were planted over 1,300 years ago. Therefore, this is one of the most historic places in Japan to experience Hanami and admire the over 30,000 cherry trees of various colors and 200 varieties that stretch across this area. The landscape also features various temples and shrines, which enhance the magical atmosphere surrounding Mount Yoshino.

Lastly, we recommend Hirosaki Castle Park, the garden that grows around this 17th-century castle located in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture (in the north of Japan's main island). This park houses more than 2,600 cherry trees and welcomes over a million visitors each spring, who flock to this special site to delight in the blooming and the majesty of the castle built 400 years ago.

In addition to the castle, the Fujita Memorial Japanese Garden and the Hirosaki Botanical Garden, the park has a pond where you can rent small boats to paddle across the waters and observe the Hanami spectacle from a different perspective.