Hanami, cherry blossom viewing
You dream of sakura, but nobody can tell you the exact week it will bloom.
Hanami is the Japanese custom of going out to enjoy flowers, most often cherry blossoms. People walk under the trees, sit in parks and share food and drink. The word simply means flower viewing.
Why is timing never certain?
Cherry blossoms open and fall within a short window, and that window moves from year to year with the weather. It also differs by region, because warmer places bloom earlier than colder ones.
For that reason, no planner can promise that blossoms will be at their best on your dates. Anyone who does is guessing.
How do you plan around that?
Plan for the season, not one day. Build in a few flexible days, consider regions that bloom at different times, and treat a bit of blossom as a bonus rather than a promise. Our guide on sakura trip flexibility without promises shows how, and the spring region comparison helps you pick where to go.
If the dates do not line up, there are other pleasures, including plum blossom and early spring alternatives. For the autumn counterpart, see koyo.
Expect busy parks and hotel demand in blossom weeks, especially in Malaysian school holidays.
Ready to shape your Japan trip?
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you hope to see. We will reply with ideas and a tailored quote.