Japanese Ways of Enjoying and Spending Spring

Hanami is a traditional Japanese custom and cultural practice that celebrates the arrival of spring and the blossoming of cherry trees. It involves laying out picnic blankets under cherry blossom trees, where large groups gather to enjoy a festive atmosphere with banquets, drinks, and games while appreciating the beauty of the cherry blossoms. It's a classic spring outing where families, friends, colleagues, and various groups come together, creating a lively and vibrant ambiance.
The history of the hanami culture dates back to ancient times, tracing its roots to the Nara period (710-794), when the tradition of appreciating plum blossoms was introduced from China.
In the Heian period (794-1185), the focus shifted from plum blossoms to cherry blossoms. It is said that the origin of hanami (which means to enjoy cherry blossoms) can be traced back to the "Kaen no Sechi (flower banquet)" hosted by Emperor Saga.
Initially, it was an activity limited to the Emperor, nobility, and the upper class, but as time passed, it gradually spread to involve a wider range of people. The current style of gatherings solidified during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). In the Edo period (1603-1868), the practice expanded further, and commoners began to partake in the enjoyment of cherry blossoms too.

Yozakura, or night cherry blossoms, refers to either cherry blossoms that are visible at night or the act of viewing cherry blossoms at night. In some places, cherry blossoms are illuminated with lights and lanterns as night falls, creating cherry blossom viewing spots. The distinct beauty of petals tinted in white or pink, vividly showcased, presents a different atmosphere from daytime, adding to the allure of yozakura.
The surrounding night scenes, such as high-rise buildings or residential areas, serve as a fitting accent, creating an unconventional spectacle that draws people in.
Night cherry blossoms reflecting on the surface of ponds or rivers boast a fantastical and exceptionally beautiful sight. Walking along the cherry blossom-lined paths, gently brushed by the calm night breeze, provides a unique and special experience of spring.

In cherry blossom viewing spots and their vicinity, many places often host "Sakura Matsuri" or cherry blossom festivals, coinciding with the peak bloom of cherry blossoms. The details of events vary by location, but they usually include rows of food stalls, illuminations of cherry trees, music performances, and various attractions aimed at ensuring visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms to the fullest.
In some regions, they temporarily open areas that are usually restricted, so if you plan to participate, we recommend checking the official website.
Representative examples include the Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri in Aomori Prefecture, the Takada Jyoshi (castle site) Park Kanoukai in Niigata Prefecture, and the Ueno Sakura Matsuri in Tokyo. These "Sakura Matsuri" festivals are organized by cities or wards and attract numerous cherry blossom viewers when the trees are in full bloom, creating a lively atmosphere.

This garden was created by the 9th lord of the prestigious Mito Domain, Lord Tokugawa Nariaki. It stands alongside Kenroku-en in Kanazawa and Koraku-en in Okayama as one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. The expansive 13-hectare garden offers attractions throughout.
As you enter from the east gate, you'll come across the wooden two-story, three-tiered structure "Kobuntei." The combination of two buildings with persimmon bark and thatched roofing exudes a rustic yet refined elegance.
During early spring, approximately 3,000 plum trees of around 100 different varieties bloom beautifully on the grounds. Every year from mid-February to late March, Mito Ume Matsuri, or Mito Plum Festival, takes place.

This urban park encompasses the area, including the nationally designated Special Historic Site, "Osaka Castle Site." Spanning a vast 105.6 hectares, the park features numerous Important Cultural Properties such as the Osaka Castle Main Tower and 13 buildings which include towers and gates constructed from the early to late Edo period.
While renowned as a cherry blossom destination, the Osaka Castle Park is also home to a plum grove, making the place a great plum blossom viewing spot. In the approximately 1.7-hectare plum grove, around 1,270 plum trees of 104 varieties are planted. From January to March, the breathtaking landscape of red and white plum blossoms against the backdrop of the Osaka Castle is truly a spectacular spring view.

Established in the 19th year of the Meiji era (1886), this urban park has its roots in a plum orchard founded by Yokohama's wealthy individual, Sōbē Mogi. The expansive park, covering approximately 44,000 square meters along the Hatsu River, is home to 469 plum trees of 60 varieties, including century-old trees. The first plum blossoms typically bloom in late November to early December. They are known as Japan’s earliest blooming plum.
The Atami Plum Garden hosts the "Atami Plum Garden Plum Festival" from early January to early March, aligning with the sequential blooming of early, middle, and late-blooming plum trees during January to March.

Located at the foothills of Mount Bukō, the symbolic peak of Chichibu City in Saitama Prefecture, and situated between Chichibu City and Yokoze Town, is the Shibazakura (moss phlox) Hill in the Hitsujiyama Park. This spot is renowned as one of Chichibu's representative tourist attractions during spring, reaching its peak bloom from mid-April to the Golden Week in May.
In the Shibazakura Hill, a spectacular flower corridor is created with various-colored moss phlox, resembling a beautifully arranged carpet. The central part features a valley, allowing visitors to enjoy different perspectives by taking in the panoramic view from higher elevations or looking up from lower points.

In the Ashikaga Flower Park, located in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, visitors can enjoy the beauty of seasonal flowers themed under eight different categories: "Early Spring," "Spring Flower Festival," "Wisteria Story," "Rainbow Garden," "Blue & White Garden," "Flower Fairies on the Water," "Purple Garden," and "Garden of Illuminated Flowers."
Among these, the "Wisteria Story," dedicated to the park's symbol and designated Natural Monument of Tochigi Prefecture, the wisteria flowers, is especially popular. During the peak blooming period from mid-April to mid-May, featuring four large wisteria trees and a tunnel of white wisteria, the "Wisteria Story – Wisteria Festival –" takes place.

The government-managed Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is surrounded by two seas, Hakata Bay and Genkai Sea. With its vast expanse of approximately 350 hectares, the park is a captivating destination for interacting with nature and animals throughout the year.
One of the highlights of this park is sakura (cherry blossoms) and nemophila, which are in full bloom from late March to mid-April. The park boasts a total of 1,600 cherry blossom trees, including Somei Yoshino and Oshima cherry varieties, welcoming visitors with a splendid display.
We highly recommend cycling through the sakura (cherry blossoms) tunnel created by rows of cherry blossom trees. Although the timing is a bit later, you can also appreciate unique cherry blossoms with shades of green and yellow, adding an extra point of interest to your visit.
The distinctive blue hue of nemophila spreading across the flower fields looks like a sea of flowers, creating a perfect scene for photography. The harmonious combination of nemophila and the blue sky will leave you in awe as the entire landscape is immersed in a world of blue.
Furthermore, don't miss the spectacular collaboration of cherry blossoms and nemophila at the "Hana no Oka" (Flower Hill).

The "Haru no Shijyuso" (Spring Quartet) at Asahi Funagawa, featuring the snow-covered Northern Alps, cherry blossom-lined banks of the Funagawa River, vibrant tulips, and the blooming yellow fields of canola flowers, is a popular and picturesque spot that represents the spring scenery in Asahi Town, Toyama Prefecture.
The approximately 280 cherry trees that bloom along both banks of the Funagawa River for about 1,200 meters were planted and have been carefully maintained by local residents. To coincide with the cherry blossoms' flowering period, they planted tulips, particularly early-blooming varieties that were originally in high production. Additionally, canola flowers were cultivated for harvesting canola oil, contributing to the creation of this breathtaking landscape.

Connecting 2 cities and 3 towns with a total of 17 stations from Shimodate Station in Chikusei City in Ibaraki Prefecture to Motegi Station in Tochigi Prefecture, this local railway is cherished as a valuable public transportation option by the local residents.
On the other hand, the railway is also known for its high popularity among railway enthusiasts nationwide due to various initiatives for regional revitalization. The most notable attraction is the operation of a steam locomotive (SL).
In spring, you can enjoy the vibrant sight of canola flowers and cherry blossoms in full bloom along the railway tracks, creating a scene where the steam locomotive (SL) is adorned with vivid yellow and pink colors.

The Takayama Festival has been passed down for over 300 years in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. It consists of two main festivals: the Hie Shrine's regularly held Sanno Festival called the Spring Takayama Festival in April, and the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine's regularly held Hachiman Festival called the Autumn Takayama Festival in October. It is also known as one of Japan’s three most beautiful festivals.
The Spring Takayama Festival is held on April 14th and 15th. Its main highlight is the splendid yatai (floats). There are 12 floats in spring and 11 in autumn, each designated as an Important Tangible Folk-Cultural Property of Japan. These floats have a three-tiered structure, measuring approximately 6 to 8 meters in height with upper, middle, and lower sections. They showcase traditional craftsmanship, featuring intricate carvings and detailed embroidery on large curtains created by master artisans.

The Aoi Festival, annually held on May 15th at the Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine) and Kamigamo Shrine (Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine) in Kyoto, is one of the "Three Great Festivals of Kyoto," alongside the Gion Festival and Jidai Festival. It traces its origin back to a ritual performed about 1500 years ago, praying for a rich harvest of the five grains. This historic and venerable festival is mentioned in literary works such as The Pillow Book and The Tale of Genji. Its official name is "Kamo Matsuri," and during the mid-Heian period, among the aristocracy, mentioning a festival often referred to the Kamo Festival.

The regularly held festival of Kanda Shrine, commonly known as "Kanda Myojin," is one of the "Three Great Festivals of Japan," along with Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine's Gion Festival and Osaka's Osaka Tenmangu Shrine's Tenjin Festival. The highlight of the Kanda Festival is the "Kankousai," which takes place on the Saturday close to May 15th in the year when the Kanda Festival is held. During this event, processions featuring mikoshi (portable shrines) travel through 108 neighborhoods, including Kanda, Nihonbashi, Otemachi, Marunouchi, and Akihabara, purifying and blessing the areas.

"Hina Matsuri," also known as Doll's Day or Girls' Day, is a traditional event held on March 3rd each year in Japan. This celebration is dedicated to wishing for the happiness and healthy growth of girls. March 3rd corresponds to the time when peach blossoms bloom on the lunar calendar, leading to its alternate name, "Momo no Sekku" or the Peach Festival.
During Hina Matsuri, families decorate their homes with "Hina Ningyo" (special dolls representing the Heian nobles) and peach or cherry blossoms. Traditional treats such as hina-arare (sweet rice crackers), hishi mochi (diamond-shaped rice cake), and amazake (sweet rice drink) are offered. The parents pray for the well-being of their children, seeking protection from misfortune and hoping that they will have a happy family in the future (or find a good match in marriage).
On the day of Hina Matsuri, families come together to enjoy shirozake (sweet, white sake) and chirashi-zushi (vinegared rice topped with various ingredients). This celebration is rooted in one of the annual Chinese traditions of the "Five Ceremonies," "Joshi," and the Japanese nagashi-bina (the custom of floating dolls to ward off evil spirits).
Over time, the practice has changed to decorating with dolls, and it was during the Edo period that the current form of Hina Matsuri became established.

"Tango no Sekku" is a traditional event celebrated on May 5th each year to wish for the well-being and happiness of boys, as well as to celebrate their birth. The term comes from the word "tan" meaning the beginning or first, and "go" referring to May in the old lunar calendar. The second kanji of the term “tango” can be read as “go,” so May 5th was later chosen as the day for “Tango no Sekku.” Since its designation as the national holiday "Children's Day" in 1948, it has become a celebration for all children, and it also includes expressing gratitude to mothers. During "Tango no Sekku," various customs are observed to convey the following wishes.

Sakura-mochi is a traditional Japanese confection made by wrapping sweet red bean paste in a dough or casing made from ingredients such as wheat flour, then enclosing it with salt-pickled sakura (cherry blossom) leaves. The word represents the spring season, and it is often enjoyed during the Hina Matsuri festival. Its distinctive feature is the vibrant sakura color and a subtle fragrance from the leaves.
Perfect for hanami or cherry blossom viewing, sakura-mochi is cherished as a representative spring confection. There are two main types: the Kanto region's "Chomeiji" and the Kansai region's "Domyoji." Each type differs significantly in ingredients and appearance, so if you have the opportunity, we recommend comparing and savoring the unique qualities of each.

Chirashi-zushi is a type of sushi characterized by a bed of vinegared rice topped with various ingredients such as thin omelet strips, simmered shiitake mushrooms, salmon roe, shrimp, lotus root, and more. It goes by different names like gomoku-zushi or bara-zushi, depending on the region or household.
This sushi variety is often prepared for celebrations and events, boasting a colorful and festive appearance. Particularly associated with the Hina Matsuri festival on March 3rd, chirashi-zushi carries a strong spring gourmet connotation. The dish is known for using auspicious ingredients, and the term "sushi" conveys meanings related to celebration and longevity.
As a result, chirashi-zushi has become a customary dish for Hina Matsuri (a day of celebration).

Bamboo shoots, particularly the representative variety called "mosochiku," come into season from March to May and are beloved by the Japanese as a symbol of spring. Known for their crisp texture and unique fragrance and flavor, bamboo shoots offer a versatile taste experience depending on the cooking method – whether boiled, grilled, or fried.
In addition, bamboo shoots are recognized for being rich in dietary fiber, protein, and potassium, making them a nutritious and low-calorie ingredient. They are commonly featured in traditional Japanese dishes such as takikomi gohan (seasoned rice), nimono (simmered dishes), and tempura, allowing people to savor the flavors of spring.
Note: The prime season for bamboo shoots differs depending on the variety.