Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
Visiting Japan to see the cherry blossoms has always been a favorite trip for Taiwanese tourists. But did you know that for the Japanese, cherry blossom viewing isn’t just about strolling, admiring, and taking photos? More importantly, it’s about gathering with family and friends for a hanami party—sitting under the beautiful blooming cherry blossoms, having a picnic, chatting, or enjoying a drink, all while deepening bonds in the lovely spring scenery. If you’d also like to experience an authentic Japanese-style cherry blossom viewing, be sure not to miss the essential items and hanami etiquette below.
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Friends and family gathering together for a hanami party. (Image source / japan-magazine)
Essential items for cherry blossom viewing:
● Waterproof picnic mat
A waterproof picnic mat is an essential item for cherry blossom viewing. Depending on the number of people in your group, find a nice spot, lay it out, and use it to mark your territory. Don’t worry if you don’t have one—you can easily pick one up at any 100-yen store in Japan.
● Packaging tape
Having packaging tape on hand helps secure the edges of your picnic mat, and you can also use it to write your name as a marker.
● Plastic bags
Since many cherry blossom parks in Japan don’t have trash bins, bring plastic bags to pack up your own trash and help tidy up the surrounding area, restoring it to its clean state.
● Tissues, paper towels, and wet wipes
Carry tissues and wet wipes in case you’re far from restrooms or water sources—they’ll come in handy if your hands get dirty.
● Playing cards
When a group of friends gathers together, besides enjoying the cherry blossoms, you’ll want some entertainment. That’s when you pull out the cards and play together.
● Thermos and hand warmers
During cherry blossom season in Japan, temperatures are usually still quite low. Bring hand warmers and fill your thermos with hot tea or coffee to comfortably enjoy an afternoon tea time under the cherry trees.
● Bento boxes, mochi, and rice balls
When everyone gathers together to admire the blossoms, sharing your own bento or rice balls is fun and heartwarming. Of course, there are also some food stalls nearby where you can buy local delicacies—don’t miss out on the mochi balls.
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Riverfront scenery colorful and romantic. (Image source / minami-izu)
Essential hanami etiquette:
● Don’t over-reserve space
During cherry blossom season, companies, families, and friends all head out to view the blossoms. If you arrive early to reserve a spot, remember to only claim space for your group’s size. Don’t take up too much room—be respectful to others who come to enjoy the flowers.
● Don’t pick the flowers
Cherry blossom viewing is meant to be enjoyed with your eyes and heart—never break off branches or flowers.
● Don’t leave trash
No one wants to admire beautiful cherry blossoms with trash all around their feet. After enjoying the blossoms, work together to clean up the trash around you to help maintain a pleasant hanami environment.
● No cooking on-site
To preserve the cherry blossom environment, if you get hungry, enjoy the bento or rice balls you brought along—don’t use cooking equipment on-site.