By / MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Team Compilation & Report
Spring has arrived and flowers are in full bloom, and many people have already planned trips to Japan with friends or family to admire the cherry blossoms. In addition to strolling along the paths and taking photos, if you want to experience a truly Japanese-style cherry blossom viewing journey, be sure not to forget some must-have items. These will not only enhance the atmosphere but also make your cherry blossom adventure more fun. Before you go, check out what essentials you need and what to keep in mind!
How to appreciate cherry blossoms in the most authentic way, must-have items starter pack. (Image source / rickandvanalee)
Essential Items for Cherry Blossom Viewing:
● Waterproof picnic mats, soft cushions
Waterproof picnic mats and soft cushions are essential for cherry blossom viewing. Prepare them according to the number of people in your group beforehand. Once you arrive at the site, find a spot you like and lay them out to mark your territory. Don’t worry if you forget to bring one — they’re available at any Japanese 100-yen store!
● Packing tape
Packing tape can be used to secure the edges of your picnic mat, garbage bags, paper items, and more. You can also use it to write your name for identification. Its uses are definitely more than you’d expect!
● Plastic bags (garbage bags)
Since many cherry blossom parks in Japan do not have trash bins, be sure to bring plastic bags to pack up your own trash and help tidy up the surrounding area, leaving it as clean as you found it. Trash is sorted into combustible, non-combustible, and bottles/cans must also be separated.
● Tissues, paper towels, wet wipes
Don’t forget to bring tissues and wet wipes in case you’re far from restrooms or water sources — they’ll come in handy if your hands get dirty.
● Board games, playing cards
When hanging out with a few friends, aside from admiring the cherry blossoms, it’s always fun to have some games to liven up the atmosphere. Bring along interesting board games, playing cards, or other gaming props and have a good time together!
● Thermos, hand warmers
During cherry blossom season in Japan, temperatures are often still quite low. Bring hand warmers and enjoy hot tea or coffee from a thermos while comfortably savoring an afternoon tea under the cherry blossoms. If you’re viewing night blossoms, don’t forget to bring a blanket to stay warm.
● Bento boxes, snacks
Gathering together to enjoy cherry blossoms while sharing bento boxes and onigiri is both fun and heartwarming. Of course, there are also food stalls around the park where you can buy local delicacies — don’t miss out on mochi!
● Beer, small dishes
What’s cherry blossom viewing without some beer and small dishes? Relaxing on the grass or under the cherry trees with friends, sipping drinks and enjoying snacks — it’s an irresistible image.
● Folding chairs
If there are elderly people, pregnant women, or others who can’t sit on the ground in your group, consider bringing a simple, convenient folding chair.
Various food stalls gather at major cherry blossom spots across Japan, selling simple yet authentic snacks. (Image source / injapan.gaijinpot)
In addition to preparing your cherry blossom viewing gear, don’t forget to mind Japanese cherry blossom etiquette:
● Don’t over-reserve space
During cherry blossom season, groups from companies, families, and friends all head out to view the blossoms. Arriving early to reserve a spot is common, but please only take up space for your group’s size. Avoid monopolizing too much area and be respectful to fellow blossom viewers!
● No picking flowers
Cherry blossoms are meant to be admired with your eyes and heart — never pick the flowers or break off branches.
●Do not leave any litter
Nobody wants to admire beautiful cherry blossoms with trash all around their feet. After enjoying the blossoms, be sure to help clean up the surrounding litter to maintain a pleasant cherry blossom viewing environment for everyone.
●No cooking
To help preserve the cherry blossom viewing environment, if you get hungry, please enjoy the bento or onigiri you brought along, and do not use cooking stoves on-site.