What is Hanami, cherry blossom viewing in Japan?
I’m Nobu, I like traveling overseas and in Japan, visited 25 countries. I’ve got the license of the certificate English guide in Japan for 8 years.
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Hanami , cherry blossom viewing
I saw many people viewing cherry blossoms in Sumida Park near Tokyo Sky tree.
Japanese people associate the word “hanami” with cherry blossoms.
What is Hanami
Hanami means going out to parks and other places to appreciate, play with, and enjoy cherry blossoms.
In Japan, it is customary for family members, friends, and colleagues to sit on a sheet under a cherry tree at the end of March or beginning of April each year.
They drink sake, enjoy eating lunch, singing songs, and having a good time.
History as aristocratic games
The first origin is aristocratic.
It’s for the nobility of the 7th century, the popular flower was the plum tree.
Then in the 8th century, cherry blossom viewing became an important aristocratic event.
812, Emperor Saga held a banquet in the south palace, which is said to be the first custom of Hanami.
History as farmer’s events
Another origin is farmer’s culture.
In spring, people from the village entered the nearby hills and mountains with food and drink.
Cherry blossom viewing is thought to have been an ancient agricultural practice.
The blooming of the cherry blossoms would predict the year’s harvest.
Samurai and Hanami
Hanami became popular among samurai families during the Momoyama period (1573-1600).
Famous samurai , Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Daigo Hanami (1598) is most famous for its extravagance.
Later, in the Edo period (1603-1868), hanami was separated from agricultural rituals.
Then it became an official event of the nobility, and for the common people.
The Edo Shogunate and Cherry Blossoms
The Edo Shogunate undertook extensive cherry tree planting for the purpose of urban planning.
In particular, Yoshimune Tokugawa 8th Shogun ( highest samurai) planted cherry trees in the periphery of Edo( Tokyo).
It was for the interface between urban and rural areas, and many cherry blossom viewing spots were created.
The fact that cherry blossom viewing was held on the periphery of the city led to the popularization of cherry blossom viewing.
Japanese Society and Cherry Blossoms
The Japanese school and social system begins in April.
Cherry blossoms bloom in April, a milestone in Japanese life cycle.
Hanami, the cherry blossoms viewing , is now an important annual event for Japanese people.
Why don’t you come to Japan during the cherry blossom season and enjoy hanami?
I’m Nobu, one heart enjoy together!!!