Hanami, which translates to “flower viewing” is a popular Japanese tradition of viewing the cherry blossoms every spring. There are also plum blossoms thrown in the mix at times, but the main attraction is the pink cherry blossoms.
Celebrations on Okinawa typically take place between January and February. However, the exact timing can vary depending on where you are on Okinawa, due to the climate and tree species across the island.
Some trees will only blossom in mid or even late February, while others can be as early as mid-January.
The timing can change on a yearly basis within a few days or even weeks – so always keep an eye out on official websites!
During hanami, people from all over the world may visit Japan to enjoy the celebrations and take in the culture.
Both locals and tourists will mingle together and enjoy everything that hanami has to offer. The issue is – how do you prepare for hanami? What do you need to make the most of the celebrations?
If you want to find out, then you’re in the right place. Here, we will be going through everything you need to know in order to hanami in Okinawa like a pro.
How To Hanami In Okinawa Like A Pro
There are a couple of important things to go through if you’re planning on going to a hanami celebration in Japan.
Most points will apply to any kind of hanami celebration you go to, not just the ones in Okinawa! So, be sure to take everything we mention into account if you’re going to any kind of blossom viewing!
When You Should Go
In Okinawa, the hanami celebrations are some of the earliest. You can expect to enjoy the flower viewings between mid-January until mid-February. Any later, and you’re bound to miss the blossoms!
Everywhere Has Its Own Rules To Consider
Are Hanami Celebrations Allowed?
If you’ve got a hanami spot in mind, be sure to double-check if you are actually allowed to celebrate there. Every location may have different rules in place that you will need to follow.
There will be locations that allow you to enjoy a more rowdy experience, while others might be a more family-friendly or quiet location.
You would not want to get somewhere only to discover that your celebration won’t be what you hoped it would be!
Opening And Closing Times
If you’re good to go, and you are planning on spending the day in a place like a park, make sure you know the opening and closing hours.
Some parks will close around sunset or even sooner, while others will be open late into the night. Some may not close at all! So be aware of the opening and closing time that you will need to keep in mind.
Food And Drink Rules
Similar to the above, check if you are actually allowed to bring food and drink into the park. Some parks may allow non-alcoholic drinks, while others will not, so find out about this beforehand.
What Should You Bring To Hanami?
There are some important things to consider bringing to a hanami celebration if you’re going to be out for a while! We’ve broken these down into two groups : basics and food/drink.
Let’s take a look at what you should bring in the sections below.
The Basic Supplies
There are a number of basic supplies that everyone will benefit from bringing to a hanami celebration. This is especially important if you plan on spending more than an hour or two outside among the blossoms.
You should consider taking the following items in order to have the best experience possible while celebrating hanami:
Garbage bags – alternatively, you can just use regular plastic bags if you got something from the convenience store. You need to clean up after yourself, so put your trash in the bags as you enjoy your time along the blossoms.
An umbrella – will it rain or shine? Bring an umbrella for both, so you can shield yourself from the harsh sun and rains. This is something that everyone will appreciate if the weather turns!
Picnic sheet – these may be marketed as a “leisure sheet” (レジャー シート), and will help you stay clean while you picnic on the ground. You can also just use a newspaper if you can’t get your hands on one.
Cushions or folding chairs – keep yourself warm, clean, and dry! Foldable chairs are great if it has been raining. Cushions will help keep you comfortable while you enjoy the celebrations.
Body warmer – since most celebrations will take place in the spring, it’s probably going to get chilly. Keep yourself and others warm with your choice of body warmers.
Light source – if you’re planning on staying out late, make sure you have LED candles or a flashlight to help navigate the dark. Don’t rely on the light from your phone, as it could die!
Cutlery and food utensils – you’re going to need disposable paper cups and plates to enjoy your foods and drinks! You should also bring your preferred cutlery like chopsticks or forks, and also wet and dry tissues to clean your hands and faces.
Food And Drink
Food and drink can turn your hanami celebrations up to the next level. However, what you bring to the event will depend on your own preferences and those of your friends.
Because of this, we would recommend bringing a hanami bento box. We’ve got a whole article about how to make one if you’re struggling.
These will usually include a carb like rice, noodles or sandwiches, as well as some kind of protein, vegetables, and some fruit. In a bento box, the food will be separated from one another, and ready for everyone to enjoy (to learn how to picnic like a pro, read here).
In terms of drinks, there are lots of great options to consider. However, water is a must.
Always make sure you have water with you, and don’t rely on vending machines – especially if you’re headed to a popular spot. If you are bringing alcohol, wines are a popular option.
Sake (rice wine) is the popular choice, and is actually the traditional Hanami drink, so give it a try!
If alcohol isn’t your style, then fruit juices and sodas are great options. Since it will most likely be cold, you can also bring some tea or coffee with you in a thermos.
They will help to keep you warm in the early spring, but might not be necessary if you’re going to a later celebration in May.
Best Hanami Spots In Okinawa To Check Out
1. Nago Cherry Blossom Festival – a Location With a View
3. Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival – Japan’s Earliest Bloom
Address: Google Map – Okinawa, Motobu, Namizato 921
4. Yaese Cherry Blossom Festival – the Illuminated Sakura
Address: Google Map – Okinawa, Shimajiri, Yaesu, Tomori 1607
5. Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival – Situated on a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Address: Google Map – Okinawa, Kunigami, Nakijin Village, Imadomari 5101
Final Thoughts
Enjoying the hanami celebrations in Okinawa is like anywhere else, it’s just earlier in the year!
If you want to go to one of the planned celebrations, you should be sure to check the official websites of the locations. There, they will give dates for the celebrations, so you know the dates you need to free up.
Hopefully this article has been helpful, and you now know how to hanami in Okinawa like a pro! Good luck!
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
