Are you planning a trip to Japan for the cherry blossom season? If you are then you are probably planning a picnic. Many tourists and locals alike will be enjoying a picnic during this time of year.
But what do you need to know about picnicking during the cherry blossom season? Well that is what we are going to cover in this article. So, without further ado, let us dive right in and get started!
What Should You Pack For A Hanami Picnic?
To have the best time at Hanami you need to make sure that you have everything that you need (read here for advice on manners during Hanami). Below we have made a list of things that you may need for your cherry blossom season picnic. Let’s dive right in!
1. Side Dishes & Bento Boxes
If you are going to hanami you really need to have a delicious bento box and side dishes. You can make your own bento box or buy one at a supermarket. Either way, this is something you absolutely need to have for your picnic.
As for your sides, all you need to do is make sure that you have a good balance of salty and sweet options.
All of which you can buy at a store or local konbini like 7-Eleven, Lawsons, or Family Mart. Alternatively you could make your own delicious meals or treats yourself.
Snacks you could purchase could include brownies, cookies, chips, candy, whatever you choose, as long as you have a variety and enjoy them. You should also make sure to bring a drink like sake, water, fizzy pop or another drink of your choice.
2. Plates, Utensils And Cups
You will obviously need paper plates, cups and cutlery so that you can enjoy your food and drink without issue. Make sure that you pack all the tools you need.
We recommend that you get some paper or plastic plates, disposable chopsticks and plastic cups so that you can enjoy your delicious bento and drinks without making a mess.
3. Picnic Blanket
You can simply use a park bench or a picnic table under the cherry trees. But sometimes there may not be any space for you which is why a comfortable picnic blanket may be just what you need.
It is a great way to seat a bunch of people. Despite the ground being hard or uneven it is a very comfortable way to enjoy a picnic.
4. Wipes Or Tissues
You will inevitably eat some food with your fingers and so you will need paper towels or a wet wipe to clean your finger between eating.
On top of that, having tissues on hand to clean up spills is always handy. You may want to consider using antibacterial wipes which you can purchase in a portable bottle.
Or you could simply carry a roll of toilet paper without. This is a cheap option which will certainly clean up any messes that happen.
5. Garbage Bags
Once the bento boxes have been emptied and the snacks eaten, you are likely going to need a little garbage bag to throw away any trash that you have accumulated.
In Japanese culture individuals must take responsibility for their own trash. As such you need to clean up after yourself. Separate your trash so that you can properly dispose of it in the right trash cans around the hanami park.
6. Handy Things
With the above things you should have everything you need for a lovely picnic during the cherry blossom season. But there are a few other things that you may find useful in niche situations.
We have listed some of these items below for you to peruse:
Rain Gear
Lap Blanket
Cushion
These items may not always be useful but you can certainly make use of them if the weather calls for it. So, make sure to check the weather and temperature before you head out for your hanami picnic.
What Etiquette Should You Keep In Mind?
Things are different in Japan. The way you are supposed to behave and act in public are important. Which is why there are certain etiquette you need to keep in mind when you are picnicking during the cherry blossom season.
We have listed the most important things for you to consider when it comes to etiquette in Japan:
1. Treat The Cherry Trees With Care And Respect
The trees are to be treated with care and respect. You are simply there to observe and admire the beautiful flowers in full bloom. As such you should not touch, pull or shake any of the flowers or branches.
On top of that you should absolutely not climb any of these trees or stand on their roots. Respect them and admire them only.
2. Clean Up After Yourself
Once you have finished eating and relaxing under the gorgeous branches of the cherry trees you should pick up all of your trash and throw it away. You must separate your trash so that you can dispose of them in the right bins.
3. Respect The Rules
Depending on which park you go to for Hanami there will be different rules in place. It is your responsibility to follow these rules and respect them.
For example, many parks do not allow barbecuing, some may have a curfew in place, and others may not allow you to have alcoholic beverages.
4. Consider Those Around You
Everybody around you is there for the same reason. To enjoy the flowers and celebrate the start of spring. You should be considerate of these people. Do not make excessive noise, cause a ruckus and make sure to clean up after yourself.
5. Make Sure To Reserve A Spot
These cherry blossom parks can quickly become very busy which is why you need to get there early. Many people reserve a spot by putting down a picnic blanket. This allows you to politely keep a spot reserved while you wait for your guests to arrive.
6. No Shoes On A Picnic Blankets
Just like in Japanese homes where you take your shoes off before you enter. It is the same with picnic blankets. This is a polite thing that you are expected to do when you are picnicking in Japan.
What If You Can’t Find A Spot To Eat?
Hanami can be an extremely busy season. It is not impossible that you will not be able to find a spot to set up for a picnic. What should you do if this happens to you?
Sadly, if you have your heart set on a picnic you might not be able to do so until you find a spot.
In the meantime you might want to consider walking around and enjoying the gorgeous flowers. If you still don’t find a spot then you could always go to a restaurant and enjoy a meal with your family or friends.
Final Thoughts
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this article and learning about how to picnic like a pro for the cherry blossom season. It is really very easy to do.
All you need to do is make sure that you have a spot reserved, have a delicious bento box on hand, respect the trees and in general have good manners.
If you have enjoyed reading this article make sure to check out our website. There are loads of articles out there for you to peruse. All of them about Japan. You are bound to find something that you enjoy!
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!
