Nagoya is known for its many areas to enjoy hanami, which is also referred to as cherry blossom viewing. Whether you want to take a walk around the blooming pink trees, or would like to enjoy a picnic – there is something for everyone.
The capital of the Aichi prefecture, Nagoya is located within the Chubu region. This mountainous terrain within central Japan is the home of Mount Fuji. Also the Ise-Jingu shrine, which is very sacred to Japan.
In this article we shall take a look at the best hanami spots in Nagoya, as well as how to enjoy a wonderful hanami picnic.
What Is Hanami?
Hanami in Japan is where people welcome the arrival of spring. It is steeped in tradition, and involves celebrating the cherry blossom trees in full bloom.
It is a celebration of the fragility of life, which is taken from Buddhism. Just like nature, we too as humans have a cycle – birth to death. During hanami, people get together to enjoy a picnic alongside family and friends.
It is a great time to eat sakura (cherry blossom) themed food and drink too.
It is also a time to embrace new beginnings for the year ahead, as well as take stock of our own lives in general. It is also the start of a new school year.
What Is The Etiquette Of Hanami?
Before you set off to enjoy hanami in Japan, here are some well-known ‘rules’ of enjoying cherry blossom viewing:
Always make sure the place you are going to allows picnics. You do not want to arrive and find out that it is not allowed or suitable for holding a picnic.
If you are planning a hanami picnic, then get to the spot early. This could be 5am or 6am – just remember to place down your sheet and sit there. While you could leave your sheet, it doesn’t always mean you will still have that spot when you get back there.
Always remove your own garbage. This could be by throwing it away in the dedicated trash facilities, or taking it all home with you – or in this case, back to the hotel to dispose of.
Always take your shoes off when on the picnic sheet. It is considered to be the same as being indoors, so respect the local culture. For these reasons, where shoes you can remove easily.
Lastly, never remove any petals or branches from the trees. They are there to be viewed and respected. It may also be an offense to do so.
Things To Take With You For Hanami?
Here are some things to take with you to enjoy a hanami picnic:
A sheet (this could be plastic tarp, a picnic blanket, etc.).
Folding chairs or a throw pillow to sit on.
Take jackets with you as the weather will get colder as the day turns into evening. You may also want to wear thicker socks too.
Garbage bags to keep the trash in. It is polite to take everything back home with you.
Disposable cutlery like forks and chopsticks. You can also use reusable ones too if you would prefer and have them to hand. Also drink cups and plates too.
Tissues and wet wipes in case of sticky hands and spills. It is always best to be prepared.
A bottle opener in case you are celebrating with wine or beer.
Take lots of food that you can share or eat as a set meal. For example a bento box, snacks, sweets, etc.
Remember to take non-alcoholic drinks too as you will need to stay hydrated.
Best Hanami Spots In Nagoya
Nagoya Castle (Aichi)
Visiting Nagoya Castle is like killing two birds with one stone. Not only will you be able to see the thousands upon thousands of cherry blossom trees that are planted here, but also Nagoya Castle.
It was first constructed all the way back in 1609 when shōgun founder Tokugawa Ieyasu was in power. The white of the castle walls contrast beautifully with the pale pink hues of the sakura petals.
The grounds here also include the weeping variety of cherry blossom trees. They look wonderfully elegant. You may find that everything here will make the perfect photo opportunity – so remember to charge either your phone or camera to full battery!
However, there is an entry fee of ¥500. Even so, it is definitely worth seeing.
Nagoya Peace Park (Aichi)
Nagoya Peace Park, otherwise known as Heiwa Koen, is just to the west of Nagoya. To the north you will find Nagoya Zoo and Botanical Gardens too.
This large space is full of greenery, but also trails complete with woodland, ponds, and a cemetery. It is also a great place to see cherry blossoms. There are more than 2,500 planted in this area.
There are also many other trees too, meaning that a lot of different species of bird live within this area. You will also find Nekogahara Lake where lots of people enjoy fishing. Its construction was overseen by Tokugawa Mitsutomo in 1664.
The park is very popular with people who enjoy hanami, and is a great spot to enjoy picnicking with family and friends under the pink petals.
Tsuruma Park (Aichi)
Another fantastic hanami spot is Tsuruma Park which is actually the oldest known park within Nagoya. Often confused with Tsurumai Park due to its similar name, it was first established in the year 1909.
The park includes lots of green space and a European style gazebo. There is also a huge fountain and over 1200 cherry blossom trees.
However, this park becomes extremely busy during hanami due to its popularity. It is known for being a park which becomes so crowded that you likely will end up talking to those sitting around you. Even so, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
People also often like to drink heavily in this park during hanami. Because of this, the park is suitable for those who are looking for a lot of fun in a loud place. If you want a quiet hanami with a young family, then it may be better to look elsewhere.
Fortunately, there are many more places to visit to see the cherry blossoms!
Inuyama Castle (Aichi)
The city Inuyama is located to the north of Nagoya about an hour away. It houses Inuyama Castle which overlooks the beautiful Kiso River. This river separates the prefectures of Gifu and Aichi.
The castle itself was actually in existence before the Edo period, and is considered to be a sacred building because of this. Due to the Edo period beginning in 1603, this makes the castle very old!
While you can’t set up a picnic within the grounds of the castle, it is a beautiful place to take a slow walk around the cherry blossom trees. There are also many opportunities to take wonderful pictures too.
If you do want to have a picnic, then by the river is a great option.
Okazaki Park (Aichi)
Located an hour just outside Nagoya, the Okazaki Castle is said to be the birthplace of Tokugawa Iyeyasu. Take a walk along the Oto River and you will see hundreds of cherry blossom trees.
There are also ‘Great Ieyasu Kou Aoi Bushoutai’ warlords entertaining tourists in full regalia. You can have a picture alongside them too, as well as watch the show that takes place within the grounds.
It is a peaceful place to visit for the cherry blossom season, however you may not be able to set up a picnic. Always check first!
Yamazaki River (Aichi)
Known as Four Seasons Road (located at Yamazaki River), this is the perfect place to go as a couple. While not necessary, it is often seen as a romantic place to stroll during cherry blossom season.
If you are close to Mizuho Undojo Nishi Station by Mizuho Park, you will see over 500 trees that cover the length of just under two miles of the Yamazaki River. Make your way along the path and take in the beautiful sight.
Final Thoughts
If you are taking a trip to Nagoya, Japan, for the cherry blossom season, then you will want to know exactly where to go.
There are many suitable spots within Nagoya to enjoy hanami. This is because there are many places that have cherry blossom trees that are ready to bloom in spring.
There are also places close by to the Aichi prefecture too, meaning you can travel to other locations nearby to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
This is especially useful if you are wanting to find quieter areas to enjoy hanami. However, before you do venture to one of the spots above for a picnic, remember to be prepared.
Take a sheet to sit on, pick up some sakura (cherry blossom) themed food and drink, and remember to remove your shoes. But most of all, live in the present, but also think about fresh new beginnings for the year ahead.
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!
