As soon as the cherry blossom trees begin to bloom, you will notice a change in the air. Not only is it going to get warmer, but it is a time to reflect and celebrate too.
Hanami is a wonderful time to take stock of your life. However, it is also important to enjoy it with friends and family too. If you are hoping to spend time cherry blossom viewing, then you may want to indulge in a hanami party.
For this reason, we shall take a look at what hanami is. Also, we will answer your question of: what should I wear to a hanami party? Find out all you need to know right here.
What Is Hanami?
Hanami is celebrated in Japan once the cherry blossom trees bloom. It translates to ‘cherry blossom viewing’.
As soon as the pink hues take over the landscape, people travel to take a look at them. Even people from abroad make their way to see such a wonderful sight. The color of the petals make for wonderful photos too.
The cherry blossom trees are native to Japan. They are also seen as sacred. In Buddhism, hanami is a time of reflection and thinking about those we have lost. The lifespan of the bloom is incredibly short – around two weeks.
This is seen as a representation of our life. We are born, we live, and then we die. It is inevitable, just like the fact that the cherry blossoms will also die. Having gratitude and thinking about our own mortality is a Buddhist way of life.
This tradition is just something that happens every single year without fail.
Why Have A Hanami Party?
A hanami party is when people indulge themselves with drink and food while sitting by the cherry blossom trees.
The earliest record of hanami being mentioned was in the Tale of Genji which was written in the 11th century. This was when many locals thought that trees had spirits, and this happened to be quite magical.
Cherry blossoms have also always been a time to remind people of things. For example, once the cherry blossoms bloomed it was time to plant the rice seeds.
It was the Imperial Court who began indulging themselves in huge feasts every time the cherry blossom petals sprouted. This came to be known as hanami and it is still celebrated today.
People now sit under the sakura (cherry blossom) trees to enjoy a picnic. It is often full of lots of delicious food and drink. Sometimes people also drink alcohol – though these places can become rowdy!
Where Are Hanami Parties Held?
A hanami party is held under and to the side of cherry blossom trees. It is often a group celebration with friends and family among the sweet smelling petals.
It is always best to have the hanami party outside among the sakura. You can then feel a part of the magic that happens during this time of year. You may want to reflect on your own life as you watch the branches of the tree sway in the breeze.
However, you may have to head down to the area of cherry blossom trees early to get a space. Otherwise, you may face disappointment.
What Should You Wear To A Hanami Party?
When it comes to a hanami party, you will want to think of a few things when it comes to what you wear. Firstly, it will get colder as the day goes on. Secondly, you may want to plan how long you are going to be there for.
There are areas that are very popular during hanami. For example, Ueno Park and Yoyogi Park. You may need to reserve a spot before 8am to ensure you can have a picnic.
While you could reserve it and leave it, it is always best to stay sat on the plastic sheet. Otherwise, there is a chance you may lose your ‘reservation’.
So, what should you wear to a hanami party?
Shoes
Firstly, let’s talk about shoes. When you have a hanami party you will need to remove your footwear. Placing your feet on the plastic sheet is seen as the same way as entering a home.
For this reason, you will need to wear shoes that you can remove easily. They also need to be able to be put back on easily too. Often there are toilets set up close by. So having shoes you can take off and put back on quickly are great.
Another thing you should do is either wear thick socks or take slippers. Because it is still spring the weather will turn cold later on. To ensure your feet stay warm, think in advance what you are going to do.
Outerwear
Spring is always a funny time when it comes to the weather. It can rain, even when you least expect it. It is sunny one minute and then pouring with rain the next.
It is exactly the same in Japan. You will also notice that in spring the weather has different temperatures during the day. It might feel cold in the morning and then warm by noon. As the late afternoon arrives it turns cold again.
While you might turn up to the hanami party at 1pm, always take a warm jacket with you. It will turn cooler as the day goes on. You will regret not taking a jacket or a sweater with you.
You may also need a raincoat or something similar too if the weather forecasts rain. It is spring, after all!
Pants Or Tights
At this time of year you may want to forgo revealing too much skin. The reason for this is because it gets cold in the evening. Unless you are taking a blanket with you, always opt for pants or thicker tights.
Leggings are also a great option. They are comfy and can be worn in a stylish way that does not look sporty – so perhaps avoid the Adidas ones in your closet!
Remember to wear pants that are comfortable too. You will be doing a lot of sitting down. If they dig into your waist or are too tight, then choose something else.
Other Options
You can also dress up a bit if you wish. Think longer dresses with tights. You may also want to choose something traditionally Japanese, though this is not necessary. You will find that most people are casually dressed.
When it comes to hanami, the food and who you are with are the most important things. However, popping in the color pink to match with the sakura never hurts.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to a hanami party, you might be wondering what to wear. However, you will notice that most people are dressed casually.
There are some things to remember however. You need to make sure that you are comfortable. You will also want to have shoes you can put on and take off easily.
The weather should also be taken into account. Even though warmer weather is on the way, spring can be cold. Hanami usually takes place towards the end of March and the beginning of April. The evenings can be very cold, so dress accordingly.
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!
