Schedule your visit for this glorious time of year, yet take the time to learn the hanami etiquette before you arrive. There are certain things that you should and should not do when engaging in hanami so read on to find out more.
In this guide, we will provide a full checklist of dos and don’ts for hanami etiquette.
The Do’s Of Hanami
Before arriving at your hanami spot, you should bring a few items with you. These items should be enough for you to enjoy a picnic for a few hours so choose them responsibly.
Make sure that you pack a picnic tarp, one large enough to fit your group and the picnic spread. Alongside napkins, utensils, cups, and plates, ensure that your camera or smartphone is fully charged to capture the cherry blossom in all its majesty.
Do Check That Picnics Are Allowed
Before you even pack your picnic, check that picnics are indeed allowed at your desired spot. The last thing you want when getting up early to get to the park in good time is to find out that picnics are banned.
If they are allowed, place your picnic tarp in a clear spot on the grass and remember to take off your shoes.
Do Confirm Park Rules
Certain hanami spots in parks have their own rules so double-check them in advance. Not every park will accept barbecues or even picnics.
Many Japanese citizens enjoy an alcoholic drink with their hanami yet some parks will have an alcohol ban in place. You may also check if there are any specific rules for where to place your picnic tarp.
The hanami viewing spots will also be in public places so be merry but not intoxicated. While public drinking may be legal in general in Japan, it may be banned in specific parks and drunken behavior may annoy others.
If alcohol is allowed, you may want to bring along some sake which is known to be the traditional hanami drink but do drink responsibly (to learn more about drinking sake, read here).
Do Reserve Your Viewing Spot
While you may have sourced your perfect hanami spot, you will want to reserve it early. Get to the gardens or parks as early in the morning as you can.
When you do get to your spot, reserve it with a picnic tarp. Try not to hog the space though, you can overstay your welcome.
Do Be Considerate With Your Actions
The cherry blossom trees are there for everybody so make sure you are considerate. That means not picking a hanami viewing spot too close to anyone else.
Try to be respectful too, not only of the cherry blossom trees themselves but the area in general. That includes not drinking too much so you are not constantly getting up to the toilet.
The Don’ts Of Hanami
When enjoying something as beautiful and almost spiritual as hanami, you need to know the rules. There are certain expectations that come with hanami that means you should be well-mannered.
Being considerate with your actions and surroundings is one thing but you should know specifically what not to do.
Don’t Take Branch Cuttings
The hanami is there to be viewed, not taken home with you. While there may be branch cuttings on the ground, these are to be left alone.
Don’t Sit On Tree Roots
You may be focused on the cherry blossoms up above but be careful where you sit too. It is likely too uncomfortable to sit on a tree root so do not place your picnic tarp over any exposed areas of the tree.
Do not walk on the sakura tree roots either as this can cause unseen damage. Remember that the sakura tree is a living thing so do not come into contact with any exposed part of it, especially the tree roots.
Don’t Touch The Trees
Opt to get as close to the sakura tree as you can but refrain from touching it. That means not handling the tree or hanging your belongings from its branches.
Be mindful of others, even if you are tempted to create your own personalized photos and social media posts. One recent trend is to shake the sakura branches and create a petal shower which does not go down well with many Japanese citizens.
Don’t Overstay Your Welcome
Hanami is for everyone in Japan to enjoy so do not overstay your welcome. Enjoy a picnic and take a few hours over it with friends and family yet vacate your spot for others to enjoy.
While there is an expectation that you will need to reserve a spot, occupying it for multiple hours is unfair to others. Another trend that has occurred recently is for groups to take turns to occupy the same spot.
This is typically performed by university students who will pick a spot early in the day and then allow various groups to take turns. As one group of university students leaves, another comes in to the same spot.
This may seem smart but can deny a hanami spot for days on end when it should be open to everyone.
Don’t Leave Trash
Like any public spot, leave it as close to pristine as you can. That means taking your trash and disposing of it appropriately. You may want to pack an additional bag so you can pack your rubbish and take it with you.
Not only is it frowned upon to leave your trash behind but disposing of it incorrectly is also a strict no-no. There should be public bins in the park yet if these are full, you should be prepared to take and dispose of your trash.
Final Thoughts
Both native Japanese citizens and tourists look forward to hanami. The annual admiring of cherry blossoms marks the arrival of Spring and has a symbolic importance.
To enjoy the ephemeral beauty and charm of hanami, you need to do so properly. Check the cherry blossom calendar first and then make sure you know what is expected of your behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Known As The Ritual Of Hanami?
The ritual of hanami and flower viewing is quite a simple one. The Japanese tradition is an ancient practice that involves gazing at flowers, typically cherry blossoms in Spring.
The ritual has its own sentimental value to the Japanese. That life is beautiful, yet fleeting, which is a wonderful mantra to have behind a traditional celebration.
What Should You Pack In A Picnic To Enjoy During Hanami?
Typical picnic items to take for hanami include sushi rolls (makizushi), a Japanese-style omelet (tamagoyaki), pink and white fish cakes (kamaboko), and sushi rice which is stuffed in fried tofu pouches (inarizushi).
Try to fit in some sake too as it is traditionally the drink to consume during hanami. Just like any picnic, there is the chance of packing too much food and drink which you will have to carry.
As hanami proves to be so popular, you could end up having to carry a lot of your trash back with you as the public bins do fill up.
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!
