Hanami and cherry blossom festivals are held all over Japan in spring. In hanami parties, people have fun, drinking, eating, and singing during the day or night. It is like a picnic under sakura trees. Usually, people bring food, do BBQ, or buy food from vendors for hanami parties. Among various food people eat in hanami, dango is the most common. See Japanese food for hanami.
In popular hanami spots, there are even competitions for the best spots. If you do not like a crowd, you can go to mountains or other quiet places for hanami. Stop by any gardens near you. There are sakura trees everywhere in Japan. If you are planning to visit Kyoto, spring is a good season since Kyoto's historical sites are famous spots for sakura. Sakura in Kyoto.
Cherry blossoms flower at different times throughout Japan. The cherry blossoms begin blooming in January in Okinawa, and they are at their peak in late March to April in Honshu region. In Hokkaido, cherry blossoms usually become in their peak in May. Please refer to the map which shows the average date of sakura flowering in Japan. The blooming period of sakura is very short. Don't miss the best time for hanami in your destinations.
Sakura Forecast Archives
Book a Cheap Flight to Japan (by Kayak)
Japanese Sakura Pictures
Cherry Blossom Festivals
When and Where to Go Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan
