Cherry blossom viewing: Dos and Don'ts

Are you prepared for Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing? Sakura will be blossoming soon in Japan!! Everyone waits for this spring beauty with bated breath and many people go for hanami parties, which is basically sitting under cherry blossom trees admiring their gorgeousness. It is sort of like a picnic! If you're visiting Japan and are still confused of where to go, check our recommended spots in Japan. Once you know where to go, you'd want to know how to enjoy hanami to the fullest.

This feature will walk you through the dos and don'ts for cherry blossom viewing!

Don't touch the blossoms

Sakura bloom for a very short time, usually from first bloom to full bloom takes a week or two. The flowers and petals are extremely fragile.

So breaking or bending branches, touching the petals or plucking flowers is unacceptable.

Other than that, don't shake branches to see the petals fall or climb on the trees.

If you're taking pictures, make sure not to intentionally stand on the roots.

Other than the above: × Do not stop in front of someone else's mat or where someone else is sitting × Do not enter prohibited areas × If you're cycling or using a bike, avoid going over roots

Reserving a space

Most Japanese bring along a mat or sheet. If you wish to block some space, make sure not to block more space than necessary. Also avoid using tents as it blocks views for those sitting away. Tip!

*Place cushions on a mat for effectively using space and warmth

Remember not to hinder pedestrian access while you're admiring the blossoms.

Take your trash with you

Try to use recyclable products and as far as possible take your trash back home with you. Usually additional dustbins are added at parks and other public places during hanami season. Make sure to segregate all your garbage appropriately.

Avoid being noisy

Since most people go for hanami with friends and family, its a time to catch up and brace the glory of spring. Of course, you can drink but make sure not to get drunk and make noise. Respect everyone's space and privacy.

Also driving intoxicated is not allowed in Japan, so please make sure not to drink and drive.

No smoking in public places and stay warm

Many parks and public areas in Japan have no smoking signs. So please go to the designated smoking spots to avoid fires and do not discard cigarette butts everywhere.

Although its technically spring in Japan, the temperature is quite low (around 5-10 degrees). So make sure to dress warm!

Since this is the peak season for domestic as well as international travelers, make sure to be polite and well-mannered so that everyone can create wonderful memories of spring and the blossoms in Japan.