Every spring, cherry blossoms transform cities and parks around the world into fleeting landscapes. From Japan to Europe and the United States, here are eight of the most beautiful places to celebrate hanami, blending traditions, festivals, and picnics beneath the “sakuras”.
An ancestral Japanese tradition, hanami—literally “flower viewing”—refers to gathering under blooming cherry trees to celebrate the arrival of spring. In Japan, it’s not just about observing the trees. People come together with friends, family, or colleagues to picnic, drink, and share a suspended moment under the sakuras.
This tradition dates back over a thousand years to the Heian period (8th–12th century), when the imperial aristocracy gathered to admire the blossoms and compose poetry. Over time, hanami became more widespread, turning into a true popular ritual, still guided today by blossom forecasts and celebrated across the country as a key moment in the calendar.
The term sakura refers to the cherry blossoms themselves. Fragile and short-lived, they last only about ten days, making them a powerful symbol in Japanese culture: one of transient beauty and the fleeting nature of life, a concept deeply rooted in the country’s aesthetics and philosophy.
Kakunodate, Japan
In Kakunodate, a small town in Akita Prefecture in northern Japan, spring creates a postcard-like setting where heritage meets nature. From mid-April to late April, weeping cherry trees (shidare-zakura) drape the samurai district in pale pink cascades, while the banks of the Hinokinai River form a tunnel of sakuras perfect for strolling. Illuminated at night, the area becomes even more magical. Easily accessible by shinkansen (Japan’s high-speed train) from Tokyo, Kakunodate can be explored on foot from the station.
Tokyo, Japan
In Tokyo, hanami shapes the rhythm of spring, turning the city into a vast gathering beneath blooming cherry trees. From late March to early April, locals and visitors gather in parks to picnic and enjoy this brief season when sakuras are in full bloom. Among the most popular spots, Ueno Park is known for its lively atmosphere and long cherry-lined paths, while Yoyogi Park attracts a more relaxed crowd sharing meals on the grass. Along the Meguro River, the trees form a spectacular tunnel, especially magical in the evening with illuminations. For a quieter atmosphere, Shinjuku Gyoen offers a more refined and contemplative setting.
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