What is Hanami?
Hanami is a traditional Japanese custom spanning centuries and literally means “flower viewing” in Japanese. The custom began with plum blossoms (ume) but the focus slowly turned to the more popular sakura or cherry blossoms instead and the rest is history.
These days, hanami usually involves outdoor parties beneath cherry blossom blooms during the day and at night (yozakura). Even though cherry blossoms are the main star, plum blossom viewing (umemi) still takes place in some areas and are particularly popular with the elderly.
Identify the different flowers like a pro
What to bring to a Hanami?
Here’s a list of hanami picnic essentials to have you looking like a local in no time.
1. Picnic Mat
These can be purchased from discount stores across Japan like Daiso or Don Quijote for as little as JPY100. It’s advisable to buy them beforehand as they won’t be readily available, especially at prime viewing spots.
2. Disposable Utensils
Don’t forget to bring along some plates, cups, cutlery and napkins to enjoy all the delicious food!
3. Blankets
Most locals will recommend staying till evening when the cherry blossom trees are lit up for a completely different experience. Since temperatures tend to dip after sunset, do bring along a blanket or a throw just in case!
Hanami Food
1. Hanami Bento
These themed lunch boxes are more decorative and elaborate compared to your typical convenience store bento.
Here’s a list of must-have items in your bento box:
- Makizushi - sushi rolls
- Inarizushi - sushi wrapped in tofu skin
- Tamago - Japanese style sweet egg omelette
- Kamaboko - pink and white fish cake
Other typical dishes to complete your meal:
- Karaage - Japanese deep fried boneless chicken
- Ebi - deep fried breaded prawn
- Takoyaki - octopus balls with various filling
- Onigiri - Japanese rice balls with various filling
- Tsukemono or salads
2. Hanami Sweets
Your meal isn’t complete until you’ve had some dessert! Here’s 2 quintessential springtime desserts to try:
- Sakura Mochi - Sticky rice cake filled with red bean paste and wrapped in a salted cherry blossom leaf.
- Hanami Dango - Sweet dumplings made from rice flour and typically come served on a skewer in three colours – pink, white and green.
How to Hanami?
What to wear to a Hanami?
It’s a waste not to dress up for such a beautiful season! Go all-out with a gorgeous Japanese kimono and don’t forget to snap pictures while you’re at it!
Klook offers personalized kimono rental services – and you can even get your hair done at the same time! With outlets in Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukuoka, you’re bound to find one near you.
P.S. They have options for men’s kimono too!
Say KonnichiWOW to Japan!
