Every spring, Japan dresses in pink and white with the arrival of Hanami (花見), the traditional celebration of the cherry blossom (sakura). This event, which literally means "looking at flowers", is one of the most expected festivities in the country and an opportunity to enjoy nature in all its splendor.

Its roots go back more than a thousand years

It is said that Emperor Saga, in the 8th century, organized parties under cherry blossoms, but it was during the Edo period (17th-19th centuries) when this practice became popular among the population. Beyond the visual spectacle, the sakura (cherry trees) is a symbol rooted in the cultural essence of Japan. It represents the transience of life and fleeting beauty, which is why, for centuries, it has been associated with reflections on mortality and renewal.

During Hanami, families, friends and coworkers gather under the trees to share a moment of joy and connection with nature, which also marks the beginning of good weather in Japan. A natural spectacle that attracts locals and tourists alike every year.

Events during those days:

• Picnics under the cherry trees: Families, friends and coworkers gather in parks and gardens to share food, drinks and special moments under the blossoming trees. Typical dishes include special bentō, onigiri, sushi, sakura sweets and lots of sake or beer.
• Night illumination "Yozakura" (夜桜): As night falls, some parks light up the cherry trees, creating a magical atmosphere for nighttime walks. It's curious because, although Hanami is known for being a daytime event, Yozakura offers a lesser-known but equally captivating interpretation, quieter and less crowded. 
• Many cities organize festivals with music, traditional dances and activities related to Japanese culture.
• In cities like Kyoto, Tokyo, and Hirosaki, visitors can admire cherry blossoms from viewing platforms or cruise along rivers and lakes surrounded by flowers.

If you're thinking of traveling to enjoy Hanami in 2025, the ideal season varies between March and May, depending on the location. And if you're planning to be in Japan, be sure to adjust your itinerary to coincide with the most impressive moments of the bloom in the following cities.

Regions like Fukuoka, Kochi, and Kagoshima will see the first buds starting March 22, 2025, while in Aomori and Sapporo, further north, flowering is expected to start in late April and early May.

Tokyo is an ideal place to see sakura blossoms due to its many parks and green spaces, including the Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens, Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, Ueno Park, and Asukayama Park, considered the oldest and most famous hanami spot in all of Tokyo.

Although Hanami is a deeply rooted tradition in Japan, the admiration for cherry blossoms has spread to other countries that also celebrate festivals inspired by this custom.

The Japanese cherry tree, especially the Prunus serrulata or sakura, is native to Japan, although it is also found in other parts of Asia, such as China and Korea. And in America or Europe they have been adapted and are successfully cultivated in various places around the world, thanks to their seasonal beauty and their ability to thrive in different climates.

These cherry trees were planted in other parts of the world not only for their aesthetic beauty, but for their value as symbols of friendship, tradition, peace and connection between cultures. The celebration of Hanami and related festivals has become a way to share a cultural legacy while promoting harmony between nations.

Some of the places where similar events are held are:

• United States – The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. is one of the most well-known. The more than 3,000 cherry trees that adorn the Tidal Basin were a gift from Japan in 1912 as a symbol of friendship between the two nations. This gesture was significant and served to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries, and each spring they attract thousands of visitors. In addition to the beauty of the flowers, the festival includes parades, concerts and other cultural activities that celebrate the exchange between Japan and the United States.
• South Korea – Jinhae, a coastal city, hosts the Cherry Blossom Festival, which is one of the largest in the country. The festival offers impressive sakura tunnels as well as a variety of cultural events that attract thousands of tourists each year.
• China – Cherry Blossom Festival in Wuhan. In the Wuhan Botanical Garden and other parks in the country, festivals are held to admire the beauty of cherry blossoms, although with a quieter and less festive approach than in Japan.
• Germany – In Bonn, the Cherry Blossom Festival is known for its famous cherry tunnel on Heerstraße. The day after the fall of the Wall, the Japanese television channel Asashi started a fundraising campaign among its viewers in order to raise money to donate Japanese cherry trees to the city of Berlin. A kind of celebration of German reunification and a symbol of German-Japanese friendship. The result? 140 million yen were collected, representing more than 9,000 trees. The first Sakura was planted in November 1990 on Glienicker brücke, a symbolic place of German division.
• Brazil – In São Paulo, the Japanese community in this country is significant, and organizes the Cherry Blossom Festival in Parque do Carmo. This event not only celebrates the cherry blossoms, but also Japanese culture, with traditional dances, gastronomy and other activities.

Although these festivals have Japanese influences, each country gives its own style and meaning to the celebration, but they all share a fascination with the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms.

Whether in Washington D.C., Jinhae, Wuhan, Bonn or São Paulo, each of these festivals offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture and local traditions. If you are planning to celebrate Hanami this year, make sure your trip coincides with the cherry blossom season and immerse yourself in the magic of these events. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of the Hanami celebration and enjoy a spectacle of nature that will remain in your memory!