HANAMI（花見）(Sakura/Cherry Blossoms)

HANAMI means: CHERRY BLOSSOMS VIEWING

.... from the root words 
hana (花) meaning flower and mimasu（見ます） - meaning to see

SPRING TIME's finally here.

My favorite season of the year.

As I can see CHERRY BLOSSOMS everywhere.

 

One of the best season to visit Japan is during spring time. Why? Because aside from the good weather, its during this season that you will be able to see and experience for yourself the famous cherry blossoms festival. You will be amazed with how a tree that "looks like dead" able to produce a very beautiful cherry flower. 

According to Japan Weather Association's forecast (JWA), this year, Tokyo people will be able to enjoy the cherry blossoms earlier than last year. Flowers will start to bloom around March 25. Cherry Blossoms  in full bloom usually last for a week only. So if you are planning to come to enjoy cherry blossoms viewing, make sure to check your schedule. 

Below are the list of my favorite spots in Tokyo for cherry blossoms viewing.

(These are my old pictures, I will just update this blog for pictures of this year's cherry blossom.)

1. UENO PARK

I think Ueno Park is one of the busiest and crowded place during cherry blossoms season. You will see different kinds of people here enjoying the view while with their families or friends chatting, eating & drinking (yes you can bring beer or any alcoholic drinks, it is allowed here in Japan). I love this place because aside from its just near from our house, it's such a big park that no matter how crowded it is you can still move around and find a place to spread your mats and enjoy the rest of the day. If you want to extend until night time, you can. Trees are beautifully lit at night. 

Ueno Park 

With my KUMAREs at Ueno Park enjoying our afternoon bonding 
(its not crowded as we went there on a weekday)

2. CHIDORIGA-FUCHI (Kitanomaru Koen) in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

It is located near the north eastern part the Imperial Palace (another must see in Tokyo). It's not a big park but you will really love the view. What I love most here is: you can rent a boat and enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms around. And in the evening, you will be mesmerized with the "LIGHT UP" where blossoms are like fireflies. (Unfortunately, i cant find a picture at night on my files. Anyway, I'll update this as soon as I'll find one) 

TIP: If possible, do not visit here on weekends, you will really have a hard time moving. 

3. SUMIDA PARK in Asakusa 

This became my favorite hang out after my japanese classes, just behind our school and always the venue of our ohanami party. There are around 1000 cherry trees planted (with equal distances) along the Sumida River. I'll check if they will have ohanami viewing at night this year as it will really be more beautiful with the presence of the Tokyo Sky Tree (another new famous attraction) across the river.

my classmates/schoolmates during our ohanami party

After its full bloom, leaves then start to appear...

So guys, plan out your Tokyo trip now. You still have 2-3 weeks to prepare. Come! See and enjoy this years cherry blossoms.