Hanami (“flower viewing”) is the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers. This often involves a picnic party to enjoy the cherry blossoms as well as food and drinks. People have a Hanami party with friends, family or colleagues under cherry trees and have fun. It seems the dazzling cherry blossoms in full bloom make many people get higher than usual. From the end of March to early May, cherry trees bloom all over Japan.
This is pretty serious business for the Japanese people, and the blossom forecast “sakura-zensen” or “cherry blossom front” is announced each year by the weather bureau, and is watched carefully by those planning their hanami party as the blossoms only last a week or two. Hanami at night is called “Yozakura” or “night sakura”. Around Kyoto, in many places such as Maruyama Koen, around Arashiyama or in the park next to Hirano Jinja, temporary paper lanterns are hung for the purpose of “Yozakura”, and numerous shops are set to provide food and beverages.
I have never had any problems taking photos of these scenes and the people enjoying their party. Sure, I do ask as I speak Japanese, but the general mood is fun and happiness, and we always end up sharing a drink and laughing together. I love it! It’s during these Hanami parties that the Japanese people reveal their true nature, which is not always as serious as the salarymen in their suit often show.
Maruyama Kōen (円山公園) is one of Kyoto’s most beloved cherry blossom spots, and its crown jewel is the magnificent weeping cherry tree (shidare-zakura) at the park’s center — you can see it illuminated at night from the end of March to April.
A few highlights about this iconic tree:
- The “Gion no Yozakura” — the weeping cherry is nicknamed the “Night Cherry of Gion” and is estimated to be over 80 years old (it’s actually the second-generation descendant of an even older original tree).
- Illumination — every evening during cherry blossom season, the tree is dramatically lit up, drawing huge crowds for hanami (flower viewing) well into the night.
- Peak bloom — typically late March to early April, which means right now (late March) is prime time! 🌸
- Atmosphere — the park fills with food stalls, picnic blankets, and lantern light, making it one of the most atmospheric hanami spots in all of Japan.
Click on the image for a larger display!
Maruyama Koen
The main entrance to the park is through Yasaka Shrine, which sits at the eastern end of Shijō Street in the Gion District. The park is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty.
