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Picnic, Parties, Night Viewing, and Funny Traditions You Can Only See in Japan
Every spring in Japan, people look forward to a special tradition called “Hanami,” which means cherry blossom viewing. From late March, parks all over Japan become full of people enjoying the short but beautiful sakura season.
This is not only about looking at flowers, but also about spending fun time together outdoors.
In Japan, hanami often looks like a picnic party. Friends, families, and coworkers bring food, drinks, and sometimes even BBQ sets to the park. People sit on blue sheets under the cherry trees, eat together, drink together, and enjoy the spring weather. It is very casual, fun, and open. You can see this scene in many parks across Japan from the end of March to early April.
PIZZA DELIVERY
One interesting point about hanami is that people bring a lot of food and drinks. Some groups bring homemade lunch boxes, some bring snacks and alcohol, and some even bring full BBQ equipment to the park. Yes, in Japan, it is normal to have a barbecue under cherry blossom trees.
It gets even more surprising. In some cities, you can order pizza delivery directly to the park during hanami.
When ordering, simply tell them the name of the park.
People sit under the trees, drinking beer, eating pizza, and enjoying the flowers at the same time. It is probably one of the most relaxed ways to enjoy spring in the world.
Funny Japanese style
There is also a very funny Japanese tradition during hanami season. In many companies, new employees must go to the park early to save a place for their boss and coworkers. They put down a blue sheet and wait for hours until everyone arrives after work. Sometimes they wait all afternoon alone just to keep the spot. For many Japanese people, this is their first job as a new office worker.
Hanami is not only about flowers. It shows how Japanese people enjoy seasons, nature, and time together. It is simple, a little crazy, very social, and very Japanese.
If you come to Japan in spring, joining a hanami party is one of the best ways to experience real life in Japan, not just sightseeing.
YOZAKURA
Hanami at night is also very popular. This is called “Yozakura,” meaning night cherry blossoms. Many parks turn on lights so people can enjoy the flowers after sunset. Night hanami often has a different atmosphere. After work, many office workers come to the park with their coworkers. You can hear laughter, loud talking, and sometimes karaoke. It becomes more like a party than flower viewing.
Recommended nighttime cherry blossom illuminations
OSAKA CASTLE (Osaka)
The cherry blossom illumination at Osaka Castle is held annually from late March to mid-April in the Nishinomaru Garden, where visitors can enjoy the fantastic sight of approximately 300 Somei Yoshino cherry trees floating against the night sky.
Nijo Castle 2026 SAKURA NIGHTS (Kyoto)
from March 19th to April 19th, 2026, at the World Heritage site of Nijo Castle. The castle grounds, where over 300 cherry trees of approximately 50 varieties bloom, will be illuminated with projections and light displays by NAKED, creating an immersive space where historical architecture and cherry blossom art merge.
Ueno Park (Tokyo)
One of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom spots, with about 1,200 sakura trees including Somei Yoshino. During the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival (late March to early April), paper lanterns and lights illuminate the park at night, creating a beautiful atmosphere around Shinobazu Pond.
