As the season turns cooler and we prepare our precious annual leaves for the next year, many of us make it a point to visit Japan for the ever-elusive sakura blooming season.

While to us, the seas of pink is a breathtaking sight, there’s much more to the tradition of appreciating spring for the locals. Ohanami (or cherry blossom flower viewing) is one of them.

Though it seems straightforward enough to just have a picnic under the trees, there is a whole list of do’s and don’ts that you might not know about.

DAMAGE

It goes without saying that you shouldn’t damage the trees in any way at all. While it seems obvious and almost “duh”-worthy enough, it’s still important to reiterate that the trees are meant for everyone’s enjoyment. Do not hang or place any belongings on the trunks or branches, or even scratch or draw on any surface of the tree.

You’ve probably seen a few videos of terrible tourists that shake or even kick the trees and branches to create a petal shower, all for the sake of a few selfies. Some even break off branches to bring back as souvenirs.

DRINKING

With an amazing view and a generous spread of food on an easy-going afternoon, Ohanami makes for the perfect time to kick back and catch up with your friends. Chances are, you’re not the only one shares the same sentiment, as with the other hanami-goers. All it takes is for one person to have had too much to drink to ruin the atmosphere for everyone, so do control your alcohol intake.

LITTER

Japan’s clean streets are just one of the many reasons why we love them, and when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Littering is not just illegal, but downright rude as well. Most public areas in Japan don’t provide garbage bins either, so the most acceptable way to clean up is to bring the trash home to sort and recycle accordingly.

MATS

While certain popular spots such as parks might have blue tarps set up for hanami viewers, most areas don’t provide mats so it’s recommended to bring your own. A sheet or a blanket works just fine if you don’t plan on buying a picnic mat just for this.

PHOTOS

Rather than bringing home any physical souvenirs, the best memorabilia would be photos. Considering how it’s such a special event, it’s highly encouraged to take as many photos as possible. Though do keep in mind not to disturb the rest by obstructing the pathways.

PICNICS

It’s also common to see locals preparing picnic baskets just for ohanami parties. Most of them pack small bites such as karaage or sandwiches, but if you don’t have time to cook anything in advance, convenient shops are the perfect place to hit up for some last minute purchases.

RULES & REGULATIONS

Every province, town and park have their own specific set of rules and regulations to abide by. Do make it a point to research ahead, as some places might have additional clauses not present elsewhere. This is especially so if you’re planning on having a barbeque.

SPACE-HOGGING

No one likes hoggers. Sure, it’s nice to have a lot of space, but there’s a lot of people who need that space too. Take up only as much space as you need for the number of people you have with you, and though it’s alright to save a space in advance, don’t go overboard by reserving the same spot for longer than necessary.

TRANSPORT

Chances are, you’ll be travelling around by public transport. As ohanami parties can carry on into the wee hours of the night, we advise checking to see when the last train is, least of all you get stranded on the street. After all, taxis are extremely expensive, and who knows if you’ll even find one in the area.

TREE ROOTS

Perhaps one of the less obvious things to note is that Sakura tree roots are particularly fragile. While we might think it’s alright as long as we don’t pick flowers or break branches, by sitting on stepping on the roots of the tree, we damage it by giving it unnecessary pressure. Do your best to distance yourselves from the trees when enjoying the view, regardless of sitting or walking.

Our guide to Japan’s Cherry Blossoms 2019 forecast will provide you with details on when and where you can view cherry blossoms in Japan.

Come March every year, Japan plays host to throngs and throngs of tourists as it transforms into a visually arresting sea of pink that blankets the country in soft, beautiful splendour. Celebrated for many years, this iconic flower holds a very prominent position in Japanese culture. With over dozens of different cherry blossom varieties blooming together for just a few short weeks a year, it’s no wonder Hanami is such an important event.

If you’re planning a trip to have your breath taken away, it’s definitely important to take note of the flowering dates, least you have the unfortunate luck of them blooming just before or after your trip.

Sure enough, the winds and weather are ever-changing, and the dates an estimate, but it’s always good to know roughly when the cherry season will hit Japan in 2019 and where best to enjoy the views.

FUKUOKA

Kyushu’s largest and one of the most populated cities in Japan, Fukuoka sees to a rich blend of mainland Asian influence due to its geographical proximity.

Best Places In Fukuoka To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Uminonakamichi Seaside Park — 811-0321 Fukuoka Prefecture, 18-25 Oaza Saitozaki, East Ward
2. Fukuoka Castle Ruins – 810-0043 Fukuoka Prefecture, Jonai, Chuo Ward

Flowering Period: 18th March – 4th April
Full Bloom: 27th March – 4th April

FUKUSHIMA

Fukushima is home to a range of spectacular volcanic landscapes, excellent hot spring waters, prominent castles and most notably, outstanding sakura and Momiji spots.

Best Places In Fukushima To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Natsui River Senbonzakura – 963-3312 Fukushima Prefecture, Tamura-gun, Ono-machi, Natsui
2. Ogawa Suwa Shrine – 979-3123 Fukushima Prefecture, Miyanoushiro-67 Ogawamachi Shioda, Iwaki

Flowering Period: 30th March – 14th April
Full Bloom: 4th April – 12th April

HOKKAIDO

Unspoilt by mankind, Hokkaido attracts many outdoor nature lovers all year round, with skiers and snowboarders in winter and hikers and campers in summer.

Best Places In Hokkaido To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Noboribetsu Onsen Sakura Tunnel – Nakanoboribetsu-cho, Noboribetsu Hokkaido
2. Arashiyama Koen – 071-1249 Hokkaido, Kamikawa District, Takasu, 9 Sen

Flowering Period: 1st May – 13th May
Full Bloom: 2nd May – 5th May

HIROSHIMA

Located in the southwestern part of Japan, Hiroshima is rich in the natural beauty of the Inland Sea and the Chugoku mountains that characterise Japan’s landscape.

Best Places In Hiroshima To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Five Storied Pagoda – 739-0588 Hiroshima Prefecture, 419 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi
2. Shukkei-en – 730-0014 Hiroshima Prefecture, 2-11 Kaminoboricho, Naka Ward

Flowering Period: 20th March – 5th April
Full Bloom: 28th March – 5th April

KANAZAWA

The capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, the city is filled with many historical attractions such as restored residences and districts and is home to Japan’s best landscape garden.

Best Places In Kanazawa To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Kenroku-en – 920-0936 Ishikawa Prefecture, 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa
2. Kanazawa Castle – 920-0937 Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa, Marunouchi

Flowering Period: 29th March – 12th April
Full Bloom: 3rd April – 8th April

Photo Credit: Niindo

KOBE

Kobe is the capital of the Hyogo Prefecture and the sixth largest city in Japan. It is best known for its highly-coveted Kobe beef. Besides that, it has beautiful scenic landscapes and is considered one of Japan’s most attractive cities.

Best Places In Kobe To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Egeyama Park — 3-1 Egeyama, Kobe, Hyogo perfecture
2. Gokoku Shrine — 4 Chome-5-1 Shinohara Kitamachi, Nada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture 657-0068, Japan

Flowering Period: 21st March – 7th April
Blooming Period: 29th March – 7th April

Photo Credit: Travelcaffeine 

KYOTO 

Kyoto was once the capital of Japan and is still a hotspot for tourists who are love with its beautiful landscapes as well as its gorgeous traditional Buddhist temples, imperial palaces and gardens.

Best Places In Kyoto To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Heian Shrine — Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8341, Japan
2. Daigoji Temple — 22 Daigohigashiojicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 601-1325, Japan

Flowering Period: 21st March – 3rd April
Blooming Period: 28th March – 3rd April

Photo Credit: Japan Travel 

NAGOYA 

Nagoya is Japan’s fourth most populated city as well as the capital of the Aichi Prefecture. This in-between place between Tokyo and Kyoto is a place full of beautiful shrines as well as the Majestic Nagoya Castle.

Best Places In Nagoya To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Nagoya Castle – 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 460-0031, Japan
2. Nagoya Peace Park – 1-3 Heiwakoen, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 464-0022, Japan

Flowering Period: 19th March – 2nd April
Blooming Period: 27th March – 2nd April

Photo Credit: AnnainJapana

NARA 

The first thought that comes to mind when one mentions Nara is their adorable free-roaming deer in Nara Park. Nara was also Japan’s capital in the 8th century, and hence, it is home to a very rich culture and history.

Best Places in Nara To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Nara Park – Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan
2. Yoshimizu-jinja Shrine – 579 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture 639-3115, Japan

Flowering Period: 22nd March – 4th April
Blooming Period: 29th March – 4th April

Photo Credit: Flickr

OSAKA 

Osaka is Japan’s second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo and is one of the most popular cities in Japan. It is well-known for its amazing street food, culture and gorgeous scenic locations.

Best Places In Osaka To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Expo 70 Commemorative Park – 1-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka Prefecture 565-0826, Japan
2. Osaka Castle – 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002, Japan

Flowering Period: 20th March – 4th April
Blooming Period: 26th March – 4th April

Photo Credit: Boredpanda

SHIZUOKA 

Shizuoka is sometimes referred to as Japan’s Rivera and is located along the Pacific coast in the south of Chuba Region. Their most famous product here is their delicious, fragrant tea.

Best Places In Shizuoka To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Shizuoka Sengen Park – 3 Sengencho, Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture 410-0886, Japan
2. Sunpu Castle Park – 1-1 Sunpujokoen, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture 420-0855, Japan

Flowering Period: 18th March – 4th April
Blooming Period: 27th March – 4th April

Photo Credit: Newscult 

TOKYO 

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and is a fast-paced city that is the perfect balance of modern and traditional. There is so much to do in Tokyo and it offers tourists unlimited choices with regards to shopping, entertainment, culture as well as food.

Best Places In Tokyo To View Cherry Blossoms:

1. Shinjuku Gyeon – 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
2. Yoyogi Park – 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan

Flowering Period: 15th Match – 1st April
Blooming Period: 22nd March – 1st April

Read: 24 unique experiences that will make you fall in love with Japan.