Hanami translates to “flower viewing” in Japanese. This Japanese traditional custom dates back to the Nara period over a thousand years ago when aristocrats would enjoy the sight of blooming cherry blossoms or sakura. People from the countryside are also treated to the beautiful sight of plum blossoms or ume during this time of the year.

Flower viewing parties were initially celebrated only by the elites and were meant to commemorate the beginning of spring and rice planting season. People believed that kami or gods resided in sakura trees, hence, various offerings like food and sake were made.

From the Edo period in the 1600s up to the present, Hanami turned into a lighthearted festival where everyone can join in on the activities, particularly setting up picnics, drinking sake, and wholesome nighttime revelries.

Before you plan your Hanami-viewing trips, make sure you’re going to the right place at the right time, because sakura blooms across Japan on different dates. This fleeting beauty is depicted in the Japanese concept of mono no aware, meaning "nothing lasts forever."

1. Hanami Bento Box with Sakura Mochi

No Hanami picnic is complete without a specially-made bento box. Since Hanami is all about welcoming spring after a long and cold winter, the traditional Hanami Bento Box contains food with the colors pink, red, and orange in them– the colors of a blooming new season. Alongside rice, salmon, Sakurada or pink sea bream, and simmered kabocha pumpkins and carrots are some of the items you can find in a typical Hanami Bento.

Completing the bento is sakura mochi, a chewy dessert made from pink-colored sticky rice filled with Anko, or red bean paste, and wrapped in cherry blossom leaves.

Japanese convenience stores and online grocery marts sell pink-colored Hanami Bento boxes adorned with cherry blossom prints. You can also assemble your own bento box with your favorite food.

Hanami season or not, onigiri rice balls are a must-have for any kind of picnic. You can make it at home using cooked rice, furikake rice seasoning, nori seaweed wraps, and your preferred filling. You can go for a classic tuna mayo, salmon, pickled plums, and dried fish. Ready-made onigiri in various flavors is also sold in most Japanese convenience stores.

Hanami season is also a time where you can enjoy sakura onigiri that’s made from salted cherry blossoms. It adds a unique and delicate floral taste to your rice, best enjoyed with the view of falling blossoms.

Hanami food usually comes in small, bite-sized pieces so it’s easier to pack and share among friends. However, miso soup is a great exception. The weather may still be cool during the early weeks of spring, so bringing hot miso in an easy-to-carry thermos is always a good idea. With instant miso soups available in the market, you can prep your food, head out early, and choose a good spot under the shade of the blossoms before a huge crowd of sakura viewers arrives.

Now that the picnic food is set, don’t forget to bring refreshments. In Japan, beer and sake are the drink of choice for this occasion but non-alcoholic drinks are more than welcome, especially if you’re having a picnic with kids!

Vending machines can be spotted left and right, so it’s easy to get your fix of cooling drinks like Vitasoy Crysanthemum Tea, soft drinks, and even canned bubble tea! Sakura-flavored drinks are also a must-have to match the mood and ambiance of the season.

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