Every spring, cherry trees burst into pale pink and white flowers all across Japan. Families and friends gather under the branches to eat, play and enjoy the view in a tradition called hanami (flower watching).
I learned about hanami, the custom of sitting beneath blossoming cherry trees to admire the flowers, share food, sing songs and celebrate the start of spring.
Cherry blossoms last only a week or two, so people come together to celebrate how beautiful life is, even if it’s short. Hanami reminds everyone to appreciate special moments with friends and family.
Yes. Sakura bloom when the weather warms, turning parks and riverbanks pink. Cities sometimes hang lanterns and spotlights in the trees (called yozakura, or “night cherry blossoms”) so people can enjoy the glowing flowers after sunset. They also shine lights at the sakuras from below, illuminating them at night.
