Hanami is a popular term for a very long held custom that every single Japanese citizens are proud of, which is to enjoy the beautiful blossoming flowers all across the country. There is no shortage of good cherry blossom hot spots around Japan but the best as rated among the locals and international travellers would be at Yoshino. Cherry blossom season varies by geographical regions throughout Japan. In Okinawa, it could appear in early January. In Hokkaido, it will only appear in May annually. The general consensus is that throughout the whole country, the main regions usually have their flowers blossom around the March end period. Parties in groups of 5 can be organized during the blossom season and many people have picnics around the area. Families and couples are more than welcome to join in the fun.
Japan offers extreme natural beauties from its cherry trees. Many are amazed by the flower clouds formed during the blossoming season. It is a national event where live broadcast are being played to all corners of the country. News stations have dedicated mapping services that tracks every single progress from pre-bloom to full blossom. It is the only time where all Japanese unite and party away by having a good time without having any concern for monetary reserves. Picnic parties are common during Hanami. Parties start as early as the first buds begins to bloom right up till the final blooming trees. Parties stretch from daytime till the moonlight shines, and it is pretty standard party SOP. Parks will be flooded with massive crowds, all enjoying their cold beer and laughing away with good humor. As long as there is a blossoming cherry trees, there can be Hanami enjoyment. There are of course a few favourite spots among the locals.
Ueno-koen is the undisputed favorite among all favorite spots for the whole of Japan. It contains more than 1000 cherry trees flowering at the same moment and is seen as the holy spot for Hanami fever. In Tokyo, one can also move over to Shinjuku-gyoen, the largest park in Tokyo, and roam around looking for the bet picnic spots as the crowd there is lesser. If you are in Kyoto region, Maruyama-koen is the place to be to experience Hanami. It has an iconic weeping tree known for its humongous size. It is the landmark for the city, drawing hordes of travellers from all over the world. Its lighting is especially good at night. Every 2nd Sunday for the month of April, a once a year special procession will be held at Daigo Ji temple. The procession attempts to re-create cherry blossoming party organized in the 16th century. Travellers can relive the experience similar to people in the past. Another top spot worth mentioning is Yoshino, located in the hill top of Kansai town. Thousands of lively cherry trees were all lined up to form a carpet spiraling down the sides of the mountains. Many do not regret travelling for the awesome view. It could be packed with visitors during the peak season due to the narrow winding streets but still it is worth visiting at least once.
Top Hanami spots are usually booked well in advance for picnic enthusiasts. You will find tarpaulins scattered all across the greenery where people book their prized turf before the sun shines. In order to get a good view right in the middle of all the action of blossom parties, the only way is to be up early as well. One day trip is all you can get for cherry blossoms at the famous Yoshino unless you had booked you place of stay well in advance.
Do not forget about the local attractions over at Yoshino. There is a wooden building known as Kimpusen-Ji where you can safely reach after a short 500 meters walk from a cable car station. In the Ueno-koen, you will be able to locate the National Museum for Tokyo which has 90,000 items on display. It is known to house the world's biggest Japanese art collection. More info can be obtained from Japan's official Tourist website from the National Tourism Organization.