Kevin VH
JapanCurious
Published in
Jun 6, 2024

FEATURED PHOTO

Cherry Blossom Viewing Parties

The cherished tradition of hanami takes place in parks and along riverbanks

Japanese people sitting on tarps, socializing under blooming cherry trees
Photo by author

Every spring, the Japanese look forward to gathering with friends to enjoy the fleeting blossoms of the cherry and plum trees. The party-goers stake their territory by laying out tarps well in advance. The custom of hanami, meaning “flower viewing” is many centuries old.

Kevin VH
JapanCurious

Raised in Wisconsin, my world expanded when I married a woman from Japan. I write about my experiences and perspective in the pub JapanCurious.