Beauty in Transience

Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) "season" (it only lasts a week) is a fantastic time to be in Japan. Enjoyed across the nation by young and old alike, it is a festive occasion that has been passed down from generation to generation for some 12 centuries.

The origin of hanami goes back to the 8th century after Japanese aristocrats were visited by Chinese ambassadors who shared their love of their own flower-viewing celebrations. The Imperial family and related aristocracy started holding great feasts during this special time. Yet they were slightly different in tone and timing, as these first celebrations were more religious in nature, and held under plum blossoms, which bloom nearly a month earlier than cherry blossoms.

Their feasts gave thanks to the multitude of gods within Japanese Shinto culture for the coming year's harvest and general good fortune. Gradually, over time, these ceremonies took on a more relaxed and festive atmosphere celebrated by samurai families. Eventually, around the 17th century, the common people began celebrating as well.

In the early decades after opening itself up to the world, and in the name of friendship and diplomacy, Japan has gifted trees to many countries, including the U.S., and the tradition of enjoying the blossoms is catching on, but not like in Japan at all. However, with the Olympics coming in just a few years, the number of visitors to Japan has been increasing every year. From around the world, people have been coming to take in traditional and modern Japanese culture, with hanami as one of their favorites. Laughing, drinking and eating under the pink and white flowers is simply irresistible.

Excited to be in Japan, these visitors have been (understandably) trying to get the best photos of the blossoms. Unfortunately, their methods are damaging some trees. This has concerned many Japanese who have a set of unspoken rules regarding the blossoms (something I imagine not even many Japanese realized until the incidents began to occur). So here are six simple "viewing etiquette" rules for enjoying hanami like the Japanese do.

1. Do not pull on the branches to bring the flowers closer to your face/self for photos.
2. Do not climb the trees.
3. Do not remove the flowers or branches from the trees.
4. Do not trample other foliage or plant life to get a photo.
5. Do not cross into roped off areas or places that might look to be off-limits. You might be trespassing, or walking into an area deemed unsafe.
6. Consider everyone else around you when taking photos.

For visitors to Japan during the months of March, April and May, the Japan Guide has an extensive list of some of the more widely known hanami venues and general blossom times across Japan. It is good to note that these venues will be very crowded during these times, even on weekdays (though weekends will be immeasurably more crowded).

Tourists on an extended stay in Japan can even enjoy moving from the southernmost islands (the Ryukyu or Okinawan islands) in the archipelago to the second largest, Hokkaido, as the blossoming of the trees does not all happen at once. The change is gradual, starting in March and continuing on into May. As the warmer weather progresses, so do the flowers. The Japan Weather Association starts making its predictions as soon as they have appropriate information, but weather is not an exact science. Moreover, it is known to be chilly and rainy during the cherry blossom season as well, and so it pays to be prepared. Those visitors indeed lucky enough to enjoy a picnic under the blossoms (as many Japanese are wont to do) should keep an eye on weather forecasts, and also have a backup plan in case things go awry.

Happy Hanami!