Well, Hanami literally means flower viewing in Japanese Hana meaning flower and me meaning to look.

Hanami is an annual custom that takes place during spring time in Japan between late March and early May.

Cherry trees and plum trees blossom all over the Japanese Islands.

During Hanami season, people of all varieties go out to enjoy the stunning and captivating beauty of flowers and parks shrines and even along the city streets in Japan, cherry blossoms also symbolize the transience of life, which is one of the major themes of Buddhism.

The Sakura or cherry blossom tree is known for its short but bright and exciting blossoming season.

A natural process that metaphorically describes human life.

The practice of Hanami is actually many centuries old.

Hanami was first used as a term to describe the cherry blossom viewing in the famous Haen era novel, The Tale of Genji.

During the Haan period, Ember saga adopted the practice of Hanami by holding flower viewing parties with sake and an array of foods underneath the blossoming sakura trees in the imperial court, which was then located in Kyoto.

This was said to be the origin of Hanami in Japan.

Though the custom of Hanami was once limited to the elite of the imperial court.

It soon spread to Samurai society and by the edo period to common people as well, Tokugawa Yoshimune planted areas of cherry blossom trees to encourage the practice of Hanami by Japanese people of all classes.

Today in Japan, Hanami generally consists of having an outdoor party beneath the Sakura tree.

These celebrations are held during the daytime and at night, Hanami at night is called Yo Zakura or night Sakura.

In many places such as Ueno Park, temporary paper lanterns are hung for the purpose of Yoza.

A usual Honami celebration might include eating and drinking and playing games and listening to music.

Some special dishes are prepared and eaten at these occasions like Dongo Bento and sake too.

It goes without saying Hanami is a very unique and joyous activity celebrated all across Japan every year.

Hanami is a wonderful activity that brings friends, family and co workers together to enjoy the beautiful sights and fragrances of the Sakura tree.