You can't be in Japan for long without hearing the word 'hanami'. Hanami is,without a doubt, the most popular Springtime event in Japan. Literally translated it means flower watching but hanami is much more than looking at some flowers and not just any flower will do. Hanami is when people of all ages go out into the brisk Spring weather to look at the sakura (cherry blossoms) in full bloom. If you are working in Japan you will more than likely be invited to a hanami party but if you think that it will be a quiet picnic with colleagues spent gazing at the pretty blossoms you may be disappointed. Hanami has become a time when many a stressed out business man gets to let his hair down and have a good time. Expect to see plenty of alcohol and loud revelry under a pink and white canopy. These events are often organized well in advance too, with people laying claims to prime hanami spots by placing plastic sheets on the grass from early in the morning. Sometimes someone is given the job of protecting that spot until later when his colleagues come with bentos (Japanese lunch box meal) and alcohol. Some parks get so crowded the best you can hope for is to walk through. Of course that's on weekends and in the evenings. For peace and quiet, the best time to go is in the early afternoon of a work day. While you will spot quite a few amateur photographers snapping the scenery you should have no problem finding a quiet corner to relax in. If you are lucky you might even be able to find a secluded spot in your neighborhood.

Sakura (Cherry blossoms)

The cherry blossoms start to open in late March to early April in Yokohama and they last only about a week. Warm weather may trigger their early bloom but strong wind may also signal their early demise so it is not recommended to leave your hanami until the last minute. The short life of the cherry blossoms is a part of their attraction and it is seen by some as a symbol for the transience of life. There are various types of sakura trees each with their own charm and special characteristics. The most common cherry blossoms have five petals and come in pink and white but there are also some with up to 100 petals and if you are lucky you will come across a yellow petal variety.

History of Hanami

Hanami is thought to have started in the Nara Period (710-794 A.D.) when the favored blossom was the plum blossom which are still enjoyed by people today. They bloom a little earlier than the sakura. The sakura soon became the blossom of choice though and this custom has lasted through the ages. Hanami has been a major part of Japanese Art and culture since then too, making frequent appearances in art, music and literature. The drinking of alcohol while looking at the blossoms is not just a modern occurrence either. This trend has been attributed to an emperor in the Heian Period (794-1195 A.D.) who used to hold lavish parties under the cherry blossoms. At that time it was just for the elite but over the years has come to be practiced by people from all walks of life.

Yokohama

There are many parks throughout Yokohama that are ideal spots for viewing cherry blossoms but for sheer number of trees you probably can't beat Kodomo no Kuni in Asahi Ward, Mitsuike Koen in Tsurumi or Negishi Park. For more quaint surroundings you could try Sankeien where the old structures and large pond perfectly complement the hanami atmosphere. Drunken revelry may be frowned upon in this historical park though.

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