[English/Japanese]
The day before yesterday, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that cherry blossoms had bloomed in Tokyo. In Japan, this time of year’s weather forecast reports not only temperatures and conditions but also the status of the cherry blossoms. Hanami, a traditional Japanese event, began 1,300 years ago and is popular with foreign tourists. In this issue, we introduce hanami etiquette.
1 The star of the show is the cherry blossoms
Cherry blossom viewing means eating and drinking under the cherry trees. Cherry trees are very delicate. When you eat, do not place a sheet at the base of the cherry tree. The base of the tree is where it breathes, so place your sheet away from it. Also, do not break cherry branches just because their blossoms are beautiful. Cherry blossoms decompose easily. If you break a branch, you may have to pay a fine for damage to property. Please be careful.
2 Park rules
During holidays at this time of year, the number of people viewing cherry blossoms in parks increases greatly. Some parks are lit up at night and become popular date spots. Each park has different rules, so check the park rules before going to hanami. For example, some parks prohibit bringing alcoholic beverages, while others forbid the use of fire. Also, be sure to take your trash home and clean up properly before you finish your hanami. Even though it is spring, nights can get very cold, so bring warm clothing.
3 Cherry blossom motif goods
Hanami is not limited to parks. During this season, you will see many cherry blossom–inspired decorations around the city and in stores. At cafes, you can enjoy cherry blossom latte art and pink cakes. At general stores, you can find products printed with cherry blossoms. Because they are available only during this season, they are popular as souvenirs. Look for them!
Hachioji, where our school is located, has many famous cherry blossom viewing spots. Some parks are lit up at night, so be sure to visit them!
Tokyo announced two days ago that cherry blossoms had opened, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. In Japan, at this time of year the weather forecast reports not only temperature and weather but also the condition of the cherry blossoms. The traditional Japanese event hanami began 1,300 years ago and is popular with foreign tourists. This time, we introduce hanami manners.
1 The cherry blossoms are the main attraction
Hanami means eating and drinking under the cherry trees. Cherry trees are very delicate. When eating, do not place a sheet at the tree’s base. The tree’s base is where it breathes. Lay your sheet away from it. Also, do not break branches just because the blossoms are beautiful. Cherry trees rot easily, and breaking a branch can be punished as property damage with a fine. Take care.
2 Park rules
On holidays at this time of year, the number of people enjoying hanami in parks increases greatly. Some places are lit up at night and become popular date spots. Park rules differ, so always check a park’s rules before having hanami there. For example, some parks ban bringing alcohol, and others prohibit using fire. Also, take your trash home and clean up properly when you finish. Although it is spring, nights can be very cold, so don’t forget warm clothing.
3 Cherry-themed goods
Hanami is not only in parks. In this season you can see many cherry blossom–themed decorations around town and in shops. At cafes, try cherry blossom latte art and pink cakes. At gift shops, you will find items printed with cherry blossoms. Because they are seasonal, they are popular as souvenirs. Please look for them.
Hachioji, where our school is located, has many famous cherry blossom spots. Some parks are lit up at night, so be sure to visit them!
Show original text