The first mention of a cherry tree festival in Japan occurs in the eighth century Nihon Shoki, one of the oldest written records in the country. It is also mentioned in the Tale of Genji, Japan's first major novel, written in the 11th century. During the rise of the shogun era (12th to 17th centuries) cherry trees emerged as a common feature on the properties of provincial Japanese rulers (daimyo) and even the emperor. The brevity and beauty of the cherry blossoms were seen as an effective metaphor for life in the bushido warrior culture. It was a living haiku for the warrior-poet to contemplate.
The beauty of blossoming cherry trees has been noted in many cultures, although in Japan it forms an embodiment of the Zen ideal: "simple elegance." Cherry trees on the Japanese islands do not bloom at the same time; there is a wave-like progression as the trees begin blooming far to the south on the small island of Okinawa in January and proceed northward, following the currents of warming weather as winter fades to spring. Hanami parties, like July 4 parties in America, provide venues for friends and families to get together for picnicking and socializing across the Japanese archipelago.
Popular locations for festivals can be crowded and each region offer its own spin on the tradition. At Ueno Park, for instance, paper lanterns are hung and lit for the duration of the blossoming. At Chidorigafuchi, cherry trees overhang ancient moats of the regional castle and tourists can rent boats to view the trees from the water. At night, these trees are lit up for the crowds. Matsumoto Castle permits visitors to explore the castle's grounds while surrounded by the flowering trees. Heian Shrine is noted for its "weeping cherry trees" in its gardens and over its ponds. Some tourists elect to follow the course of blossoming trees, beginning in southernmost region of Okinawa and proceeding northward over the weeks to Hokkaido.
The major component of cherry tree festivals is a picnic. At popular viewing spots, groups are encouraged to arrive early and set up their blanket. Friends, coworkers and family come and go throughout the day. Food, drink, sweets and music are commonplace. In urban areas, vendors can be found on most street corners. Night festivals, such as the famous one at Marayuma Park, often see the trees lit across the parks. Restaurants and shopping bazaars are erected for the occasion and parties run throughout the night.
The most immediate concern for a tourist is choosing which location to visit for hanami parties and getting there early. Like predawn stakeouts for concert tickets, it is paramount for festival-attendees to claim an area of the park or shrine before the crowds arrive. In many places, a claimed spot will be occupied all day and sometimes all night. The picnic blanket or table will typically become the locus of an ongoing mingling of friends and family. Choose a place with easy-to-identify landmarks for people to use to find your picnic.
