Each spring, Japan transforms into a delicate sea of pink and white, marking the arrival of sakura season. Across parks, riverbanks, and temple grounds, people gather beneath cherry trees for hanami—a centuries-old tradition of appreciating the fleeting beauty of blossoms.
But did you know this practice isn’t limited to Japan? From Washington, D.C. to Seoul and beyond, cherry blossom festivals are celebrated around the world. Let’s explore the origins of hanami in Japan and how other countries have embraced this seasonal celebration in their own unique ways.
Hanami in Japan: A Timeless Celebration of Beauty and Impermanence
Hanami (花見), meaning “flower viewing,” has deep cultural roots in Japan. The tradition began during the Nara period (710–784), when aristocrats admired plum blossoms. By the Heian period, cherry blossoms took center stage, becoming a symbol of mono no aware—the awareness of impermanence and the beauty of fleeting moments.
By the Edo period (1603–1868), hanami had become a celebration for all. Today, families, friends, and coworkers spread picnic blankets beneath blooming sakura trees, enjoying food, drinks, and seasonal cheer.
With countless cherry tree varieties across Japan—from the popular Somei Yoshino to late-blooming Kanzan—hanami season stretches from Kyushu in the south to Hokkaido in the north, drawing millions of flower lovers each year.
A Global Phenomenon: Cherry Blossom Festivals Beyond Japan
While hanami began in Japan, the love for cherry blossoms now spans the globe. Let’s take a closer look at how different countries celebrate these ephemeral blooms.
South Korea: Jinhae Gunhangje Festival
Cherry blossoms are just as cherished in South Korea, where spring is welcomed with major festivals. The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival in Jinhae draws over a million visitors to stroll under tunnels of sakura, enjoy parades, and watch military band performances.
Korean hanami often includes street food, live music, and a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere.
China: Poetic Blossoms in Wuhan
In China, cherry blossoms symbolize love, purity, and feminine beauty. The East Lake Cherry Blossom Festival in Wuhan is one of the most famous, featuring scenic gardens and traditional poetry recitals beneath the blooms.
Tea ceremonies, photography, and poetry are central to Chinese cherry blossom celebrations.
Taiwan: Mountain Blossoms and Photo Moments
Taiwan boasts several cherry blossom hotspots, most notably Yangmingshan National Park near Taipei. From late winter to early spring, pink and white blossoms paint the hills, attracting picnickers and photographers alike.
Taiwanese hanami often centers on nature walks, scenic viewing spots, and relaxing picnics with friends and family.
United States: Washington D.C.’s National Cherry Blossom Festival
In 1912, Japan gifted 3,000 cherry trees to the United States as a gesture of friendship. Today, that gift lives on in the form of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. Each spring, the Tidal Basin becomes a floral wonderland.
The multi-week festival features concerts, a parade, Japanese cultural events, and draws over 1.5 million visitors annually.
Germany: Hamburg’s Hanami by the Lake
Hamburg, Germany, celebrates cherry blossoms with its own twist. The city’s Alster Lakes are lined with over 4,000 cherry trees, many donated by the Japanese community.
Each year, the city hosts a Japanese-style Hanami Festival complete with fireworks, food stalls, and even beer and barbecue beneath the blooms—melding German conviviality with Japanese elegance.
The Universal Charm of Cherry Blossoms
What makes cherry blossoms so widely adored?
Their appeal lies in both beauty and symbolism. Across cultures, the brief bloom season reminds us of the transience of life, the importance of living in the moment, and the joy of seasonal change. And no matter where in the world they bloom, sakura invite us to pause, reflect, and celebrate together.
Conclusion: One Flower, Many Traditions
Cherry blossoms may be most closely associated with Japan, but their presence and symbolism have found fertile ground around the world. From Seoul’s city festivals to D.C.’s parades and Hamburg’s lakeside picnics, the spirit of hanami has gone global.
This spring, whether you’re in Tokyo or Toronto, consider joining a cherry blossom festival—or even creating your own. The experience is more than visual—it’s emotional, cultural, and deeply human.
