5 Pointers To Keep In Mind For Your Sakura-Viewing Experience!

One of the best parts of the sakura season is enjoying "hanami", or flower viewing. While hanami can be as simple as just a stroll in the park, in Japan it traditionally also involves a picnic party under the blossoming trees; that's why you'll find hanami parties being held in public and private gardens and parks across the country! Looking to join the fun? Here are five pointers to keep in mind for your sakura-viewing experience!

Tips for Seeing Sakura

#1 Transportation If you've hired a car and you're visiting a famous hanami location, it'll be hard to secure a parking place. Do your research beforehand and avoid any illegal parking spots. Hanami can sometimes last well into the evening as viewing "yozakura" (night sakura) is very popular too (many places have illuminated sakura trees). So, if you're taking public transportation, take note of the last train and bus times, or you may end up with a very expensive taxi ride home! Alternatively, pick a location within walking distance so that you can stay and enjoy it as long as you like.

#2 Environment While your excitement to snap lots of photos is understandable, do treat the trees with care. Don't climb the trees, pull or shake the branches, or pick the blossoms. And avoid standing on the trees' roots or setting picnic mats on them, as this can cause significant damage to the trees.

#3 Clothing Dress warm! Even though it's spring in Japan, the air temperature is still quite low (particularly coming from Singapore!); usually around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.