Hanami (meaning “flower viewing” ) is the Japanese custom of enjoying the cherry blossom, or sakura trees in their short period of bloom. It involves a party or a picnic to sit and enjoy the transient blooms, often in parks and gardens.

Stunning Sakura in full bloom

Quite simply, it’s a way to welcome spring and admire the fleeting, seasonal beauty of the Sakura tree whilst meeting up with friends, sitting on sheets of plastic and getting quite drunk under the trees.

Many homeless people do this every single day, but perhaps not by choice. Other strange individuals find this a very appealing way to spend their free time, but it’s not really my cup of tea. I like to enjoy the beautiful but short period of the cherry blossom’s bloom in a more luxurious setting: no sitting on mats, no drinking from cans in the chilly March/April breeze, no crowded…