Hanami Starts in Tokyo with Index Tree
How is the official start of hanami season determined in Tokyo? The Japan Meteorological Agency uses a special 'index tree' located at Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine.
Starbucks Japan's First Sakura Drink of 2019
Starbucks Japan is always looking for ways to help people drink in the sakura during hanami season—literally! Here's the first sakura-themed drink of 2019!
2019 Tokyo Sakura Season Officially Begins!
As of Thursday, March 21, the flower frenzy that sweeps the nation has officially begun in Tokyo!
The First Cherry Blossom Forecast of 2019
Just 10 days into 2019, the Japan Meteorological Agency released their first forecast for the upcoming cherry blossom season!
Celebrate 2019 Cherry Blossom Season with Coke
Coca-Cola Japan unveiled new sakura-themed bottles for cherry blossom season in 2019.
Tokyo Hanami Hot Spot: Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park is a beloved spot in Tokyo for cherry blossom viewing. With some 200 cherry blossom trees, it's easy to see why!
Sakura Sake KitKat: Hello Hanami Season
Now that sakura season is in full swing, KitKat's latest release is a sweet, slightly booze-filled way to enjoy the festivities!
Studio Ghibli Goods Catch 2019 Sakura Fever
A Japanese retail chain dedicated to selling official Studio Ghibli merchandise is ready to debut their 2019 cherry blossom season goods!
Starbucks Releases 2019 Cherry Blossom Merch
'Tis almost the season, which means it's time for Starbucks Japan to release another round of cherry blossom merchandise!
Capturing the Perfect Pink of Sakura
The pastel pink of Japan's cherry blossoms paints the country for nearly a month in spring. One artisan has spent years trying to capture this color from nature and use it to dye fabrics.
Riding the Rails: The Sagano Scenic Railway
The Sagano Scenic Railway runs the popular sightseeing train known as the Sagano Romantic Train, which takes you on a seven-kilometer journey between Kyoto’s Arashiyama district—a tourist spot in the Sagano area famous for fall foliage—and Kameoka.
Tokyo Hanami Hot Spot: Ueno Park
This expansive park in eastern Tokyo is one of the most popular places to enjoy cherry blossoms, and with good reason!
Perfectly Pink Sakura-Flavored Baum Cake
The German treat is a Japanese favorite, and popular purveyor Nerinya gives it the spring sakura treatment!
Aomori's Stunning Winter "Cherry Blossoms"
These "cherry blossoms" at Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture are bringing some much needed warmth to Japan's wintery north.
Top 10 Hidden Spots in Nara
Get off the beaten path and take a look at the top 10 hidden spots in the beautiful city of Nara in Japan, courtesy of Trip101!
Experience a New Hanami in Awesome Sakura Pool
This cool sakura-themed bar is set to open on March 22, 2019, which coincides with the predicted bloom date for cherry blossoms in Tokyo!
Sakura-Inspired Torch for the 2020 Olympics
The design for the torch, which will kick off the 2020 Olympic & Paralympic Games in Tokyo, has been revealed. Unsurprisingly, it takes inspiration from Japan's favorite flower!
Surreal Combo of Sakura & Jellyfish at Skytree
The surreal and beautiful combination of cherry blossoms and jellyfish is part of a seasonal event at the Sumida Aquarium.
Updated 2019 Cherry Blossom Forecast!
According to the latest forecast by the JMC, the first blooms are only a little over one month away!
A Crash Course on Tokyo's Plum Blossoms
Spring is one of Japan's most anticipated times of year, with good reason! Plum blossoms pop up in late February, and are the herald of the changing season. Find out what they are, how they're different and where you can see them in Tokyo!
