Throughout Japan, hanami is celebrated from the moment the first sakura (cherry blossoms) begin to bloom, up until the very last petal falls.
There are many ways to celebrate hanami season, but the two most common activities are the blossom viewing promenades and picnics under the trees.
The promenades are usually in the major sakura blossoming sites, like parks, castle gardens, and temple grounds, while the picnics are anywhere the sakura are.
On any given day, you'll see couples or families strolling along paths lined with sakura trees, and groups of tourists peppered throughout the crowds, photographing and admiring the sights in awe.
Weekdays are the best days to go out and enjoy the scenery, because when the weekend hits, the chaotic fun begins.
Weekends at all blossoming sites are completely packed with people.
Hanami picnics in Japan are famous and enjoyed by all.
It's tradition to gather under the sakura trees to admire the surroundings and enjoy the company of friends and loved ones, while eating traditional foods and drinking modern beers or traditional sake.
In the heart of this picnic season, it isn't unusual to see thousands upon thousands of people tightly grouped in every park or anywhere the sakura trees are found.
In some cases, you'll see more people than blossoms, and late arrivals get to play an interesting searching game to find their friends.
The basic items found at almost every picnic party will be decorative plastic ground sheets, beer or sake, bento (traditional Japanese packed lunch), and a variety of traditional hanami foods like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), dango (dumplings), sushi, and takoyaki (octopus dumplings).
Overall, the hanami parties are great fun for everyone and the entire season brings people closer together between long work days and the rushed life in big cities.