Experiencing a unique winter adventure in Japan

Winter Hanami

Hanami, 花見 / はなみ, literally meaning "flower viewing," is a Japanese ritual dating from the 8th century. While today the contemplation of the ephemeral blooming of cherry trees is the most well-known, at the time, residents were particularly fascinated by the blooming of Japanese apricot trees, "Ume," also called Japanese plum trees.

When does the blooming begin?

If you want to experience an authentic Hanami and observe the magnificent plum blossoms appearing on the thin tree branches, you'll need to visit Japan from mid-February onwards.

Where to admire the plum blossoms?

Kyoto: At Kitano Tenmangu temple. With its 2000 plum trees, the temple is a prime location for this Hanami. It notably hosts the "plum blossom festival" (Baika-sai), during which you can admire an ancient plum tree from the imperial palace of the Edo period, enjoy a flea market and discover the outdoor tea ceremony, led by Geishas, guardians of Japanese culture and traditions.

Mito: At Kairaku-en garden, considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, and hosting the plum blossom festival annually. Over 3000 trees of a hundred different varieties are scattered throughout the garden, offering a palette of flower colors and surprising shapes. The flowers bloom from January and can last until April. The city of Mito is located 1h30 by train north of Tokyo.

Osaka: At Tenmangû temple, in downtown Osaka. This Shinto shrine, founded in the year 949 by Emperor Murakami, is very popular and also celebrates the plum blossom festival annually, blooming in the heart of winter, the ultimate symbol of rebirth. You'll also discover an incredible bonsai collection.

Odawara: some 35,000 plum trees and a view of Mount Fuji as a bonus, hard to do better than Odawara for a successful Hanami! Every February for about fifty years, the city has organized a tradition-rich festival to celebrate its plum trees. You'll discover weeping plum trees, taste plum specialties, attend lantern dances, haiku recitals, calligraphy demonstrations, and the highlight of the show, a horseback archery competition by archers in period costumes!

Special winter cultural events:

• Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri): In February, in Hokkaido, this spectacular festival displays monumental ice and snow sculptures. It's one of the most popular in Japan and attracts nearly 2 million people every year!
• Otaru Snow and Light Festival: If you've been to Sapporo, don't miss visiting the neighboring town of Otaru (located 30 minutes by train). At the same time as Sapporo's winter festival, the town of Otaru showcases its heritage by illuminating its canal and the old railway with thousands of floating candles and lanterns.
• Zao Juhyo Festival: the snow monster festival! Every winter, the Zao Juyo ski resort seems to be populated by strange snow creatures. These are actually trees that, bent by winds and heavy with snow, take shapes that will let your imagination run wild.
• The Naked Man Festival (Hadaka Matsuri): yes, exactly, you read that right! Every February, one of the most unique festivals takes place throughout Japan. The most famous celebration is the one held at Saidaiji Kannon-in temple in Okayama. Men wearing loincloths wash themselves with icy water before braving the winter cold. They must face each other in a (fierce but good-natured) struggle to recover amulets blessed by Shinto priests.