Seasons in Japan are an experience and Spring is no exception. When the cherry (sakura) and plum blossoms (ume) begin to bloom, Japanese people gather in parks for hanami —the beloved tradition of flower viewing. Whether it's your first time in Japan or you're coming back for more, hanami is a must-do if you're visiting between early March and mid-April.
And you actually don’t need much to enjoy it. With a bento box from our shop and a quick stop at any department store, you can easily prepare a delicious, beautiful picnic to enjoy with friends or family under the blossoms and immerse yourself in this Japanese tradition for a day.
When is the best time to do a hanami?
As most natural phenomenon, hanami can be hard to time, but a general time frame for the Kansai area is from early March for plum blossom to mid-April for cherry blossoms. If you are in the South, be aware that these dates will be earlier ; if you happen to be visiting Hokkaido, you can actually enjoy most sakura towards the end of April and well into May!
If you’re in doubt, check out the Sakura Weather Map - it is updated yearly and gives you day-to-day information on the blossoms.
If you’re visiting after sakura season, don’t worry: Japan has many more flowers you can enjoy during the Spring, including wisterias (fuji) in May and hydrangeas (ajisai) in June for the Kansai region. Be careful about travelling in June, as Japan has a micro rainy season from mid-June to mid-July, so it might not be the best time to go have a picnic!
What do you need for a good hanami?
A hanami is simply a picnic outside surrounded by flowers. Once you’ve located a lovely spot - you can check our previous blog post to see some of our recommendations to enjoy the blossoms - you will need a couple things, which can all be bought directly in Japan during your trip!
A Picnic Bento Box
Picnic bento boxes are the XL version of your classic bento boxes. With 2 to 3 tiers, they can hold food for up to 5-6 people depending on the model. Browse our picnic box collection and choose a box with a traditional pattern or with your favorite character.
Good Food
A must-have for any picnic. Luckily for you, Japanese people are gourmets. If you can head over to the convenience store to grab some of your favorites, a lesser known way to get delicious food on the go in Japan are department stores’ basement floors. Takashimaya, Daimaru, Isetan are only a few names you’ll find in Kyoto, and they all hide a large choice of shops serving fried food, grilled fish, meat skewers, vegetables dishes, sushis and more.
Picnic Equipment
Besides a bento box, you will obviously need some accessories to enjoy your meal. Most shops in department stores will give you single-use chopsticks as well as wet towels, but you can definitely opt for a more eco-friendly solution and buy yourself a nice pair of chopsticks. Furoshiki also make a great cloth to sit on at the park, but can also be used to wrap your picnic bento before leaving your accommodation.
And obviously, you’ll need good company!
Which picnic bento box to choose for a hanami?
Choosing the right picnic bento box might be difficult: you will not choose the same thing if you’re travelling with a friend or with husband/wife and kids. Here are 2 things to look out for to help you make a decision:
How many people are you?
If you’re only 2-3 people, you will be looking at a smaller 2-tier bento box, usually 15cm wide. If you are a larger group, opt for a 3-tier bento box. A general rule of thumb is to account for 600ml per person.
How do you like to pack your food?
Some people like their food to be organized, some prefer simplicity. If you are the minimalist kind and/or a pro at packing a bento, a box without compartments like the Usagi Mokume Bento Box is best for you. If you like to separate your sides neatly, look for inner compartments, like in our Signature Bento Box or the 18cm Ojyu Bento Box, that comes with removable containers.
Keep in mind these are general recommendations: you will of course need to adapt to the appetites of everywhere, so don’t be afraid to go big!
Our Bento Box Recommendations for a Picnic
Wamon Picnic Bento Box
Type: 2-tier
Style: modern traditional
Ideal for: 2 to 3 people. You can pack a different dish in each tier or use a tier per person like you would with a regular bento box.
Sakura Usagi Hanami Picnic Bento Box
Type: 2 tier with integrated inner compartments and removable containers
Style: traditional and cute
Ideal for: 2-4 people. The 3 compartments of the upper tier and the 9 removable boxes in the bottom one make it ideal for people who enjoy variety.
Ojyu Picnic Bento Box
Type: 3-tier, with optional inner compartments
Style: traditional
Ideal for: 4-6 people. Pack it Japanese style by separating rice from proteins and side dishes, or use the matching inner compartments to easily organize one or two tiers.
Gel-Cooma Family Picnic Bento Box
Type: 1-tier, integrated ice pack
Style: cute and minimalist
Ideal for: 2 people. The ice pack in the lid guarantees your food will stay fresh longer - as long as you have access to a freezer at your accommodation. Perfect for a day trip with a loved one.
Conclusion: If you are visiting Japan during the Spring, add a Hanami to your schedule!
If you're visiting Japan in the Spring, make space in your itinerary for a hanami, a simple way to connect with the season and Japanese culture. All you need is a park, good food (easily found in any department store), a few essentials from our shop, and your favorite travel companions. So grab a picnic bento box, fill it with delicious food, and go enjoy a meal surrounded with nature. It's a memory you’ll take home with you.
Do you usually enjoy hanami? Let us know in the comments!