The tradition of hanami (花見, flower viewing) in Japan is many centuries old. The habit is said to have started during the Nara period (710–794) when it was ume (plum) blossoms that people marveled at in the beginning. Sakura (cherry tree) appeared to captivate more attention and hanami was synonymous with sakura by the Heian period (794–1185). From…

Continue reading ➞ Hanami in Japan: The Cheapest Way