By Paul McInnes
Japan loves an opportunity to indulge in a drink. Anyone that has ever visited Shinjuku, Shibuya or Ueno (or really any other town in Japan) can testify to this. Friday nights can end up in total carnage and rival any mad nights out in London, New York or Sydney. The centuries-old spring tradition of hanami (cherry blossom viewing) has always been a great chance for people to come together, in one of the city’s many parks, under the cherry blossoms and enjoy plenty of booze, food, and chat.
Unfortunately, due to this year’s outbreak of the dreaded coronavirus, it means that most (if not all) hanami parties will be canceled. Usually, Tokyoites have a full schedule in March/April due to various hanami commitments. From family parties and colleagues to various groups of friends, hanami can be an intense social affair. Anyone that has been on the Yamanote Line in spring will know that the alcoholic smell that permeates through the trains can be enough to make you drunk – just from other people’s fumes.
With the chances of enjoying a proper hanami at an all-time low, allow Obsessed With Japan, to guide you to ways of enjoying hanami at home!
Hanami at Home – The Essentials
1. Blue Tarps
Everyone knows that hanami means one thing. A plastic leisure sheet. So place one down in your living room. Perhaps decorate your space, beforehand, with some flowers and plants if you don’t already have some. Always nice to set the scene.
2. Booze
Now, this is important. Sake (nihonshu), beer and chu-hai are all essential. Invite some friends round and ply them with alcoholic goodness. They will, naturally, bring their own booze too. There is always one pal, however, that leaves it late and picks up something from the convenience store on the way to your house. It might be a couple of “one cup” Ozeki (cheap and unrefined sake) or a box of Franzia wine which may well be found many years later under your kitchen sink but it’s the thought that counts. My personal suggestions are good sake (even reasonably priced) like Arakasumi, some of Japan’s nice craft beers like Ginga Kougen or Yona Yona which are sold widely across Japan. For champagne, it has to be a rose (it’s pink and goes well with blossoms) with my favorite being Veuve Clicquot. Not cheap but hanami is only once a year so good to break the bank for a special occasion.
3. Food
Typically for hanami, people bring along an assortment of Japanese food such as yakisoba, curry rice, and onigiri. But you know what, it’s not a big deal and it’s common to see hamburgers, pizza, takoyaki and so on. It’s basically a bring whatever takes your fancy kind of event. Complete it with some sweets or ice-cream.
4. Lights
Make it atmospheric by decking out your room with Japanese lanterns. Picked up from stores such as discount shops such as Donki Quijote or more upscale joints like Tokyu Hands. The Japanese have a quaint tradition named yozakura (evening cherry blossom viewing) which is one of the highlights of any hanami party so some cool lanterns to illuminate as the night goes down sets the scene perfectly.
5. Know your limits
This is nasty but has to be mentioned in any article about hanami. People drink too much and vomit. It’s nature’s way of saying “go home.” So, as most Japanese apartments only have one bathroom then it’s a good idea to have some alternative “sick points.”
6. Clothing
Usually when hanami is outside in parks it’s freezing. So most people bring extra layers. Now, because this year it might well be an indoor occasion, doesn’t mean that you can break out the flip flops and t-shirts. It might well still be cold indoors and to recreate an indoor hanami then it would be rude not to wear a nice sweater or scarf. If you’re going the full Japanese look then look no further than Beams or United Arrows who have some nice outerwear on sale throughout the country.
7. Hanami Tunes
Music is a necessity. Every hanami group needs its own sounds so remember to have a cool hanami playlist ready on Spotify or Apple Music. Any music will do but nice to have an eclectic mix to suit everyone’s musical palate.
8. Hyperdia is your friend
Hyperdia is one of Japan’s most trusted train websites that lets people know the best routes and train lines to take home. There’s always one pal that wants another drink and looks like they are missing their last train. Get on Hyperdia and sort it out before you have an unexpected house guest lying, (most probably) sickly, on your brand new Ikea sofa.
Final words…
So that’s that. Hanami is a truly great time of year in Japan. Everyone looks forward to it. It’s beautiful, you get to drink and eat outdoors with friends and family, listen to music and enjoy being alive in spring. So don’t let any horrible virus ruin it for you. Even if you live overseas, get in the hanami spirit by recreating hanami indoors with your friends and loved ones.
