Hanami Manners in Japan

Spot-saving: a name tag on a sheet is not enough

Reserving a spot by leaving a leisure sheet with a name tag on it, then walking away, is a long-standing hanami custom in Japan. In recent years, though, more parks treat unattended spot-saving as bad manners, or even remove the sheet. Leaving a spot unattended for long stretches invites friction with other visitors, so try to keep at least one person with the sheet at all times.

Some parks ban spot-saving outright and operate strictly first-come, first-served on the day. Check the official rules for your park in advance to be sure.

More parks are banning alcohol

Hanami has a strong association with drinking, but a growing number of parks now ban bringing or consuming alcohol, largely due to trouble from intoxicated visitors, noise and litter. The trend is strongest in urban parks. If you're planning to drink, always confirm the rules for your specific park first.

Sort your gear with the cherry blossom viewing packing list - it adapts to your style and group size.

Taking your trash home is non-negotiable

Litter left behind is the number one complaint about hanami parks. Many parks have no trash cans at all, so taking everything home with you is the rule. Pack several bags for sorting to make cleanup easier. Never leave trash at the base of a cherry tree - it can damage the tree itself, not just look bad.

Be mindful of music and noise

Playing music through speakers during a hanami party is a common source of friction with neighboring groups and nearby residents. Keep the volume down, and be especially quiet at night. Some parks ban playing music outright.