is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers, flowers ("hana") in this case almost always referring to those of the
cherry ("
sakura") or, less frequently,
plum ("ume") trees. From the end of March to early May, sakura bloom all over Japan, and around the first of February on the island of
Okinawa. The is announced each year by the
weather bureau, and is watched carefully by those planning
hanami as the blossoms only last a week or two. In modern-day Japan,
hanami mostly consists of having an outdoor party beneath the sakura during daytime or at night. In some contexts the
Sino-Japanese term is used instead, particularly for festivals.
Hanami at night is called . In many places such as
Ueno Park temporary
paper lanterns are hung for the purpose of
yozakura. On the island of Okinawa, decorative electric lanterns are hung in the trees for evening enjoyment, such as on the trees ascending Mt. Yae, near
Motobu Town, or at the
Nakijin Castle.
