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Thank you for always reading.
It’s a bit early, but in about two weeks, cherry blossoms will bloom again—yes, it’s the season for Hanami (flower viewing). Once a year, this fleeting festival lasts only about two weeks. My grandmother, who passed away last year, used to say every year during this season, ‘How fortunate to see the cherry blossoms again.’ (´；ω；｀)
Speaking of Hanami, it’s time for outdoor picnics. If you’re going to do it, why not make it more enjoyable? As someone with decades of experience in outdoor drinking gatherings, let me introduce recommended menus and some clever tips you might not have considered.
Apologies for being a bit nosy. (^^;)
Please enjoy!
Cherry Blossom Forecast: When & Where to See Sakura in Japan
Cherry blossoms bloom for a fleeting moment, and once they’ve bloomed, they delicately scatter away. As a result, their peak timing varies slightly each year due to climate conditions. However, based on statistical average data, the estimated flowering date in central Tokyo is March 24, with the expected full bloom around March 31.
Taking this into account, on average, the peak days for Hanami gatherings fall on weekends at the end of March to early April, including Friday evenings just before. If you prefer less crowded spots, consider going out a week earlier during the preceding weekend. Regardless, let’s hope for good weather and warmth!
By the way, you can find the latest cherry blossom forecast for this year at the following link (↓), so please refer to it for your spring planning:
⇒Cherry Blossom Forecast – Japan Weather Association
Let’s carefully plan and adjust our schedules!
Conditions for a Memorable Outdoor Party
Conditions for a Cherry Blossom Viewing Party.
Actually, anything goes. Whether it’s fireworks, autumn foliage viewing, stargazing, the beach, a river, a ski resort, or watching a race, the basics remain the same when hosting an outdoor gathering.
- Delicious Food
- Comfortable Equipment
- Lightweight Baggage
- Scenic Views (For cherry blossom viewing, it’s best to have an uncrowded open area with plenty of cherry blossoms.)
- Good Weather
Number 5 is mostly a matter of luck, so there’s not much we can do about it. The first four are the essential conditions for a fantastic cherry blossom viewing party. Especially for cherry blossom viewing, the assumption is usually a day trip from central Tokyo by train, so having lightweight baggage (point 3) is crucial. Balancing points 1 and 2 with any conflicting conditions is where the party coordinator’s skills come into play (perhaps a bit exaggerated, but you get the idea).
Now, it’s not a big deal. If you want to splurge, order French catering, hire staff to carry a ton of baggage, and set up a dining set or anything else ーyou can do it. People like that can indulge as they please.
However, for folks like us, who want to enjoy an outdoor gathering conveniently and comfortably, a little ingenuity is necessary. Let’s give it our best shot.
So, let’s delve the specific points one by one. Let’s Go!!
Recommended Snacks (Meals) for Cherry Blossom Viewing Party
What do you usually enjoy during cherry blossom season? Some dry snacks with beer, perhaps? While that’s not a bad choice, it can feel somewhat lacking. Especially for women, we’d prefer something less stereotypically “old man.” Besides, cherry blossom season is still early April. It would be delightful to have some hot dishes to enjoy. And when it comes to nighttime cherry blossoms, even more so.
How about adding a touch of Western or ethnic flavors? Since we are aiming for light snacks, incorporating foreign dishes can create a sense of novelty and make the occasion feel special.
So, let’s get creative and try something a little different from our usual fare!
For Drinks, Wine and Honkaku Shochu Are Recommended.
Let’s start with alcohol.
Without a doubt, it all begins with a drink. A gathering wouldn’t be complete without it.
Initially, you might want to raise a toast with beer or sparkling liquor—cheers! However, beer comes with its fair share of inconveniences:
- Temperature Troubles: Beer needs to be chilled, and warm beer is unappetizing. You’d require a cooler box to keep it cold, which adds to your baggage.
- Chilly Weather: In April, when you’re outdoors, the cold weather can chill you even further.
- Low Alcohol Content: Beer has a low alcohol content, so you end up drinking more, which means heavier loads to carry and frequent trips to the restroom.
…and so on. Well, during summer camping trips, we can drink beer until we collapse. My camping buddies always bring a 10-liter beer dispenser and indulge like there’s no tomorrow!
However, for cherry blossom viewing (Hanami), excessive baggage is fatal. Let’s be practical and exclude beer as an option from the start.
Instead, let’s raise our glasses with room-temperature red wine. Lately, Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon wines priced around 400 yen are surprisingly delicious—much better than some overpriced (around 2000 yen) Bordeaux options. If you’re a group of 5–6 people, having 3–4 bottles should suffice. It’s sure to delight everyone, including the ladies.
But for those who find this insufficient, let’s turn to Honkaku Shochu(authentic shochu). With an alcohol content of 25%, a single pack(1.8L) should suffice. It’s lightweight and easy to carry. Mix it with hot water for a warming effect. And if you’re a fan of shochu on the rocks, consider bringing some ice in a mini soft cooler.
For more inspiration, check out the article below! (↓)
Appetizers That Pair Well with Wine
While dried squid and kaki no tane (spicy rice crackers) are not bad choices, let’s focus on three essentials that perfectly complement wine: prosciutto, cheese, and smoked salmon.
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Prosciutto: If you’re buying from a supermarket, “Lachs Ham” tends to be more delicious for the price. Of course, if you’re feeling fancy, go ahead and prepare some pricey Parma ham or Spanish Jamón Serrano—your call!
- Cheese: Your choice of cheese depends on personal preference. Slicing fresh mozzarella adds a delightful touch. At budget-friendly supermarkets, you can find mozzarella for around 250 yen. But lately, even Parmigiano-Reggiano or Gorgonzola, which pair wonderfully with wine, are available at reasonable prices. Their intense flavors mean you can get away with smaller quantities (remember, baggage weight matters).
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Snack-Style Treats: Consider crackers or tortilla chips (like Doritos) for a casual snacking experience. Look for toppings to pair with crackers at bargain-priced wholesale supermarkets like ‘Gyomu-Super’—affordable liver pâté or various dips await you. As for compatibility with Doritos, nacho cheese is great, but salsa sauce, avocado dip, and sour cream are equally delicious. Plus, they work well for making tacos (which we’ll discuss later). Having a large pack from a wholesale supermarket is convenient.
Hand-Rolled Tacos for Your Main Bento Box
These Mexican soul food tacos are not only perfect for cherry blossom viewing but also ideal for autumn leaf hunting and sports day bento (lunch box).
I’ve previously summarized this in another article, so please read the details here: Taco Story.(↓)
To keep it concise, the advantages of hand-rolled tacos are:
- Minimal preparation required: Just buy the ingredients.
- No need for cooking: no fire equipment necessary.
- Enjoy the process of wrapping: It’s not just about eating; assembling them is fun too.
- Non-traditional Japanese cuisine: You’ll get a taste of something different.
And they can be quite filling. While ideally, I’d pair them with a Corona beer, let’s settle for red wine instead!
Cheese Fondue as a Mini Pot Dish… If You Have Some Extra Space
As I mentioned earlier, cherry blossom viewing in early April can still be chilly. Having a hot pot dish (nabe) adds warmth to the occasion. I’ve tried various options myself, such as using a portable gas stove for mizutaki or oden. However, let’s face it: traditional nabe dishes can be quite demanding. There’s the preparation, the bulk of equipment, and the inevitable food waste. Oden was manageable, but mizutaki? Oh boy, the cabbage and green onion scraps were everywhere!
In contrast, an easy and enjoyable option is cheese fondue.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A mini clay pot (you can find them at 100-yen stores)
- A single gas burner
- Skewers
- Cheese mix (available at supermarkets for around 300-400 yen, specifically labeled for fondue)
- A touch of white wine might be nice too. Refer to the recipe on the cheese mix package.
For ingredients, consider broccoli, sausages, and French bread. Pre-cook the broccoli at home and pack it in a Tupperware. It’s much easier than boiling it on-site, and Tupperware keeps things compact and hassle-free. Picture this: sipping red wine while dipping into the fondue pot—it sets a delightful mood.
Now, it won’t fill you up like oden, but that’s not the point. Western-style dishes add an element of novelty and fun. Back in the day, we’d often do this at ski resorts—silver snowy slopes, blue skies, vivid green broccoli, and a glass of red wine. Beautiful contrasts all around!
As an extra tip, let me introduce a slightly unique and delightful cheese fondue. Instead of using a cheese mix, we’ll use a whole round of Camembert cheese.
Here’s how to do it:
- Set up something like a disposable aluminum plate on top of a gas burner.
- Place the entire Camembert cheese on the plate without removing the rind.
- Use a knife to cut the surface of the cheese into a circular shape, creating a “lid.”
- Heat the cheese until it becomes gooey and melty.
- Now, simply dip your favorite ingredients into the melted cheese and enjoy!
The flavor of this version is exceptional! The key is to use coarsely ground black pepper. It might be a tad more expensive, but since you don’t need a clay pot, your luggage will be lighter, making it even more enjoyable.
I’ve tried this myself, and it’s a winner! For more details, check out this reference article♪(↓)
Small Grilling, such as Skewers and Ray Fin
We’ve mostly focused on Western-style dishes so far, but let’s end with a Japanese recommendation. If you’re already bringing a single gas burner for fondue or other dishes, you might as well try this too.
Admittedly, having a charcoal BBQ during cherry blossom viewing can be quite challenging. However, if you’re just making kushiyaki(skewers), you can manage with a single burner and a cheap wire mesh grill from the 100-yen store. It’s fun to check the doneness while flipping the skewers and enjoying them as they cook. Feel free to choose your favorite ingredients, but here are my recommendations:
- Skewers: Ginkgo nuts, chicken hearts (prepared at home and brought in Tupperware), and shishito peppers seasoned with salt and shichimi (Japanese seven spice).
- Grilled Ray Fin: Seasoned with mayonnaise and shichimi.
- Shiitake Mushrooms: Squeeze some lemon juice over them.
After you’ve had your fill, it’s like a dessert experience. Sip some shochu on the rocks while enjoying the flavors!
Espresso
As a delightful dessert finale:
After enjoying everything else, take a leisurely moment to sip warm coffee while gazing at the falling cherry blossoms—a truly elegant experience.
Instant coffee works fine, but if you happen to have a Moka pot (Moka Express), why not make an espresso? It’s delicious! And perhaps pair it with some cake.
For detailed instructions on making espresso using a Moka pot, check out the link below(↓):
…Well, dreams and aspirations abound, but we can’t possibly take everything with us. The challenge lies in minimizing our luggage while maintaining comfort, as discussed in the next section.
Equipment and Luggage
How can we pack comfortable gear into lightweight luggage? It’s a matter of resourcefulness.
By the way, have you ever observed cherry blossom viewers in Ueno? Occasionally, you’ll spot people bringing kotatsu (heated tables) or similar items. It might be cozy, but the preparation and cleanup must be quite a hassle. What if it rains, though?(^^;)
Picnic Sheet for Cherry Blossom Viewing
Believe it or not, the most crucial item for cherry blossom viewing is the ground mat. Let me emphasize this: ground mats are essential. In fact, they might be even more critical than the food you bring. Surprisingly, many people overlook their importance and underutilize them. Using a proper ground mat can make your experience ten times more comfortable.
Most people typically prepare a leisure sheet (picnic blanket), and that’s not a bad choice. It’s sufficient if you’re on soft natural grass. However, cherry blossom viewing spots often turn out to be on surprisingly hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. So, relying on just one sheet can quickly lead to discomfort in your backside. If you observe people in Ueno during cherry blossom season, you’ll notice that most of them use only a leisure sheet. It seems many aren’t aware of the benefits of having a cushioned layer underneath. Not only does it enhance comfort, but it also provides warmth.
While camping-grade silver mats are ideal (they’re warm and thick), they can be bulky for cherry blossom outings, especially if you’re not driving. In such cases, consider an alternative: 100-yen puzzle mats. These are practically essential for outdoor events.
Now, if you’re enjoying cherry blossoms in a traditional sitting style (like on tatami mats), my top recommendation is cardboard. Cardboard offers excellent cushioning and insulation. In some ways, it might even be more comfortable than your home’s living room floor. When you’re done, you can simply dispose of it (assuming there’s garbage collection at the venue). I recommend using the large cardboard pieces typically used for toilet paper. They’re thick and can cover an area equivalent to about two tatami mats. You might receive them for free at drugstores or home centers if you ask.
As an additional tip, if it’s chilly, consider placing a thin silver mat (available at 100-yen stores) on top for a bit of extra warmth. It’s like having an extra layer of coziness—approximately the size of one tatami mat for one piece (100yen).
Soft Cooler Bag
When it comes to drinks, especially beer, a cooler bag is essential. There’s nothing worse than warm beer. However, I don’t recommend beer here; it’s for a different purpose. If you need to transport items like prosciutto, cheese, or other perishable foods that require refrigeration, consider having a compact-sized cooler bag. Additionally, if you’re carrying shochu (Japanese distilled spirit), having a single rock ice can also serve as a cooling agent.
This portable soft cooler is foldable, making it convenient for the return journey. You can find one at a home center for around 1000 yen. Alternatively, if you can get one for free from a supermarket, disposable styrofoam boxes are also handy.
Single Gas Burner
A single burner is essential for the aforementioned cheese fondue or grilling. Ideally, charcoal would be great, but since we’re not at a campsite, managing it can be quite challenging, and most likely, it’s prohibited by local regulations.
While a regular cassette stove would suffice, it tends to add bulk to your belongings and, frankly, gives off a somewhat “homeless” vibe…(^^;)
If possible, having a compact option like this would give you a smarter style.
For more details, please refer to this article below(↓):
Rolling Cart
Is the official name “carry cart”? It’s the one that flight attendants pull around at airports.
This is also an essential and convenient item for outdoor events. It makes carrying heavy luggage a breeze. You can find it at home improvement stores for around 1000 yen. Since it’s versatile, having one per household is definitely worth it.
How to Find Recommended and Hidden Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo?
Lastly, let’s discuss the best places for cherry blossom viewing. Well, even I don’t know every cherry blossom spot in Tokyo and the surrounding metropolitan area from end to end. So, my information is somewhat casual. But fear not! I encourage everyone to explore hidden gems through word of mouth and other means. In fact, the truly wonderful spots are often kept secret and don’t appear on the internet, you know? (^^😉
Now, let’s list some criteria for an ideal cherry blossom spot—one that you might not want to share with anyone:
- Easily Accessible: Convenient for everyone to gather and return, often located in the heart of the city.
- Abundant Restrooms: Multiple toilets nearby, along with proper waste disposal facilities.
- Spacious and Lesser-Known: Not too crowded, wide open spaces, and not widely recognized.
- Breathtaking Cherry Blossoms: Of course, the cherry blossoms themselves must be stunning.
Admittedly, these are quite stringent conditions. But trust me, those fantastic spots—ones that people won’t readily reveal online—exist. Let’s put in the effort and find them! (^^)
I dislike crowded places, so I want to avoid major spots like Ueno. It seems many others feel the same way. Recently, Kinuta Park and Rinshinomori Park have gained quiet popularity.
Now, here’s a bold idea: Forget the city center and consider a neighborhood park. It’s surprisingly delightful. You have the convenience of handling your belongings and easy access to restrooms. The only challenge is deciding “whose” neighborhood it is—quite the dilemma!
As for my personal favorite, it’s a hidden gem right in the heart of the city, near a station where the University of Tsukuba has its graduate school. Locals must know it well. Here’s a hint: Look for a sloped area. It might not be the comfiest spot due to the diagonal seating, but if you’re curious, go explore♪
Wrap-Up
While I initially intended to keep this concise ,my leisurely writing led to rather lengthy piece.
Regarding outdoor party equipment, it’s not limited to cherry blossom viewing alone—these items come in handy for fireworks, autumn foliage viewing, and even sports days (minus the alcohol, of course). I’ll delve into more details about that when the opportunity arises.
So, thank you very much for sticking with me until the end today.
Wishing you a delightful cherry blossom viewing season!
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