Why not Enjoy Hanami in Kochi this Spring?

   Hanami, or flower viewing, is a popular spring pastime in Japan. From the end of March to mid-April, people gather under the sakura blossoms to eat bento lunches and drink. In Kochi, people are known to start doing hanami even before the sakura bloom. There are also yozakura (night sakura) viewings, where sakura are lit up against the night sky creating a beautiful view. Sakura only bloom for a short period of time, so everyone plans their hanami to try to coincide with when they are in full bloom.
   Hanami have been held by the general public since the Heian period (794 to 1185). It is said that the origin of the modern hanami comes from how people would gather together during this period to drink, eat, and pray for good harvest.
   In this edition we will introduce beer, vital to hanami, and spring-themed wagashi (Japanese sweets). Why not grab something delicious this spring and head out to view the flowers?

Things to bring:

Food, drinks, trash bags (to bring your trash home), a picnic blanket/sheet, warm clothes, wet wipes

Hanami spots recommended by KIA staff:
Kochi City: Kochi Castle Sannomaru; Hitsuzan Park; in front of Culport; the banks of Kagamigawa River 

Niyodogawa Town: Hyotan Sakura Park
Kami City: Kagamino Park
Tosa Town: near Sameura Dam
Aki City: Uchiharano Park