Local Gardens Offer Cherry Blossom 'Hanami' Picnics
As an alternative to traveling for Japan's sakura season, local California gardens are hosting hanami (flower viewing) events. One such venue is offering a "Hanami Picnic" with cultural activities, providing an affordable, family-friendly day trip to see the cherry blossoms.
The tradition of "hanami," or flower viewing, dates back to the Nara Period in Japan (710-794) when aristocrats would gather to admire plum blossoms. By the Heian period (794–1185), the focus shifted to the ephemeral cherry blossom, or sakura, which was seen as a beautiful metaphor for the fleeting nature of life. This centuries-old custom of picnicking under the blossoms, once reserved for the imperial court, became a widespread cultural event for all social classes during the Edo period (1603-1868). Today, these gatherings often include special bento boxes, sake, and sometimes even nighttime viewing called "yozakura," where lanterns illuminate the trees. While Japan's cherry blossom front famously moves from south to north between March and May, Northern California's season offers a similar, though less predictable, window from late February through April. This provides a local and much more affordable alternative to an overseas trip, which can cost a family of four over $7,000, excluding flights. For those in Fremont, a short drive to Saratoga's Hakone Estate and Gardens offers an authentic experience with 45 cherry trees and special "Hanami at Hakone" night viewing events. Daytime adult admission is around $17, providing a budget-friendly option to see varieties like the White Flowering Japanese Cherry. Another nearby option is the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Jose's Kelley Park, which is patterned after the famous Korakuen Garden in Okayama, Japan. The garden features several varieties of cherry trees, including the Prunus serrulata, that bloom around its koi ponds and streams. For a grander celebration, the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco's Japantown is one of the largest on the West Coast, drawing over 200,000 people. This multi-weekend event is free to attend and packed with family-friendly cultural activities, including taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, and a grand parade. Beyond organized events, cherry blossoms can be found across the Bay Area. The Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park has blooming trees in March and April, while Filoli in Woodside features varieties like the Weeping Higan Cherry amidst its vast gardens. Even local spots like San Mateo's Central Park and Cupertino's Memorial Park offer beautiful displays for a simple family picnic.
