Hanami: cherry blossom viewing

It is said that the practice of hanami or cherry blossom viewing, which involves appreciating the cherry blossoms and enjoying the coming of spring, started at an aristocrats’ event during the Nara period (710–794).

桜の花を観賞し、春の到来を楽しむ花見の習慣は、奈良時代（710～794年）の貴族の行事から始まったと言われています。

Every year, people go cherry blossom viewing in various places throughout Japan from March to around early May. While many places are famous for their cherry blossoms, such as shrines, castles, and parks, it’s also possible to fully celebrate the beauty of Japanese cherry blossoms at a nearby school or park.

毎年３月から５月上旬頃にかけて、日本中の様々な場所でお花見が行われます。神社や城、公園など桜の名所は多く存在しますが、近所の学校や公園などでも日本の桜の美しさを十分味わうことができます。

Sakura is the national flower of Japan, and there are many hidden spots that are full of beautiful cherry blossoms all around. Viewing the cherry blossom in Japan is often accompanied by eating Hanami dango (rice dumpling) or Hanami bento (boxed meal) and drinking Hanami zake (Japanese sake).

桜は日本の国花で、辺り一面に美しい桜が広がる隠れた名所が多く存在します。日本のお花見では、「花見団子」や「花見弁当」を食べたり、「花見酒」を飲んだりします。

【重要なフレーズ】
花見：cherry blossom viewing
春の到来：the coming of spring
～の国花：the national flower of …
辺り一面：all around