Comprised of the Japanese word for ‘flower’ and the character meaning ‘hazy or blurred’, HANAGASUMI describes that quintessential springtime scene where the petals of countless neighbouring cherry-blossom trees appear like marshmallow-y clouds on the horizon.

As we enter further into March, riverbanks and boulevards all across Japan will at some point be lined with the very hazy curtain of petals that we're all crazy about - even the locals! 

But how to prepare for it? Luckily, cherry blossoms in Japan are beautiful no matter where you go! Our advice: skip the crowds in the usual hotspots and opt for a stroll along the river until you come across a quiet spot under the pink clouds to set up your 'hanami' picnic! It's as simple as that.