It has been a long time since I enjoyed Hanami (viewing sakura) last time.
Thanks to Gardens by the Bay who imported cherry blossoms to Singapore, I could enjoy sakura viewing even in Singapore during Blossom Beats which was a limited-time only floral display happening at the Flower Dome. The temperature of the dome were 100% controlled to bloom during the event.
“Hanami (or Sakura, the cherry blossom, viewing)” is the Japanese traditional custom that has continued relatively unchanged since about the eighth century. Friends and family get together under sakura trees in city parks for parties to enjoy the view.
“Hanami at night (or Sakura viewing at night)” is called “Yozakura” and it’s a unique practice cherry. The pale pink blossoms shining in the darkness at night is also beautiful.
Sake drinking with Hanami is called “Hanami-zake”. People in any era since the 8th century have enjoyed sake while view sakura. It might be an original landscape that was deeply imprinted in the hearts of Japanese. Enjoy your favorite sake with beautiful cherry blossoms.
Unfortunately, we could not drink sake in the Flower Dome, but hopefully we can do hanami-zake some day even in Singapore!
