The cherry blossom (sakura) is the national flower of Japan and sakura-viewing parties (hanami) and festivals are held all over Japan in springtime. This has been a Japanese custom since the 7th century, when the aristocrats enjoyed looking at the cherry blossoms and writing poems. At a sakura festival, people drink, eat, and sing throughout the day and night. People bring food, barbecue, and buy food from vendors. So be inspired by this tradition and invite your loved one for a romantic picnic for …two. Prepare a bento box with small Japanese dishes and don't forget to pack blankets and cushions. The sakura begin blooming in January in Okinawa, and they are at their peak in late March to April on Honshu, Japan's main island. On Hokkaido, to the north, cherry blossoms usually reach their peak in May. There are hundreds of sakura festivals held in Japan from January to June. At a sakura festival, various events are held, such as, tea ceremonies, taiko performances, and so on. In many festivals, the cherry blossoms are illuminated at night. We have chosen the April 2 for this Sakura Festival picnic, but do it whenever the cherry trees blossom where you live→