The arrival of spring brings many families together to enjoy the brilliant cherry blossom blooms in a cherished tradition known as hanami. We can’t contain our excitement knowing that at this time next year, we will celebrate the opening of the Hanami Line at Robert T. Matsui Park, a spectacular cherry blossom park to enjoy with friends and community. The Hanami Line is a project of the Sacramento Tree Foundation and is projected to open spring of 2024. Located along the Sacramento River, the park will be home to 103 ‘Pink Flair’ ornamental cherry trees. It will also feature a striking promenade designed with a traditional seigaiha wave pattern, an iconic art sculpture, unique benches made from reclaimed urban wood from the region, and many more distinctive amenities! This unique park will provide a welcoming space to gather, relax and play while celebrating the rich contributions Japanese Americans have made to our region. To learn more about the project, visit sactree.org/hanami, or to make a gift, visit sactree.org/hanami/donate. 

“The Hanami project represents the many contributions of the Japanese American community in the past, the present and continuing as a historical legacy for future generations to embrace. Imagine for a moment, walking under a hundred blossoming cherry trees 35′ high as a gentle breeze sends thousands of petals whirling around you. And on another day, imagine the school children that will be exploring and learning on this site. Our community needs places like this to come to and enjoy, and to add to the beautiful river landscape that joins West Sacramento and the City of Sacramento.”

Julie Teel, Hanami Line Campaign Chair

What does Hanami mean?

Throughout the world, people gather each spring to picnic on the grass or walk under blossoming cherry trees. In Japan, this tradition is called hanami or “flower viewing” and draws thousands of families to picnic, play, and relax in its parks. Cherry blossom trees hold special significance in Japanese culture. The vibrant blooms peak at about two weeks then the petals gently fall to the ground. The short blooms of the pink blossoms symbolize the ephemeral beauty of nature and remind us to appreciate life’s special moments.  

For many, hanami represents a time of reflection and renewal or a fresh start. For students in Japan, the sakura blooms welcome the new school year. Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, Noguchi Yasushi recalls, “In Japan the school year starts in April and cherry blossoms are always in full bloom. That is why in Japan, they remind me of that fresh feeling at the beginning of the new school year. I was always able to renew my commitment to my studies (and sports!) in April while enjoying hanami.” 

Hanami essentials

To prepare for sakura (the Japanese term for cherry blossom) season and spending the day under the cherry blossoms, don’t forget to pack the perfect picnic blanket to lay out under the trees. You’ll also want to bring some local treats to snack on as you enjoy the spring weather under the pink blooms. If you’re looking to fill your picnic basket with some tasty Japanese treats, stop by Mahoroba Japanese Bakery and snag some delicious pastries (they’ll go fast, so be sure to pack plenty to share!) If you’re planning a lunch date under the cherry blossoms, swing by Oto’s Market and pick-up a few fresh bento boxes filled with your favorite, rice, proteins, and veggies. 

The most essential part of the hanami tradition is spending time with your loved ones admiring the flowering cherry trees. Hanami is the perfect time to gather with your family and friends and pass the time eating, chatting, and enjoying each other’s company. Fusako Mizushima, vice president of the Matsuyama-Sacramento Sister City Corp., recalls fond memories of celebrating hanami, “I have wonderful childhood memories of picnics at a nearby park, when my mother made lots of delicious food. We would even share our food with other people who came to enjoy the cherry blossoms.” If you want to be part of this cherished tradition this year, grab a few loved ones and head over to one of the parks listed below, or check out one of the cherry blossom festivals. 

Where to view the blooms in Sacramento

Luckily for Sacramentans, we don’t have to travel far to enjoy hanami! Here’s where you can spot the blooms in Sacramento:  

Southside Park

A project of the Tree Foundation, the Sakura Grove is located near the corner of U and 8^th streets at Southside Park. A beautiful cherry tree grove not only provides a place of relaxation and respite, but also holds a piece of local history in the Japanese community. The neighborhood surrounding Southside Park was once home to many of Sacramento’s Japanese families who were displaced by Japanese internment during World War II and the demolition of Japantown in the 1950s.    

Belle Cooledge Park

Located in South Land Park, Belle Cooledge Park is filled with beautiful cherry blossoms trees donated to the City of Sacramento by the Hamaguchi family of Hiroshima, Japan in 1996. The park also features picnic tables to enjoy a meal with your family, a shaded playground for the little ones, and is the perfect venue to celebrate hanami.  

“When I discovered the beautiful cherry trees at Belle Cooledge Park, I was immediately brought back to the memories from my childhood. For the past 10 years I have enjoyed viewing the cherry blossoms, and picnicking with family and friends every spring.”

Fusako Mizushima, VP of the Matsuyama-Sacramento Sister City Corp.

Check out these other events

The Davis Cherry Blossom Festival A perfect way to celebrate hanami with fun for the entire family! The event features live music and traditional Japanese taiko, food, cultural demonstrations, art and more. Don’t forget to try the seasonal sakura beer brewed specially for the festival! This two-day event takes place on April 22^nd and 23^rd (11AM – 8PM) at Sudwerk Brewing Co. 

The 56^th Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival The largest cherry blossom festival on the West Coast, the event features Japanese cultural performances, traditional arts, live music, the annual Cherry Blossom Queen program and much more! The festival takes place on the weekends of April 8^th-9^th and April 15^th-16^th (11AM – 6PM) in San Francisco’s Japantown.