TOKYO -- In Japanese, “sakura” means cherry blossoms and “hanami” roughly translates ... People were already staking out their picnic spots with the familiar blue tarps and picnic baskets.

KUROSHIO, Kochi Prefecture—A cherry blossom viewing party held here on March 30 was not a typical “hanami” event, given its theme of “avoiding death.” Residents repeatedly tossed ...

A flower-viewing event is taking place at an historic orchard to celebrate Anglo-Japanese relations. Coton Orchard, near Cambridge, is hosting a hanami - the Japanese tradition ... Orchard's ...

Some major parks and popular hanami spots don’t allow sitting down and having a proper picnic – often to alleviate congestion and also to save the trees. It’ll generally be signposted quite ...

Many laid out picnic mats for "hanami" parties under the trees. The Meteorological Agency confirmed the blossoms' first bloom on Monday, marking the official start of the season. Cherry blossoms ...