Hanami (花見, "flower viewing") is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers. The practice is many centuries old dating to the Nara period (710–794).

Sakura originally was used to divine that year's harvest as well as announce the rice-planting season. People believed in kami inside the trees and made offerings. Afterwards, they partook of the offering with sake.

In modern-day Japan, hanami mostly consists of having an outdoor party, meeting old friends and making new ones beneath the sakura during the daytime or at night.

I look forward to your message and “meeting” you :)