<P> Hanami ( 花見 , `` flower viewing '' ) is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers ; flowers ( `` hana '' ) are in this case almost always referring to those of the cherry ( `` sakura '' ) or , less frequently , plum ( `` ume '' ) trees . From the end of March to early May , cherry trees bloom all over Japan , and around the first of February on the island of Okinawa . The blossom forecast ( 桜 前線 , sakura - zensen ) `` cherry blossom front '' is announced each year by the weather bureau , and is watched carefully by those planning hanami as the blossoms only last a week or two . In modern - day Japan , hanami mostly consists of having an outdoor party beneath the sakura during daytime or at night . In some contexts the Sino - Japanese term kan'ō ( 観桜 , view - cherry ) is used instead , particularly for festivals . Hanami at night is called yozakura ( 夜桜 ) `` night sakura '' . In many places such as Ueno Park temporary paper lanterns are hung for the purpose of yozakura . On the island of Okinawa , decorative electric lanterns are hung in the trees for evening enjoyment , such as on the trees ascending Mt . Yae , near Motobu Town , or at the Nakijin Castle . </P>
where is the cherry blossom festival held in japan
From the end of March to early May