Japan’s cherry blossom (sakura)  festivals center on the holding of “hanami” or viewing flowers’ – beloved family and social gatherings held under Sakura trees in full bloom, enjoyed with overflowing food, drinks and fun. This uniquely Japanese tradition signals the arrival of spring.

Let’s take a quick look at the history and culture surrounding hanami.

Valentine’s Day is a day where chocolates are given out, cards are given out, and love is shown. But have you heard of White Day?

Women give gifts to men on February 14th in Japan, and on White Day, women receive gifts return (お返し okaeshi, which means “a return“) from the men to whom they gave Valentine’s Day presents.

It’s more about giving gifts than going out to dinner or getting the “ideal date” on White Day.

Interesting right? Read more about the Japanese White Day.

Made by grinding premium quality, shade-grown tea leaves into a fine powder, matcha has been an important part of Japanese art and culture since the 1100s. Traditionally enjoyed as a whisked beverage made during the Japanese tea ceremony, matcha is more commonly used nowadays to make sweet lattes and desserts. (Source: Google/Matcha Japan).

In the sixteenth century, the tea ceremony as we know it today was born. It was a form of elite artistic expression that enabled Japan’s rulers, warrior elite, and wealthy merchants to forge and strengthen social links.

Learn more about Japan’s iconic cultural ritual, The Tea Ceremony.