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【国際交流PRアソシエイトからの発信★】Ohanami - Cherry Blossom Viewing (お花見)

桜には様々な楽しみ方がありますが、親しい人とのお花見は格別な楽しさがあるように思います。留学生のリットさんが、お花見の思い出を教えてくれました。春の日に、満開の桜の木の下で過ごした暖かい雰囲気まで伝わってくる記事です。

There are various ways to enjoy cherry blossoms, but I think that cherry blossom viewing　(ohanami) with close friends is particularly fun. Ritt, an international student, shared his memories of ohanami. It is an article that conveys the cheerful atmosphere of spending the day under the cherry blossom trees in full bloom.

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Ohanami - Cherry Blossom Viewing (お花見)

The peak of spring in Morioka has passed, leaving behind green leaves where delicate pink blossoms once swayed. As I look back, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories made during this beautiful season. How was your spring? Did you get the chance to enjoy it to the fullest?

As a student at Iwate University, I've been fortunate to witness the changing seasons in Morioka, each with its own charm, but spring always feels the most alive. Last month, I joined my friends for a cherry blossom viewing at the historic Morioka Castle Ruins Park, a beloved spot for ohanami. It was a wonderful experience to enjoy ohanami in such a traditional setting, and it was truly unforgettable.

We arrived in the late morning, arms full of homemade food, snacks, drinks, and picnic mats. The park was alive with the laughter of families and groups of friends. The cherry trees were in full bloom, their pale pink petals creating a dreamy canopy above us. Beneath them, people relaxed, took photos, played music, and shared food -- all while surrounded by the gentle scent of spring.

We found a cozy spot near one of the cherry blossom trees and set up our picnic. There's something about eating outdoors in good company that makes food taste even better. We had inarizushi, fried chicken, sausages, tempura, bread, takoyaki, and traditional Japanese sweets like daifuku. We talked, laughed, and took dozens of photos -- each trying to capture the magic of the moment.

Beyond the food and fun, ohanami is really about connection. It gave us a precious opportunity to slow down and check in with one another. In the relaxed atmosphere under the blossoms, it felt easy to open up and truly enjoy each other's company. One of the most heartwarming parts of the day was meeting new people. There's a unique sense of community that blossoms during ohanami -- perhaps it's the shared appreciation for nature's fleeting beauty that brings people closer together.

Being part of this tradition made me reflect on something special about Japanese culture -- the deep appreciation for nature and the emphasis on seasonal experiences. There is something beautifully poetic about gathering to celebrate a flower that only blooms for a short time. It teaches us to treasure the moment, to appreciate what we have now, before it fades.

My ohanami experience in Morioka was not just a day of enjoyment, but a memory I will carry with me for years to come. It reminded me of the importance of connection -- with friends, with nature, and with ourselves. It also gave me a deeper understanding of the quiet beauty and richness of everyday life in Japan.