March In Japan Heralds the Arrival of Spring and Mother Nature’s Marvels

Hinamatsuri is a traditional event held every year on March 3rd to promote the health and happiness of girls. It is also known as Momo no Sekku. In Japanese homes, a staircase-shaped platform covered with red cloth is decorated with Hina dolls (Hina literally means baby bird, and refers to something small and cute) dressed in traditional costumes. The top tier is decorated with dolls that resemble the Emperor and Empress, called Odairi-sama. On the lower tier are dolls in the form of courtesans, musicians, and other maidens. These dolls are modeled after the marriage of the emperor and empress, and the lower tier is decorated with numerous pieces of furniture and paraphernalia from the wedding ceremony. On this day, the girl invites her friends to celebrate together, and customarily they are treated with amazaké low or no alcohol sweet sake, chirashi-sushi (scattered sushi over a bowl of rice), hina-arare (sweetened rice crackers), and hishi-mochi (diamond-shaped tricolored rice cakes). Hotels and museums in Tokyo also hold exhibitions of gorgeous Hina dolls in connection with the Doll Festival. Enjoy the history of Japan and the skills of its doll craftsmen.

From late March to early April, Hanami (flower viewing) will take place in various areas in Tokyo. Hanami is a national pastime, and is extraordinary significant for everyone. Families, friends, and even coworkers schedule time under the cherry blossoms, enjoy eating, drinking, singing while gazing at the blossoms. Newbies of the office are forced to reserve the company place from the morning for the evening party. That task is also a part of this tradition. Shop convenience stores or depachika (basement floors of the department stores) to find seasonal foods to bring to your picnic. These might include hanami bento (lunch boxes with colorful, seasonal ingredients) and sakura mochi (sweet, sticky rice cakes, dyed pink and wrapped in a pickled cherry leaf). Sumida Park is one of the best hanami spots. In fact, it has been selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan by the Nihon Sakura Association. Check here for other hanami spots in Tokyo.