What are the manners for cherry blossom viewing?
Spots are first come, first served, and taking more space than you need is bad manners. Take your trash home, and never break branches or pick blossoms.
Traditions & Events
Cherry blossoms, New Year visits, festivals, fireworks and Obon.
How do you visit a shrine for New Year (hatsumode)?
Hatsumode is the first visit of the year to a shrine or temple. You pray as usual: at shrines two bows, two claps and one bow; at temples, palms together quietly.
Can you take photos at festivals?
At most festivals you can take photos while watching, but do not get in the way of processions or rituals, and follow the organisers’ guidance.
What should you watch out for in festival crowds?
At crowded festivals, follow the directions of staff and security guards, and do not stop suddenly or walk against the flow.
Can you save any spot you like for fireworks?
Spot-saving rules differ by event. Some have paid seating or ban or limit saving spots, so check the official information.
What are the customs of Obon?
Obon is an event to welcome ancestors’ spirits home and honour them. Most areas observe it in mid-August, some in mid-July.