Last Updated on February 18, 2026 by Vlad
Cherry blossoms and drinking have been connected for over a thousand years. The 10th-century poet Ki no Tomonori famously wrote: “If there were no cherry blossoms in this world, the heart of spring would be at peace.“ But here we are, centuries later, still sitting under sakura trees with a cold drink in hand, watching petals drift past.
If you’re coming from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, or North America, one of the most striking things about hanami is how normal it is to crack open a beer or pour some sake in a public park. No overregulation, no anxious glances at police, no brown paper bags. People of all ages sit under the blossoms with a drink – sometimes several (I am one of them) – and somehow, everyone behaves themselves. In all the hanami I’ve attended over the years, I am yet to see a single episode of drunken or disorderly behaviour. It’s refreshingly civilised.
Here’s everything you need to know about hanami drinks – what to drink, where to get it, and how to enjoy it properly under the sakura.
The Classic: Nihonshu (Sake)
Sake and cherry blossoms have been paired for centuries, and for good reason. There’s something about the ritual of pouring for someone else, the warmth of the cup in your hand, and the gentle buzz that makes watching petals fall just a little more poetic.
Why Sake Works
- Traditional pairing that dates back over a thousand years
- Can be served warm (nurukan) or chilled depending on the weather – although you’ll probably drink it chilled
- Wide range of prices – you can go premium or grab a decent small bottle from a konbini for ¥500
- Symbolically tied to celebration and seasonal appreciation
Types to Look For
- Junmai – Pure rice sake with no added alcohol. Food-friendly, balanced, and a safe choice if you’re new to sake. Slightly sweet (not my cup of tea to be honest).
- Ginjo – Fragrant, fruity, and polished. Beautiful for cherry blossom viewing when you want something delicate.
- Nigori – Cloudy, unfiltered, and slightly sweeter. A crowd-pleaser, especially if your group isn’t sake-experienced.
- Seasonal sakura sake – Limited-edition spring releases in pink bottles with floral notes. Worth trying once for the novelty, though quality varies.
Where to Buy
- Convenience stores – Small cartons and single-serve cups (ochoko) are perfect for hanami. FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, and Lawson all stock a decent range.
- Supermarkets – Larger choice than than convenience stores. From budget to premium, and everything in between.
- Bottle shops (liquor stores) – Better selection and knowledgeable staff if you speak Japanese. Good if you want something specific or unique.
- Department store basements (depachika) – Premium options and seasonal releases.
- Vending machines – Yes, sake vending machines still exist. But are not common or easy to find these days.
How to Serve
- Bring small cups (ochoko) if you’re sharing with a group – it makes the experience feel more special. Even if you are doing a solo hanami, you don’t typically drink from the bottle.
- Pour for others and let them pour for you. This is important – never pour your own drink if someone else can do it for you.
- Say “kanpai!” before drinking (kanpai = cheers)
- If you spill some (I once knocked over a half-full bottle), don’t panic – just duck to the nearest konbini and replace it. Five-minute round trip, problem solved.
The Modern Favourite: Chu-hi (Chuhai)
Chu-hi is everywhere during hanami season – and for good reason according to some. It’s refreshing, fruity, easy to drink, RTD alcoholic beverage, and comes in about 47 different flavours. Think of it as Japan’s answer to a canned cocktail, except better.
What It Is
- Shochu-based (a distilled spirit), carbonated, and fruit-flavoured
- Usually 3–9% alcohol – light enough to sip all afternoon
- Sold in cans, ice-cold from any konbini
Best Hanami Flavours
- Lemon – The standard. Reliable, tart, refreshing.
- Grapefruit – Slightly sweeter than lemon, still crisp.
- Shikuwasa – Okinawan citrus. Tart and interesting if you want something different.
- Seasonal sakura flavour – Limited spring release. Tastes vaguely floral. Worth trying once for the Instagram photo, if nothing else.
- Peach – Sweet and popular, especially with younger drinkers.
- Ume (plum) – Slightly sour, very Japanese.
Where to Buy
Every convenience store in Japan. Supermarkets. You cannot escape chu-hi, and that’s a good thing.
Pro Tips
- Strong Zero = higher alcohol content (9%), still tasty, gets you there faster
- Drink straight from the can or pour over ice if you’ve brought a cup
- Buy a variety pack so your group can try different flavours
Need a full shopping list for your hanami spread? Check out my Convenience Store Hanami guide for exactly what to grab.
Beer Under the Blossoms
Beer is my go-to hanami drink. Sometimes it’s Yebisu, sometimes Sapporo, sometimes Suntory Premium Malts, sometimes Kirin. Never Asahi – personal preference, as I find it too simple and weak for a great afternoon under the trees.
Major Brands
- Asahi Super Dry – Crisp, ubiquitous, and polarising. Some people swear by it. I’m not one of them.
- Kirin Lager – Classic, reliable, smooth. A safe choice.
- Sapporo Black Star – Smooth and easy-drinking. The black label cans are iconic.
- Suntory Premium Malts – Higher-end, genuinely delicious, and worth the extra ¥100–150. This is my pick when I want something a bit nicer.
- Yebisu – Rich, malty, premium feel. Great for hanami if you’re treating yourself.
Spring Seasonals
Japanese breweries release sakura-themed cans and labels during cherry blossom season. It’s the same beer inside, just prettier packaging. Worth it for photos, but don’t expect a sakura-infused IPA or anything.
For a full breakdown of Japanese beer brands, styles, and what to look for, check out my Ultimate Guide to Japanese Beer.
How to Enjoy
- Cans are easiest – no glass to worry about, easier to carry, and cold enough straight from a Konbini
- Bring small camping cups if you want to elevate the experience slightly
- Keep them cold with a cooler bag or insulated pouch if required
Wine and Champagne
Not traditional, but increasingly popular – especially among international hanami-goers and younger Japanese crowds as well as ladies.
Why It Works
- Pairs beautifully with picnic foods
- Feels celebratory without being over-the-top
- Rosé matches the cherry blossoms visually, which is fun
- Red wine works perfectly if you’re bringing cheese, charcuterie, or heartier picnic fare
Where to Buy
- Department store basements – Best selection, including Japanese wines too
- Supermarkets – Slightly larger selection. You’ll get some Aussie sparkling (Domain Chandon) and French of course
- Some convenience stores – Basic options (but good enough)
- Bottle shops – Mid-range to premium
Tips
- Bring plastic cups – many parks prohibit glass
- Canned wine exists in Japan and is surprisingly decent for convenience
- Sparkling wine = instant festive mood
Non-Alcoholic Options
Not everyone drinks, and that’s completely fine. Japan’s non-alcoholic drink game is massive, and there is something for everyone.
What to Bring
- Tea – Green tea, mugicha (barley tea), or sakura tea (cherry blossom-infused, seasonal, and very Instagram-friendly)
- Juice – Orange, grapefruit, apple, grape… All widely available.
- Calpis – A sweet, milky soft drink that’s uniquely Japanese. Love it or hate it, but worth trying once.
- Canned coffee – Hot or cold, ubiquitous, convenient.
- Soft drinks – Vending machines are everywhere. Coke, Fanta, Pocari Sweat, you name it.
What to Bring: The Essentials
Here’s what you’ll actually need for a successful hanami drinking session:
Must-Haves
- Drinks – Enough for your group (or yourself), plus a few extra to share
- Cups – Disposable ones are fine.
- Bottle opener – If you’re not using cans
- Rubbish bag – Every single can, bottle, and wrapper comes home with you
- Cooler bag – If required. But typically not.
Nice to Have
- Small flask for sharing special sake
- Extra cups for making new friends
- Koozie (can holder) – keeps your hands warm in the March chill and your drink cold
Drinking Etiquette Under the Sakura
Hanami drinking culture is relaxed, but there are still a few unwritten rules worth following.
- Tipsy is perfectly fine. Falling-down drunk is not. Keep it together.
- Don’t force drinks on people who don’t want them
- Share if someone admires what you’re drinking – it’s a lovely gesture and you can make new friends!
- Offer to pour for your neighbours if you’ve got extra
- Never drive afterwards (this should be obvious, but it’s worth saying)
- Stay hydrated – spring weather is deceptive, and you’ll be sitting in the sun longer than you think
For a complete guide to hanami behaviour, read Hanami Etiquette: A Polite Person’s Guide.
Pairing Drinks with Hanami Food
| Drink | Best Food Pairing |
|---|---|
| Sake (warm) | Grilled fish, oden, savoury snacks |
| Sake (cold) | Sashimi, light appetisers |
| Beer | Fried chicken, onigiri, literally everything |
| Chu-hi | Salty snacks, karaage, edamame |
| Rosé / White Wine | Cheese, fruit, sandwiches |
| Red Wine | Charcuterie, cheese, heartier picnic foods |
| Tea | Sweets, onigiri, palate cleanser |
Special Mention: Sakura-Themed Drinks
Spring in Japan means limited-edition sakura everything, and drinks are no exception.
- Sakura sake – Pink-tinted, floral notes, seasonal release. Tastes like spring in a bottle (or like perfume, depending on the brand).
- Sakura chu-hi – Limited spring flavour. Usually lychee or peach-based with a hint of cherry blossom.
- Sakura latte – Available at coffee shops during sakura season. Sweet, milky, pink.
- Sakura tea – Traditional, delicate, and caffeine-free. Dried cherry blossoms steeped in hot water.
- Sakura Frappuccino – Starbucks goes all-in every spring. It’s sweet, it’s pink, it’s wildly popular.
These drinks are more about the experience than the flavour. Try one, take a photo, enjoy the novelty.
The Most Important Rule
Drink responsibly. Clean up every single can and bottle. Take care of your mates if they’ve overdone it. And most importantly – appreciate the blossoms between sips. That’s the whole point.
Continue Your Cherry Blossom Journey
Explore my complete guide to experiencing sakura in Japan:
- Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026 – When and where to see peak blooms
- What is a Hanami Party? – The tradition explained
- Why Sakura Matters – Cultural significance of cherry blossoms
- Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo – Where to go in the capital