The Hanami event is held annually when the cherry trees bloom, attracting visitors to welcome spring together. According to official sources, the celebration offers a full day of Japanese culture and activities, which this year included martial arts, cosplay, dance, haiku, calligraphy, manga, Japanese fairy tales, textile dyeing, and the sakura dance. Koi carp were released into the Mirror Pond as part of the festivities, adding to the traditional ambiance. According to VGRfokus, Maria Sjöstedt described the event as about welcoming spring and enjoying it together with family and friends. She also noted that Japanese culture is popular among young people, with many contributing to the festive atmosphere by dressing up in everything from kimono to imaginative cosplay costumes. The exact number of attendees at the 2025 Hanami celebration in Gothenburg has not been confirmed, and it remains unclear whether the cherry trees were in full bloom during the event, though the cherry blossom period lasts only a few days each year, according to official sources.
The unique bond between the Botanical Garden and Japan dates back over 70 years, according to major media reports. The relationship with Japan began in 1952, and the Botanical Garden's celebration of Hanami has been an annual tradition since 2014. The first Hanami event at the Botanical Garden was part of a whole year with a Japanese theme, inspired by research manager Mats Havström's experiences. According to VGRfokus, Mats Havström described visiting three Japanese Hanami celebrations in 2013 and being completely taken, leading to bringing the idea home to create a Swedish variant that surprised with its initial response of 12,000 visitors.
I especially like when everyone dresses up so well.
Hanami is the biggest event of the year at the Botanical Garden in Gothenburg, according to major media reports. Between 10,000 and 20,000 visitors usually participate in the Hanami celebration, though the specific date of the 2025 event was only mentioned as 'Sunday' in one source. The Botanical Garden uses the occasion to highlight and celebrate Japanese culture broadly, with the current weather conditions during the event described as overcast in one report. According to VGRfokus, Maria Sjöstedt emphasized that there is something for everyone, with almost all activities free and visitors able to bring their own picnic food.
In Japan, Hanami is one of the oldest and most important annual traditions, according to major media reports. During the blooming period, Japanese families, friends, and coworkers gather under the trees for picnics. In Japanese tradition, the short-lived cherry blossom is seen as a symbol of the transience of life and the importance of seizing the moment. This cultural meaning resonates at the Gothenburg event, where visitors engage in diverse activities. According to SVT Väst, Emelie described especially liking when everyone dresses up so well, reflecting the event's inclusive and festive spirit.
It's about welcoming spring and enjoying it together with family and friends.
Hanami is being celebrated for the first time in Furutorps Park in Helsingborg today, according to major media reports. Details about the activities and attendance at this new location remain unknown, but it marks an expansion of the tradition beyond Gothenburg. The Botanical Garden's event continues to draw large crowds annually, blending Swedish and Japanese elements to create a unique cultural experience that emphasizes community and the fleeting beauty of spring.
It is very clear that Japanese culture is popular among young people and many contribute to the festive atmosphere when they come dressed up in everything from kimono to imaginative costumes such as cosplay with Japanese anime characters.
There is something for everyone and you can visit the event without a penny in your pocket. Almost all activities are free and you can bring your own picnic food.
I had visited three Japanese Hanami celebrations in 2013 and was completely taken. So we brought the idea home to the Botanical Garden and made a Swedish variant. Then we were taken by surprise by the response. 12,000 people came the first year. It was shocking.