Hanami, or flower viewing, is a common thing to do in Japan during sakura season and involves having a picnic under the blooming trees. These can be huge parties or just a lunch for one, but it is the most enjoyable thing to experience.
Whilst I was there last Spring, I tried to picnic every day I could over the 2 weeks I managed to find blossom and this is what I packed in my bag (and tote bag) for a day out and a cherry blossom picnic, as well as some similar shopping picks.
Depending on the trip, I might pack this all into my backpack instead, especially if I’m hiking. However, for a city day, I’ll usually use a crossbody bag from Afternoon Tea (JP) for my daily necessities and then a tote bag for my extras and food.
My tote is from Nanobag and it’s absolutely amazing. It packs down into the tiniest size when not in use (you could put it into a small bag or even your pocket) but it holds 19 litres and up to 30kg. Mine’s the basic black colour, but there’s a range of patterns to choose from.
I usually add a bag charm or keyring to my crossbody and this time I included my corduroy Miffy plush (this comes in many colours) and two Osaka themed key rings, but I think the sakura range from Disney Store Japan (available in the UK) would be the cutest option for this time of year, especially Winnie the Pooh or Eeyore.
I love my mini cooler lunch bag and fold up picnic mat I picked up from Seria and they’re the perfect colour for sakura season. The cooler doesn’t hold a lot, but I usually keep a can of seasonal drink and a dessert in there along with my travel cutlery/chopsticks. My chopsticks were from Daiso, but you can find some really beautiful ones, like these sakura ones from Bento & Co. (JP), who also have a beautiful matching bento box.
It may be small, but I also have a mini Thermos for water. It’s perfect for when you want some for emergencies or to fit into a small bag. They don’t stock this kind in the UK store, but they do have a larger one with Donald Duck on, in their Disney range (that I’d pick for longer day trips and hikes) or for a mini option, Hydro Flask has a micro flask that comes in a variety of colours, including this beautiful green.
My friend very kindly gifted me my sakura Totoro coin purse from the Ghibli store (JP)while we were in Japan and I have been using it ever since. It’s perfect for holding all my coins (especially for the gacha machines) and it’s available again this year!
Then I have my embroidered One Piece cardholder for my cards and Icoca travel card. Sadly, it’s no longer available, but for another cardholder option, Cath Kidston (UK) currently has a collaboration with tokidoki, where you can find a card purse in purple or travel lanyard in pink.
I keep my small items inside a Hello Kitty container from Daiso, my power bank and cable in a floral pouch from Seria, plus my Anker earbuds, sunglasses, mints for after lunch, mini hand cream and lip balm. Anker seems to be a recommended brand for power banks and they have the perfect sakura pink MagSafe one that would eliminate the need for a cable too.
Click/swipe for a closer look at everything. I always make sure to have my omamori in my bags or pockets for specific good luck throughout the year. My white rabbit comes from Sumiyoshi Taisha and my floral one is from Ohatsu Tenjin, both in Osaka. I travel everywhere with my camera while I’m away, especially when I know I’m going to be photographing flowers. My iPhone (not photographed) is great and I capture a lot on that, but I like to have the option of both. I often pack my tripod too (not pictured) in case I want to take any photos amongst the blossom while I’m out, as solo travel means you have to take your own pictures! Just make sure to get one with a clicker so that you can snap away without setting a timer every time.
If you’ll be in Japan for sakura season, make sure to read my guide to Beautiful Sakura Viewing Spots. You can also check out our previous What’s in My Bag posts and we have more planned soon.
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