Since Japan is a very homogeneous culture, many people assume that the Shinto and Buddhist rituals would be similar all over the country. But every area is different, and even each city has its own deities and festivals.

But hanami, cherry-blossom viewing, is pretty popular all over Japan. Gathering with family and friends while sitting on plastic mats under beautiful trees and drinking lots of sake is the most important part of this season (usually beginning of April).

Click on the video on the right to find out about Steve's fun time with our neighbors at their hanami party.