[For Adults] A Collection of Recreation and Game Ideas to Liven Up Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing)
With the warm spring weather, many of you are probably planning hanami cherry-blossom outings.
Simply eating and drinking while admiring the sakura is fun, but since you’re at it, wouldn’t it be great to include some group activities that really liven things up? There are actually plenty of games perfect for hanami—friendly competitions that adults can enjoy, as well as activities that bring out your inner child.
In this article, we’ve gathered a wide range of recreation ideas to make adult hanami even more enjoyable.
Try them out and get closer with your friends!
- [For Adults] Fun recreational games. Perfect for short breaks too!
- Make cherry blossom viewing even more fun! A collection of recreation and game ideas to play with kids
- Team-based recreational activities for adults that are fun even with large groups
- Fun recreational games that liven up outdoor activities
- Entertainments and performances to liven up cherry-blossom viewing: spring mini games
- [For Seniors] Activities to Enjoy March: Games, Crafts, Music, and Snack Recreation
- [For Seniors] Fun Spring Recreational Activities: A Collection of Games and Play Ideas
- Games you can play with just conversation. Classic and popular activities you can enjoy without any props!
- [For University Students] A Roundup of Fun Games and Recreational Activities
- Games and activities everyone can enjoy together. A collection of fun play ideas.
- Fun activities that liven up a camp: recreational games
- Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for spring
- Simple mini-games that liven up a party
[For Adults] A Collection of Recreation and Game Ideas to Liven Up Cherry-Blossom Viewing (11–20)
Earphone Loud Telephone Game
A classic game that surely not only children but also adults have played: the telephone game.
The idea is to see whether a word or sentence can be passed along accurately to the last person.
But this version, the “Earphone-Blasting Telephone Game,” is exactly what it sounds like: you play the telephone game while listening to music through earphones.
And the music is cranked up loud! So even though it’s a telephone game, you have to read the other person’s lips and figure out what they’re saying before passing it to the next person.
Naturally, it almost never gets passed on correctly, and the answer reveal is guaranteed to be hilarious!
Giant Badminton
If you’ve got plenty of space to play—like a large park or a riverbank—how about trying badminton? You can buy badminton sets at variety shops, but this one is a bit different: it features extra-large rackets and a shuttlecock that’s ten times the usual size.
It’s called “Giant Badminton.” Because the shuttlecock is so much bigger, it moves in a slightly unusual, quirky way compared to the standard one.
As adults, we don’t often get the chance to play badminton, so it’s sure to be a hit.
Giant soap bubble
How about a recreation using soap bubbles like the ones we played with as kids? This time, though, try making giant bubbles instead.
It’s fun for adults too, since it brings back a childlike sense of wonder.
You can buy bubble solution, but you’ll need a lot, so it’s better to make your own using liquid starch and dish soap.
For a company or club hanami picnic, you could split into teams and compete to see which team can make the biggest bubble—that would be a lot of fun, wouldn’t it?
Magical Banana
Anyone around their late twenties or older will know the hugely popular game “Magical Banana.” It was a hit on the 1990s quiz-style variety show “Magical Zunō Power!!” The rules are simple: you say a word you associate with a given term, so even if you don’t know the game, you can jump in right away.
You answer in a distinctive rhythm, which is sure to get everyone excited.
Keep going until there’s only one person left, and if you prepare a prize for the winner, it’ll double everyone’s motivation.
Wasabi Russian roulette
When it comes to recreational games familiar from TV shows, “wasabi Russian roulette” is a classic.
You’ve probably seen it at least once.
The most common version uses cream puffs, but nigiri sushi or kappa maki work just fine too.
The thrill of possibly getting the wasabi-filled one creates tension and excitement, so it’s sure to liven things up in a large group.
Since it’s a bit unfortunate for the person who gets the wasabi, it’s nice to have a small prize ready for them.
playing catchNEW!
When it comes to simple outdoor fun, nothing beats a game of catch.
It’s a straightforward, enjoyable outdoor game where you throw the ball, the other person catches it, and throws it back.
The key is adjusting your throwing distance and speed while seeing if you can make accurate catches.
You can play facing one other person, or enjoy it in a circle with a group.
Throwing the ball naturally strengthens your arms and body, while catching improves your reflexes and concentration.
The rules are simple, so kids and adults can play together—have fun any time in your yard, at the park, or wherever you like!
BocciaNEW!
Boccia, which is also popular as a parasport, is a simple game where players throw balls toward a target.
Red and blue balls are thrown in turn, competing to get as close as possible to the small white “jack” ball.
You can practice alone, and when you play as a team it becomes a test of strategy and control.
Because you can take careful, deliberate aim, it’s enjoyable even if you’re not confident in your physical strength—another big plus.
It’s a sport game that everyone can enjoy, regardless of age, and it’s perfect for livening things up in the yard or at the park.
Try incorporating it to suit the occasion.
Drawing at a cherry blossom viewing!NEW!
A gentle, classic recreation where you can freely express yourself while feeling the beauty of cherry blossoms.
Using crayons or colored pencils to draw cherry blossom scenes, you can capture the colors and shapes as you see them in your own way—something both children and adults can get absorbed in.
The key is to enjoy the atmosphere and what you feel in the moment rather than focusing on drawing well.
Creating art outdoors brings a sense of openness and sparks different ideas than usual.
The finished pieces become memories to keep and enjoy looking back on later.
Spend a relaxed time in nature, letting your heart move freely.
Great for events too! Treasure HuntNEW!
The popular recreation “treasure hunt” is fun for both kids and adults.
Hide small treasures and hint cards in parks or open spaces, and search for them using maps and quizzes as clues.
You can split into teams and compete, or everyone can cooperate to reach the goal—the ways to play are up to you.
By adjusting the difficulty, everyone from young children to adults can get totally absorbed.
It naturally sparks conversations and smiles, making it easy for even first-timers to break the ice.
Since you can enjoy the scenery while being active, consider adding it to your cherry-blossom viewing time.
Making a cherry blossom sensory bottleNEW!
@kichijyo We made sensory bottles using cherry blossoms we found during hanami. The blossoms drifted slowly and sparkled—it was so beautiful!#Nursery schoolSpring#CherryBlossomProduction#Sensory bottleGunmaFujioka CityNursery school lunch
♬ Fun / everyday / cute BGM(947218) – Shinnosuke Shibata
How about taking a relaxing moment during your cherry-blossom viewing to enjoy a sakura-themed “sensory bottle”? Fill a clear bottle with water, glitter, pink materials, and flower petals to create your own little world of spring.
Just watching it sway gently can calm the mind, offering soothing moments not only for children but for adults as well.
The materials are easy to find and can be enjoyed safely, which is another plus.
You can take the finished bottle home as a keepsake, preserving your cherry-blossom memories in a tangible form.
Enjoy making one with family and friends while soaking in the colors of spring.