[For Adults] Fun Games to Liven Up Your Cherry-Blossom Viewing: Recreation and Party Games
Hanami is already a lot of fun just by eating, drinking, and chatting while admiring the cherry blossoms.
That said, if it’s a long stretch from noon into the night, there are times when the mood dips if you keep the party going nonstop.
And even though it’s spring, March and April can still be quite chilly.
So in this article, we’ve gathered some activities perfect for hanami—light recreation to get you moving and warm you up, as well as lively games to keep idle moments at bay.
It’s geared toward adults, so it’s great for company outings or university groups!
Be sure to check it out!
- [For Adults] Fun recreational games. Perfect for short breaks too!
- [For Kids] Fun Activities for Cherry-Blossom Viewing: Recreation and Games
- 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
- Recreation Ideas for Seniors to Enjoy March
- [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
- Fun activities that liven up a camp: recreational games
- Games and activities everyone can enjoy together. A collection of fun play ideas.
- Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for spring
- Simple mini-games that liven up a party
[For Adults] Fun Activities for Cherry-Blossom Viewing: Recreation and Games (11–20)
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.
coyote
Perfect for cherry blossom viewing! Let me introduce the card game “Coyote,” which both adults and kids can enjoy together.
First, each player sticks a card to their forehead without looking at it, so only the other players can see it.
On each turn, everyone totals the numbers on the visible cards, and you must call out “Coyote!” without going over that total.
If the total is exceeded, you’re out.
The last person remaining wins.
For hanami, it’s also a great idea to prepare some prizes! Make your cherry blossom outing one to remember.
Rock-paper-scissors, then bop on the head
“Tataite Kabutte Janken Pon” is a game where you play rock-paper-scissors; the winner tries to hit, and the loser tries to cover their head.
It becomes a fun recreation when the chant speeds up and everyone gets quicker.
It’s best to use something soft to avoid injuries.
Using a squeaky toy hammer would make it even more exciting.
Vague Memory Drawing Game
When it comes to games that evoke the nostalgia of our school days, nothing beats the “draw-from-fuzzy-memory” game.
You can play with a wide range of themes—school supplies, movie or TV drama characters, and more—so it’s perfect for livening up a cherry-blossom viewing party.
The rules are simple: the host gives a prompt, and the players draw an illustration without looking at any references.
Trace your childhood memories and draw the given subject.
You can make it even more fun by adding variations like time limits or giving hints.
Once everyone is done, the person who drew the most accurate or polished picture wins.
Three-letter shiritori
Unlike regular shiritori, this is a game where you have to connect words using only three-letter terms.
Because you have to come up with words instantly, you might blurt out unexpected, odd answers, making it surprisingly challenging.
You can also tweak the rules—like adding a time limit or starting from a difficult keyword—so try enjoying it in a variety of ways.
Change Janken
It’s a game where you change your hand after showing your initial rock-paper-scissors sign.
Because you try to read what your opponent is putting out, the mind games are fun—perfect for a cherry-blossom picnic scene.
First, just like regular rock-paper-scissors, both players show a hand.
The key is to hide each player’s hand with a board or something similar so it can’t be seen.
Ask each other questions like, “What hand are you showing now?” and try to read each other’s minds while changing your hands.
Once you’ve decided on your final hand, remove the board and see the result.
Give it a try in settings where you want to deepen communication, like with coworkers or classmates.
[For Adults] Fun Activities for Cherry-Blossom Viewing: Recreation and Games (21–30)
Karaoke Contest
A classic recreational activity: karaoke.
It’s something everyone can enjoy, from kids to seniors.
Not long ago, karaoke required bulky equipment, but these days you can have fun with just a single microphone—there are models with built-in speakers, and even smartphone apps that let you enjoy karaoke.
While it could be a nuisance in crowded areas where picnic sheets are close together, karaoke would likely be a big hit at a private hanami gathering with just your group.