No Tokyo cherry blossom parties? Government asks citizens to refrain from outdoor hanami parties soranews24.com

One of the best things about spring in Japan might be non-existent this year because of the coronavirus.
The sakura (cherry blossoms) are constantly cited as the most recognizable sign of spring in Japan, and that’s definitely true.
But there’s another sight that shows you when spring is in full swing in Japan, and that’s the sudden appearance of crowds of people in parks for hanami, or cherry blossom-viewing, parties.
Hanami parties are generally all-day affairs, with a small contingent of friends or coworkers arriving early in the morning to stake out prime park spots and the festivities lasting into the early evening and often the night.
At the moment, the government is merely requesting that people refrain from having stationary cherry blossom parties, not outright banning or outlawing them.