Hanami picnic: 7 packing essentials for your cherry blossom viewing trip

Spring is in full bloom and there’s no better time to plan a hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnic under flowering spring blossoms. To help you get the most of the experience, we’ve curated an edit of stylish yet practical accessories to bring along on your outing. From photography gadgets to colourful tableware, these picnic essentials will help you save space, keep comfortable, and create a picture-perfect aesthetic for your picnic among the cherry blossoms.

1. Packing made simple

For a picnic basket that keeps your food fresh and saves space when it’s time to pack away, opt for this foldable cooler bag . Designed by Japanese brand Captain Stag, it carries up to 43L of chilled snacks and cold beverages and includes a handy mesh pouch for ice packs. Plus, when folded, it becomes a convenient side table, thanks to the reinforced panel on the lid. 

2. Stay organised 

Prepare a beautiful, spring-themed spread for your cherry blossom viewing experience with the stylish Monbento lunch box ,  featuring a vibrant  sakura flower design. Beautifully designed to simplify lunch prep, the two-tiered Japanese-style bento comes with four microwavable compartments that keep food warm for up to four hours. To complete the set, a lightweight, thermal bag is also available.

3. Add a slice of colour

Minimise waste while adding some colour to your spread with these reusable dining utensils by sustainable designer Full Windsor. They’re made with a magnetic material that makes each piece stackable and difficult to lose. Each set comes with five spoons, knives and forks in five different shades, making it ideal for families while also allowing you to mix and match the playful colour combinations. 

4. Capture the moment

Don’t miss a second of your trip with this handheld camera by Insta360 . The perfect on-the-go companion, it produces 360 degree-wide angle videos with crisp 5.7k resolution and amazing stabilisation – all while fitting in the palm of your hand. You’ll be able to relive all the gorgeous scenery and heartfelt moments of your day in smooth and stunning detail.  

5. Spread good vibes

Nothing makes for an enjoyable picnic quite like a colourful and comfortable mat to lie back on. This outdoor mat by Arena is perfect for a springtime aesthetic, and its UV protective mesh-and-rib design means it will stay cool all day. Even better, it’s lightweight, waterproof and easy to fold away, so you can ease your load and save yourself any washing later. Simply stretch out, relax and admire those blossoms. 

6. Elevate your travel photography 

Another must-have accessory for easily snapping group photos or capturing beautiful landscapes on your smartphone is this 3-in-1 gimbal selfie stick from Momax. A gimbal stabiliser, tripod and selfie stick all in one compact device, it connects directly to your smartphone so you can keep all your precious moments close at hand – and take your social media feed to the next level.  

7. Ready, set, play 

You’re packed and ready to set off on your trip, but there’s just one thing missing: a spring soundtrack. Set the tone for your hanami picnic by hitting play on this wireless, Bluetooth-enabled Bruno speaker . It may be small enough to fit in your pocket, but it’s equipped with a powerful sound system that can fill the air with your favourite tunes for up to seven hours. Plus, its waterproof design means you won’t have to worry about spills or the odd spring shower.