Boozy picnics on a mass scale occur in parks boasting cherry blossom trees, as hanami fever grips the land.

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Hanami is an important Japanese custom, when locals break free of their conservative reputation and enjoy a picnic with friends and family under the cherry blossom trees.

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The annual festival, which celebrates Japan's friendship with the US, began 99 years ago when Japan gave the country thousands of cherry blossom trees as a gift.

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Orchards conjured up magical memories, whether of springtime blossom, climbing trees or childhood escapades, it said.

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However, during cherry blossom season, the park becomes crowded and noisy due to its extremely popular, huge weeping trees.

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