I think everyone in Japan looks forward to sakura time. The news will have forecasts tracking when the blooms will appear in each area. We had our little hanami party at Ueno Kouen, Yoyogi Kouen, and Shinjuku Gyoen this year. Each park has such different atmospheres and their own character. But of the three parks I think Shinjuku Gyoen has the most picturesque spots. Ueno Kouen is where I can really imagine sakura time back in the Edo days. And Yoyogi Kouen is the party park. But wherever you end up at, hanami is always a good time.
