Hanami (EN)

Hanami invites you to celebrate the Japanese spring under the blooming cherry trees. Pack your bento box, spread your blanket and find the best spot in the park to admire the sakura. In this tile-laying game, each tile you place stands for a member of your group claiming a spot near an activity: viewing the blossoms, eating onigiri or spending an evening under the lanterns. When an activity is fully surrounded, the strongest player nearby claims the token. At the end, whoever dominates the most activities wins. Beneath its peaceful looks, Hanami hides a delicious area-control game built on tempo, tension and clever placement.

Hanami is for you if you love quick but tense tile games, where a single placement can tip the balance. You will also enjoy it if you want an elegant game, stunning on the table, that plays again and again thanks to its two boards with distinct rules.

Hanami is a reimagining of Samurai, a 1998 classic that became a cult favourite among abstract game fans. Here, the Japan board keeps the original ruleset, while the Tokyo board adds new tiles, abilities and challenges to vary the experience.

Hanami bears the signature of Reiner Knizia, one of the most prolific and respected designers in board gaming, also behind Ra, Tigris and Euphrates and Lost Cities. His sense of balance shows in every turn, tense and rewarding.

Number of players: 2 to 4
Playing time: 30 to 60 minutes
Age: 10 and up