The word hana means "flower" in Japanese, and hanami means "flower viewing." However, appreciation of the cherry blossom in Japan is almost a religion, and therefore hanami has come to refer specifically to cherry blossoms. The pink-and-white blooms last for about two weeks, and during that time people swarm to the parks to picnic, play games, tell stories, and dance. Often companies organise hanami parties for their employees. The season usually starts at the end of March in Kyushu, in early April in the Tokyo area, and in late April in the north of Japan. The most famous viewing place is Yoshinoyama near Nara, where it is said 1,000 trees can be seen at a glance.