Though it was ume blossoms that people admired in the beginning , by the Heian Period ( 794 â `` 1185 ) , sakura began to attract more attention . The custom is said to have started during the Nara Period ( 710 -- 794 ) when it was ume blossoms that people admired in the beginning . But by the Heian Period ( 794 -- 1185 ) , sakura came to attract more attention and hanami was synonymous with sakura .