Japan's cherry blossom season aka the sakura festival begins at the end of March or the beginning of April, depending on weather conditions (warm weather usually speeds up blooming). The sakura trees usually burst into bloom first in Okinawa in the south of Japan, and last in Hokkaido in the north.

Japan’s sakura trees burst into pink for about two weeks or so, but again, just how long they stay depends on the weather and the region.

The beautiful and delicate flowers are symbolic of spring, a time of renewal, and are a reminder of the beauty of ephemeral things.

During the season, the entire country turns into the pink wonderland, but there are some popular spots to see the Cherry Blossoms. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of the best places in Tokyo to see Cherry Blossoms. You’ll be able to see more than 1000 cherry trees in blossom, carpeting the ground with petals. Ueno Park in Tokyo is also a lovely viewing spot, transforming into a sea of pink clouds come April. And in Tokyo, you can walk along the cherry-tree lined Meguro River to feel like you’re walking in a tunnel of pink.

At the Fuji Five Lakes, you can see elegant cherry blossom trees lining quiet lake waters and majestic Mt. Fuji in the background. Osaka Castle is a pretty picture, framed in pink blossom.

As the bleak weather months come to an end, Japan celebrates the beginning of springtime through the Cherry Blossom festival. The atmosphere at this time of year is infectious, with parks packed with picnickers and admirers.