Cherry trees in full bloom near the Imperial Palace with Tokyo Tower in the background, Tokyo, Japan

Stop and smell the 'Sakura'

Each spring, folks across Japan observe 'Hanami,' the treasured tradition of getting outdoors to view nature's breathtaking annual display of cherry blossoms. Japanese cherry trees, known as 'Sakura,' reach full bloom in March in the country's south, including Greater Tokyo. Blooms progress northward throughout March and April, with the final flowerings gracing the slow-to-thaw Hokkaido prefecture. Initial forecasts predict that the country's Sakura blossoms will begin this year around March 23rd. So, if you're not somehow already reading this from Tokyo, you've got a couple of weeks to scramble over. Plan a trip and surround yourself with the mesmerizing magic that nature has to offer.