Cherry blossoms over the Meguro River, Tokyo, Japan

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It’s sakura season. The forecast calls for blooms

Cherry blossom season in Japan is a beloved local tradition that involves family gatherings, festivals, and spending time outdoors. Admiring the ‘sakura’ - or cherry blossoms - has been a national pastime for centuries. The custom of enjoying the cherry blossoms is known as ‘hanami,’ and it’s commonly done by picnicking under the flowering branches. For late-night picnics, participants hang paper lanterns in the trees to illuminate the blooms. This image comes from the Meguro River, a popular place for viewing the sakura in Tokyo. Cherry trees might not be blooming on our shores, but that just makes it an essential addition to the bucket list.