Cherry blossoms, Kyushu

Sakura season

In springtime each year, people 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, starting here on the southerly island of Kyushu. Blooms progress northward throughout March and April, passing through Greater Tokyo and ending with the late-thawing northern island of Hokkaido.