Sakura season
© Stockbym/Shutterstock
How much Japanese iconography can we jam into one photo? Here we see the iconic Mount Fuji and Chureito Pagoda framed by spring cherry blossoms, called sakura in Japanese. Viewing them is a beloved tradition here that involves gatherings, festivals, and just spending time outdoors beneath these blooming canopies—national pastimes collectively known as hanami. Since cherry trees at different latitudes bloom at different times, the Japanese Meteorological Agency tracks the cherry blossom front across the country each spring, giving partiers and picnickers a chance to plan ahead.
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