"Everything blooms in its own time."
Cherry Blossoms of Japan
The cherry blossom (or sakura) is Japan's unofficial
national flower. They are well known around the world for their radiant,
delicate and transient beauty, but they are more than simply beautiful
cherry blossom trees. Sakura are tied to Japan's history, culture and
identity. Originally used to divine the year's harvest, sakura came to
embody wabi-sabi philosophy and shinto idals of impermanence, hope and
renewal.
Each year, the Japanese people gather together to watch the sakura bloom
throughout April and observe how at the peak of their beauty, the
blossoms start to fall; providing a stark reminder that although life is
beautiful, it is also ephemeral an short.
Check out some popular viewing spots in Japan!
