Sakura, the cherry blossom tree, has great symbolic meaning in Japan, as a motif the blossom is a ubiquitous feature seen in all manner places. For the Samuarai warrior it signified a short but colourful life. The national rugby team are called the Brave Blossoms - and heroic they are. To catch the blossoms you need to take into account 1,000 kms of latitude as well as altitude. Blossoms appear in March in Kyushu and make their way up to Hokkaido in late April. Watch the weather too - one strong storm and all those blossoms can be but a carpet on the ground.

Pictured here: Kyoto, Shinjuku Park, and
​Hanamigawa Ryokuchi Park in Makuhari.

The eagerly awaited festival of Hanami involves picnicing with your family under the cherry trees.
It could be your local park, or at any of the popular locations if you don't mind the crowds.