Cherry blossom is known as “sakura” in Japanese, and it’s the country’s national flower. A symbol of renewal and hope, cherry blossom heralds the arrival of spring each year, and it in abundance from late March to mid-April. During cherry blossom season often see groups of people having picnics underneath the cherry trees. This is called “hanami”, or “flower viewing”, and it’s a custom that dates back many centuries.

Kakunodate, Japan | 2015