Hanami - the time to view the Sakura flowers.

A good friend of ours just sent some photos of the current cherry blossom (Sakura) season taking place in various parts of Japan right now. This is the most popular time for overseas tourists to visit Japan to see this most spectacular show of nature's wonder. For the locals it's a time to get together with friends for picnics and barbecues under the Sakura trees along with festivals that include traditional performing arts.