Cherry blossom trees are synonymous with Japan and springtime. These magnificent pink formations first open in early April and delight for a month with their cloud like beauty. In Japan, their short season is a metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life. Due to their admirable beauty, these gorgeous blossoming trees began being planted in streets and parks all over the Northern Hemisphere. Take a magical journey through the world of cherry blossoms. Learn more as you enjoy the images of this spectacular natural display.
The cherry tree, or Sakura, is an iconic symbol of Japanese culture, known for its delicate and ephemeral beauty. Every spring, these trees burst into a spectacular display of soft, pale pink blossoms that blanket the landscape in a breathtaking sea of color. This annual event, known as cherry blossom season, is an important and cherished time in Japan. It heralds the arrival of warmer weather and serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life, as the blossoms only last for a short period before gently falling to the ground.
Japan is home to numerous cherry tree varieties, with the most widely recognized being the Somei Yoshino. This particular variety boasts pale, almost white flowers that possess a subtle pink hue. Other popular types include the Yoshino, Kanzan, and Shidarezakura, each with their unique characteristics and colors, ranging from deep pink to nearly white. These trees can be found all across the country, with each region boasting its own distinct cherry blossom viewing spots, or hanami, which attract millions of visitors every year.
The cherry blossom season in Japan typically begins in late March and continues through April, though the exact timing varies depending on the region and local climate. The blooming period, known as "sakura zensen," moves northward from the warmer southern regions of Okinawa to the colder northern regions of Hokkaido. The peak of the blossoming, or "mankai," occurs when 70-80% of the blossoms have opened, and is the most sought-after period for cherry blossom viewing.
In addition to being a significant cultural event, the cherry blossom season also holds economic importance for Japan. The influx of tourists, both domestic and international, generates substantial revenue for the country as visitors flock to popular cherry blossom sites to witness the captivating display. Moreover, the blooming period has inspired a wide range of cherry blossom-themed products, such as food, beverages, clothing, and souvenirs, which further contribute to Japan's economy. Ultimately, the cherry trees and their breathtaking blooms not only symbolize the arrival of spring but also represent a cherished aspect of Japanese culture and identity.
Seeing These Pretty Flowers Will Put a Smile on Your Face
These flowers as so pretty it hurts. Just viewing them will put a smile on your face and brighten up the rest of your day.
Troja the Dog Looks Right at Home in Norway's Wilderness!
It took George a while to come to the realization that he never photographed Troja the dog out in the wilderness. View these photos and you'll be glad he did!
Fall In Love With These Gorgeous Pink Lakes
The sight of a pink lake is rare, and utterly gorgeous. Fall in love with photos of pink lakes from around the world.
Japanese Photographer Captures the Beauty of His Homeland
A series of landscape photos taken in Japan by photographer Yuichi Yokota
16 Gorgeous Gardens I'd Be Delighted to Stroll Through...
A stunning collection of 16 different landscape designs that will excite every nature lover out there.
Poignant Photos of People and Nature Colliding Perfectly!
These 20 photographs perfectly encapsulate how truly stunning people and nature can be together, and how beautiful the Earth is!
These Adorable Baby Animals Will Make You Smile
These tiny animals can all fit in one hand and are the cutest creatures you will see today.
These Wholesome Animal Titbits Will Make You Smile
Here are some adorable animal facts that will keep you smiling all day.
Nature's Marvel: The Fascinating Biology of Seahorses
The seahorse is one of the most unique creatures of our planet. Let’s find out some interesting facts about its insane biology.
You Have to See These 18 Hybrid Animals to Believe Them
I'd never even heard of a liger, a zonkey or a beefalo. But these pictures go to show that they actually exist - in real life!
30 Animals With More Hair Than They Know What to Do With
It's hard to imagine how any of these animals can see clearly with all that hair. Enjoy these 30 cute and furry animals in desperate need of a haircut.
Soak in the Beauty of Our Planet With These Stunning Photos
Take a look at these stunning photos of our beautiful planet Earth.
These 17 Animals Could Definitely Model Hair Products
These animals have prettier hair than most people you know, and it's all natural!
Iguazu Falls Are Definitely Going on My Bucket List
Iguazu Falls are often called the most beautiful waterfalls in the whole world. Take a look at these stunning shots to see if you agree.
The Best Photos of the Milky Way Taken From Perfect Places
Take a look at the vivid colors of the Milky Way from the most remote and gorgeous locations in the world in this collection of photographs
14 Incredible Sights from the Mighty Andes
We have curated a stunning collection of photos that showcase one of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth.
Who Needs Superheroes When We Have These Dogs?
Take a look at the extraordinary stories of five remarkable dogs who save lives and stop crimes.
National Geographic's Photography Never Ceases to Amaze
National Geographic never ceases to amaze us with the photos it shows us, and the 20 images you're about to see here are no exception.
Spring Is Here: 8 Spring Flowers You Can Plant Right Now
These flowers will make your garden look marvelous in the spring time.
WATCH: Crows Are a Lot Smarter Than You Imagine
I never thought birds could be this intelligent...
10 of the Largest Living Birds in the World
Check out this list of the largest and heaviest birds that inhabit our planet today.
8 Members of the Animal World Who Thrive In Their Solitude
Here's a look at some of the most interesting solitary animals in the world who thrive in their solitude.
INTERACTIVE: Click to See the English Tide Come and Go...
This interactive photo presentation lets you click on images taken by Michael Marten, and see the English tide coming in and going out.
WATCH: 12 Stunning Underwater Landscapes On Video
Live under the waves is fascinating and beautiful, but it's only recently that we've been able to capture it in all its glory. View these 12 stunning videos.
I Bet You've Never Seen Animals Like These Before!
From a pink dolphin to a brown panda, you have probably never seen these weird and rare variations of animals.
Humans and Wild Animals CAN Be Friends...
This beautiful video makes my faith in humanity just a little stronger, as these humans have managed to befriend some of the wildest animals out there by being gentle.
Nature: How Animals Evolved Head Weapons
The history of animal head weapons is diverse and fascinating.
Experience Pinnacles National Park in Crisp 4K Resolution
Check out this incredible time lapse video of California's Pinnacles National Park, which was filmed in crisp 4K resolution.
Prepare to Witness the Majesty of Mother Nature!
If you love nature even half as much as I do, then this stunning collection of photographs is bound to take your breath away, and leave you gasping for more!
20 Ways to Turn that Blank Wall into a Vertical Garden
Gardening can be done anywhere and sometimes you just don't have land. That hasn't stopped these creative people from growing plants in all sorts of spaces.
Life in the Treetops: A Look at Tree-Dwelling Animals!
Let’s take a deep dive into the secret lives of arboreal animals and the challenges they face in their natural habitat.
10 Amazing Facts of Nature that Are Too Weird to Believe
Bizarre natural phenomena, creatures, plants and minerals. Here are some amazing and interesting things courtesy of nature to astound you
Animal Dreams: The Funny Ways Animals Sleep
In this humor-filled video, we're going to explore some animals with fascinating, silly and downright bizarre ways some animals go about the act of sleep.
Far, Far Away, There's a Land Where Pandas Roam Free...
Giant pandas are highly endangered, however there's a beautiful sanctuary in China devoted to ensuring that population numbers are boosted. See the photos.
16 Beautiful Breeds of Sheepdogs Found All Over the World
Sheepdogs aren't just farm dogs used for herding livestock, they also make incredibly sweet and caring pets, and efficient watchdogs.
15 Times Birds Built Nests in the Most UNUSUAL Places
Some birds build their nests in the most unusual places, such as a mop, a helmet, and even a bag.
Discover the World of Powerful Big Cat Hybrids
There are types of big cats you've never heard about, and they're big. beautiful and powerful! Below are photos along some information about these big cat hybrids.
Capturing Africa's Wild Beauty: 17 Mesmerizing Pics
Enjoy this photographic journey of African wildlife.
These Tiny Creatures Made Me Smile All Day Long
Animals come in many shapes and sizes. But they all start at one size - small! One can hardly look at a baby animal without feeling a sense of kinship, a desire to protect, and uncontorllable urge to say: "awwww".
A Dolphin Asks a Human for Help!
We have seen animal rescue, but rarely have we seen the animal search for humans to save it!
This Video Proves That Pigs Are Both Cute and Hilarious!
These pigs have the ability to melt your heart, but they often end up making you scream with laughter in the process!
15 Pictures Depicting the Rare Wonders of Nature
In this article, we display 15 unique photos of various natural phenomena - from rare eye colors to beautiful rock formations, and even albino plants.
16 Photos That Showcase Our Planet’s Breathtaking Beauty
Check out these unbelievably picturesque photos from around the world.
All Dogs Are Loyal, But Which Breeds Are the MOST Loyal?
Dogs have been man's best friend for millennia now, but there are some breeds that exhibit traits of undying loyalty. Here are the top 10 most loyal dog breeds.
GUIDE: 15 of the Smallest, Sweetest Dog Breeds
If you're interested in meeting some of the smallest and cutest dog breeds in the world, check out these 15 breeds.
The Pronking Dance of the Antelopes - Lovely!
The sprinbok like to find a place of rain, and after it passes, they celebrate the fresh grass with... pronking, a very beautiful, very strange dance!