Japan

Called sakura in Japanese, cherry blossoms have been exalted through the ages, including in the eighth century book Manyoshu (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves), the oldest existing compilation of Japanese poetry. During the Heian period (794-1185), Emperor Saga began holding parties for viewing cherry blossoms known as hanami in the imperial gardens in Kyoto. By the 16th century, the custom had spread amongst citizens.

The cloak of pink starts in the south and spreads north as temperatures warm, with this handy forecast tracking the blooming period. Fukuoka, on the Japanese island Kyushu, is one of the first places in the country where sakura bloom in mid-March. Nishi Park looks out over 1,300 cherry trees and its observatory provides a great vantage point to admire the scene set against the crisp blue waters of Hakata Bay.

Many cherry tree varieties grow in Nishi Park, including somei-yoshino, the most common variety in Japan, along with the wild yamazakura hill cherry and the graceful weeping cherry tree (higan). Another prime viewing spot is Maizuru Park surrounding Fukuoka Castle, now mostly in ruins. During the Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival, around late March to early April during the blooming season, when the trees are illuminated at night, visitors can also enjoy festive treats sold at food stalls.