Cherry blossoms

Rows of Sakura (Cherry) blossom trees and Bloomed flowers on sidewalk

Pink Sakura and Sakura flower at night

The month of april is the onset of spring and the nature becomes bright and colorful with flowers blossoming in all their splendor. Among the most celebrated flower blossoming in Japan is Cherry blossoming (Sakura). Viewing the cherry blossoming (popularly known as 'Hanami') is one of the most interesting aspects in japanese culture. Usually it starts in late march in southern parts and ends around early may in northern parts of japan. In fact the blossom forecasts will be announced each year on news media. It is carefully followed as the blossoms last only for a week and plans for the outdoor partying has to be done within that short period. It has a rich history in japan and often there are few popular sites in each japanese city where in people gather in large numbers. At Fukui, the best site is on the banks of river Asuwagawa in central Fukui. This is my third year of hanami and I have always enjoyed watching it. This year however, I had been to Asuwagawa site to watch at night (called 'yozakura') along with japanese family friends and my dormmates. It was splendid indeed!!