Finally, the event I've been waiting for the whole year, the epitome of Japan-ness: Cherry Blossom viewing.
I didn't know that the representative sakura (桜) blooms for only about a week before disappearing. Nor how passionate people are about grabbing the best possible spot for a day of singing, drinking, eating under the sakura trees. The trees themselves seemed cognizant of their brief time on stage and did their utmost to explode into giant bouquets of dazzling white flowers. 満開 or full-bloom is apparently the term to describe a sakura tree in its blazing glory. To maximize the experience, people also gather at night to do 花見 (hanami, "flower viewing"). The sakura at night (yozakura, 夜桜) is apparently prettier than in the day.
Pictures: http://www.flickr.com/gp/15392340@N00/397E9h
Perhaps part of the appeal of hanami is that it is so fleeting; the sakura blooms, struts its stuff proudly for a few days and then vanishes seemingly overnight. Especially after a strong gust of wind or some rain.
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