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.
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!
This Forgotten American Painter’s Works Are So Majestic!
Robert Seldon Duncanson was a 19th-century landscape artist whose enchanting paintings will soothe your soul.
Witness Nature’s Awakening in 15 Early Spring Photos
Early spring is a very special and inspiring season of the year. Witness nature's beautiful revival in these landscapes and pictures of flowers
Perhaps the Most Scenic Train Rides in the World...
Although there are much quicker ways of traveling, using a train is arguably much more picturesque than the others. Here are the 7 most scenic train rides.
Stunning Flowers and Inspiring Quotes to Brighten Your Day
Take a moment to enjoy the colorful beauty of astonishing flowers and the inspiring words of those who love them.
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.
Witness the Beauty of Birds in This Gorgeous Collection
In this collection, we’ve compiled the very best bird photos we could find - from stunning birds or paradise to most exotic birds on Earth
These Pics Show the Struggles and Beauty of Mother Nature
The winners of the 2022 Nature Conservancy Photo Contest have just been announced. Let’s check them out.
Exploring the World of 8 Fascinating Pink Animals
Nature has blessed these creatures in stunning shades of pink.
13 Incredible & Intricate Homes of Animal Architects
The amazing homes animals build for themselves are both mesmerizing and brilliant. Behold nature’s most amazing architects.
WATCH: These Two Elephants Meet After 20 Years...
Being apart for 20 years can be hard, and when these 2 elephants finally met again, the results were simply beautiful.
Black Sand & Blue Seas Make These Beaches Spectacular
As beautiful as the beaches may be, there is something alluring and mysteriously beautiful about black sand beaches. Take a look.
There are So Many Reasons for Us to Love Penguins
Penguins are as beautiful as they are fascinating. Here is all you need to know about these wonderful birds...
The Family Canine: Get to Know All 15 Species of Wild Dogs
Watch as the extended family of the dog unfolds before your eyes.
The Truth About Nature’s Most Misunderstood Animals
Bats, hyenas, vultures, snakes, and more – today we will shed light on the world’s most misunderstood animals.
Just How Clever Are Wild Parrots? See For Yourself!
Just how clever a wild cockatoo parrots? This man created a puzzle with seeds in it to see if they could solve it, and here's the footage...
These Stunning Trees Are Unlike Anything I've Ever Seen
There are many variety of trees that grow on our planet, but some stand out from the rest. The following trees grow in all forms of shapes and colors. They will surely take your breath away.
Marvel at This Year’s Best Wildlife Photos – 15 Pics
The winners of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2022 were recently announced. Check out the best images from the contest.
Remarkable Winners of the Insect Week Photography 2023
Check out the amazing winning shots from the Insect Week Photography Competition.
Australia Has Some of the Cutest Wildlife in the World!
Australia has many deadly animals, but did you know it's also filled with fluffy, adorable wildlife? Warning: You may want to fly to Australia and hug some animals after this post.
These Photographs Beautifully Capture Stunning Sunsets
Enjoy this stunning series of orange, red and golden sunsets, and share with those who have beauty in their heart.
These Ferocious Animals Are Making Some Unlikely Friends!
This zoo decided to start keeping labradors in its cheetah exhibit. Find out why here!
This Post Will Clear Up Any Misconceptions About Dogs
There are numerous misconceptions concerning the best ways that we should interact with dogs. This post will definitely clear everything up.
Sloths: Masters of Slow-Motion Evolution
The sloth is much more interesting than you ever realized.
These Colorful Birds are Among the Most Vibrant!
These birds are so bright and beautiful that it's actually hard to believe they're real. Take a look at these 19 kaleidoscopic bird species for yourself.
This Bird is a Masterful Trickster When It Comes To Feeding
The Drongo bird is one of nature's greatest tricksters. Watch this video to find out how it tricks meerkats into bringing food to it.
These Cute Bat Photos Will Change Your Perception of Them!
These adorable photos of bats will change your perception of them forever!
20 Jaw-Dropping Natural Landscapes That Grip Your Soul
It's impossible to put words to these glorious pictures. We just can't.
Starlings Are Master Sound Imitators - Fascinating!
Did you know that the European starling is capable of mimicking practically any sound it hears with uncanny precision? That includes human voices.
Extreme Alternative Agriculture: Growing Basil Underwater
Join us on a swim to Nemo’s Garden, a hydroponic garden at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea.
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.
Weird Science: 12 Phenomena That Scientists Can’t Explain
Scientists think they're got the world covered but so many mysteries remain. Here are 12 bizarre phenomena that even scientists can't explain.
Mimicry: The Most Fascinating of Animal Weapons
By far the coolest skill is the ability of some animals to mimic - down to the smallest detail - its surroundings, as well as other animals
Beware of These 15 Animals, They’re the DEADLIEST on Earth
Of all the animals you can meet on our blue planet, these 15 are among the most dangerous and potentially deadly ones...
Marvel at the Stunning Winners of Ocean Art Awards!
Marvel at the spectacular winning images from the 2023 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest.
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.
These Photos Prove Mother Nature Can Be So Creative!
These photos prove that Mother Nature has a creative side.
Adorable Miniature Donkeys Are Here to Make Your Day!
These diminutive donkeys aren't babies or dwarves, but an adorable breed of smaller donkeys. They’re so cute you’ll want to adopt a few.
This Woman Takes Incredible Wildlife Pics With Hidden Cams
A woman has set up a secret camera in her backyard bird feeder and ends up capturing the most interesting wildlife photos.
17 Heart-Melting Smiling Animals to Brighten Your Day
Smiles are contagious - that everyone knows, so look at these pictures of smiling animals and one will spread across your face in no time.
Slovakia is Nature’s Masterpiece! (12 Gorgeous Photos)
Photographer captures breathtaking nature photographs from Slovakia. Take a look at some of his best ones.
Roses Are Even More Beautiful After Reading These 10 Facts
The rose evokes sentiments of love, romance and relationships, but there are some things about them that I never even imagined. Read these impressive rose facts
How Do Animals Communicate with Each Other? Fascinating!
Discover how some animals communicate with one another... fascinating!
When Animals Love, We Get Wonderful Moments Like These
18 gorgeous moments of animals showing affection and love to each other in wonderful photography by Goran Anastasovski, see how they kiss, hug and show love.
Horse Kingdom: Exploring the 15 Most Stunning Horse Breeds
Many beautiful horse breeds have been developed over the course of the centuries, but some are more beautiful than others... Take a look.
10 Vegetables and Plants You Can Grow in the Fall
Just because we're approaching fall it doesn't mean you should hang up your gardening gloves. There's still plenty of things you can plant in your garden.
Unbelievable! I Have Never Seen Animals Act Like This!
When you're out in the wilderness or outdoors, you're at the mercy of Mother Nature, and crazy things can happen. If you're lucky, like these guys, you might get to catch those things on camera!