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.
Japanese Photographer Captures the Beauty of His Homeland
A series of landscape photos taken in Japan by photographer Yuichi Yokota
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.
These Award-Winning Wildlife Photos Are Phenomenal
View some of the best entries from the 2017 edition of GDT's ‘European Wildlife Photographer of the Year' competition. Take a look.
The Flowers & Blossoms of Fruit Trees Are Achingly Pretty
There are few things in this world that are quite as magical as a flowering or blossoming fruit tree. Take a look at 15 stunning images of fruit tree flowers.
The beauty between sea and sky - Amazing!
Look at these amazingly beautiful photos of sky and sea, and see the beauty of our planet.
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.
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.
Find Out More About North American Butterflies Here
Mankind has always been fascinated by butterflies and that fascination hasn't died down today. Take a look at these informative images.
11 Incredible Animals with Even More Incredible Abilities!
Forget imaginary superheros and science fiction! These real animals have their own super powers and abilities such as camouflage, immortality and more!
15 Flowers that Smell So Good, Your Garden Must Have Them
Your ultimate guide to selecting flowers, plants and herbs for an aromatic outdoor space.
Australia Is Home to Some of the World’s Cutest Animals
Australia is home to most living marsupials, a family of mammals unlike any other on earth.
It's Feeding Time for Big Cats, See it Close and Personal!
If you love big cats, this video will melt your heart as we go in close and personal during feeding time.
Wildlife Is Even More Beautiful In 4K Definition!
The wildlife in Myanmar is beautiful, and we're lucky enough to witness it being captured in 4K definition. Enjoy!
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!
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.
These Are the Best Nature Walks in the Entire World
There's no doubt that walking in nature is good for the soul, so imagine what it would do for you along the very best routes in the world. Here are 10 of them.
These Beautiful Bird Photos Are Beyond Incredible
The Bird Photographer of the Year Awards receives some of the most stunning examples of bird photography. Here are some of those.
Visiting the Tallest Moutain in NZ: Mount Cook Adventure!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness the splendor of this unique destination.
In Pictures – Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2022
Check out the breathtaking winners of the Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2022.
Click to Transform Caterpillars Into Moths and Butterflies!
Both butterflies and moths have four stages of life, they go from the initial egg to a caterpillar, then to a cocoon and finally to a butterfly or moth. Watch these 18 interactive photos Before and After caterpillars transform.
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.
The Deadliest Volcanic Eruptions in Human History
Volcanoes are one of Mother Nature's deadliest phenomena. Here are the 5 most deadliest volcanic eruptions in human history.
This Microscopic Animal is Probably Immortal
Not unlike the mythical hydra, real life hydras are microscopic organisms that have incredible regenerative abilities...
These Stunning Waterfalls Will Take Your Breath Away!
Waterfalls are a thing of beauty which never fail to impress! Check out 17 of the world's greatest waterfalls here!
16 Fascinating Plants You Have to See to Believe!
How many of these interesting plants have you seen before?
15 Wonderful Plants to Grow in Every Room in Your Home
We wouldn’t be surprised if you’re already growing plants in your home, but the question is, are you placing them correctly?
These Rapid Blooming Flowers Will Brighten Your Day
This video of flowers blooming will brighten your day. So, go ahead, treat yourself to a few minutes of beauty and relaxation.
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.
15 Things You Never Knew About the Panda Bear
When you hear about pandas, you think big, cute and cuddly, but there is much you might not know about these gentle giants...
These 17 Animals Could Definitely Model Hair Products
These animals have prettier hair than most people you know, and it's all natural!
16 Bizarre Facts That Are So Strange They Could Only Be True
Sometimes science is so bizarre it blows the mind. Read These 16 fascinating facts that prove that truth is stranger than fiction.
Nature After Dark: Exploring 8 Nocturnal Animals
Let us take you up close and personal with some of the most unusual nocturnal animals of our world.
Nature inFocus Photography Awards: 17 Incredible Winners
Check out the incredible winners of the 2023 Nature inFocus Photography Awards.
Nature: How Animals Evolved Head Weapons
The history of animal head weapons is diverse and fascinating.
Nature Is Full of Mystery When You Look at These Photos
Take a look at these amazing photos of nature which depict so much mystery.
INTERACTIVE: Click on the Flower to See Its Full Beauty
These interactive photos of flowers will allow you to see them in video with a click.
30 Reasons Owls are Beautiful...
Owls have beautiful eyes, they are great hunters and are highly intelligent. Here are 30 owls photos that prove they are stunning and elegant creatures.
The Most Beautiful Birds in the World Are in Costa Rica
The Jungles of Costa Rica are rich in beautiful animal life, none more beautiful than the many birds that call it home.
4 Simple Steps to Befriending Your Local Crow
Discover the secrets of befriending a wild crow with just four simple steps in this captivating video.
This Botanical Garden in Pennsylvania Is Out of This World
Take a look at these terrific photos of stunning Botanical garden, Longwood Gardens.
These Cute Bat Photos Will Change Your Perception of Them!
These adorable photos of bats will change your perception of them forever!
Lions! What You Didn't Know About This Amazing Creature
There is so much to know about this beautiful yet terrifying beast of the wild. This video takes you on a trip of discovery of numerous interesting things you probably didn't know about Lions.
Amazing Nature: Can a Lion Fend Off 20 Hyenas?
What happens when Red the lion gets attacked by a pack of hyenas?
Hilarious! Nobody Tells Mother Nature What to Do!
Here are 18 ironic photos that prove that nature doesn't care about what people want!
For Proof of True Love, Look to the Animal Kingdom
These heart-warming pictures will remind you that love is all around you in the world.