Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms are one of the most beautiful sights in spring. These delicate pink and white flowers bloom on cherry trees for only about two weeks. Cherry blossoms are especially famous in Japan, where they are called sakura. People have celebrated their beauty for centuries.

Sakura Season

In Japan, the blooming of cherry blossoms is a major event. People have picnics under the trees in a tradition called hanami, which means flower viewing. The cherry blossom season moves from south to north across Japan as the weather warms. Weather forecasters even track the bloom!

Around the World

Cherry blossoms grow in many countries. Washington, D.C., has over 3,000 cherry trees that were a gift from Japan in 1912. The trees around the Tidal Basin create a stunning pink display each spring that attracts over a million visitors.

Fun Facts

• Cherry blossoms bloom for only about two weeks.
• Japan gave Washington, D.C., 3,000 cherry trees in 1912.
• The cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan.

Did You Know?

In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms represent the beauty and shortness of life. Their brief blooming period reminds people to appreciate the present moment.