Majestic trees stretching their rose crowns towards the sky, tiny petals being whirled around by spring winds, and the pleasantly aching knowledge that this breathtaking beauty will perish after only a few days. It's the Hanami (花見), which means flower viewing in Japanese, a tradition whose roots are traced to the Nara period (710–794).
Every year from the end of March to early May, people gather around cherry blossom trees with family and friends to enjoy delicious food and drinks under the pink trees, often with the petals gently snowing from the branches when in full bloom. It's a time to admire, ponder, and celebrate life and nature. This is undoubtedly my favorite time of year.