Sandwiched between the long, bitter winter months and the sweltering humidity of summer, spring is by far the most popular time for tourism in Japan - both domestic and international. The atmosphere at this time of year is infectious, with parks packed with revelers and supermarket shelves stacked with the latest blossom-flavoured snacks and drinks.

The cherry blossom (or sakura) "front" sweeps along the length of the country each year, beginning with Okinawa in the far south in February and working its way along Japan to northern Hokkaido in May. A variety of factors can affect when the cherry blossom comes into bloom: a particularly cold winter can mean that the flowers come out late, unseasonably mild weather can usher them out sooner, and heavy rain can mean that the trees drop their petals much quicker than otherwise. For this reason, the forecast is followed avidly throughout the sakura season!

1 Cherry blossoms are Japan's national flower.

2 Picnicking beneath cherry blossom trees is a Japanese tradition.
3 "Hanami" picnics are arguably more spectacular at night.
4 Cherry blossom festivals celebrate more than just spring.
5 U.S. cherry blossom trees date back to 1912.
6 Japan had tried to send over cherry blossoms once before.
7 Peak bloom is usually around April 4.

8 Bloom predictions can't be made too far in advance.
9 They make up the best-selling fragrance in the U.S.
10 In Japan, this is the most iconic view of cherry blossoms.
11 In the U.S., we most often associate cherry blossoms with our nation's capital.
12 Neither D.C. nor Japan hold the title of "Cherry Blossom Capital of the World."
13 Cherry blossoms are said to be native to the Himalayas.
14 There are 200 different varieties of cherry blossom.
15 They aren't always pink.
16 Each tree may only bloom for up to a week.