Mark Johnston Photography

Mar 2009: 桜　Cherry Blossoms [photos from various locations and times]

It is that time in Japan when the weather shifts from the cool, dry Winter patterns into the warmer, more humid Summer climate. But in between, there is a magical period where the Winter chill is dispersed, and yet it is not too hot, not too humid. This period beginning in early March, and lasting until the rainy season arrives in June, is a great time to be in Japan.

And a central part of this special season is cherry blossom time.

Here, a few photos of blossoming cherry trees, taken at various times and places in Japan over the last several years.

You can monitor the progress of the 桜前線　"sakura zensen", the cherry-blossom front, as it moves northward up the Japanese archipelago from these Web sites [some in Japanese, but you can still understand the maps]:

• Yahoo national flower-viewing spots [added 27 Mar 2009]
• weathernews japan
• Japan Meteorological Agency

Map of Japan

Use the controls to zoom, or pan by dragging the map with your mouse. The map is centered on Tokyo.