Cherry blossoms, or sakura (桜), are one of Japan’s most iconic natural spectacles. Every spring, millions of people travel to witness the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom. The season is not just about the flowers—it’s a cultural phenomenon deeply rooted in Japanese history,

The Asahi Shimbun started “Sakura Map,” a special page showing where cherry blossoms are blooming in Japan and photos of pink “sakura” flowers taken by Asahi Shimbun reporters and photographers around the country.

Cherry blossom trees drew large crowds in cities around the world, marking the beginning of spring.