Sign of spring: Japan's cherry blossoms in bloom

For those who want to see the pink and white flowers, it's important to pick the right days, as the season is short-lived.

We love it. It doesn't last long, but it happens every year and it's something very special, says Tokyo resident Akiko Nyman.

Celebrating the cherry blossoms with family and friends is an old Japanese tradition and is called "hanami" in Japanese.

To keep track of when the buds burst, the country's weather agency issues forecasts for when the season begins and when it reaches its peak.

The flowers “sakura” and “ume” symbolize youthful energy and the concept of vulnerability in Japanese culture.