Cherry Blossoms 2016

There are only a few days of the year where the cherry blossoms are ripe: that precious heartbeat of full bloom before green leaves sprout.  In Japan, this brief moment is seen to represent both the beauty and the mortality of life.  With the weather finally warming after months of winter and snow, people celebrate with o-hanami - the tradition of going out to see the cherry blossoms, often culminating in a picnic under the pink and white flowers.

Every year, they look stunning.