Sakura are widely regarded as the national flower of Japan, though not in an official legal sense. Sakura represent beauty, impermanence, renewal, and cultural spirit. They remind Japanese people to cherish the present moment, to start anew with hope, and to celebrate life’s fleeting beauty. Japan's cherry blossom (sakura) season generally runs from late March to early April, but it varies by region and can extend from January in the south to May in the north. The season starts with the first blooms in Okinawa in late winter and progresses northward, with Hokkaido blooming as late as early May. To catch the prime full bloom, it's best to check the regional forecasts as they can change with the weather.