Fleeting Beauty

Spring in Japan is the time for cherry blossoms and cherry blossom viewing parties.
The blossoms only last for about a week or so.

Just starting to flower.

In full bloom.

Only one petal left here.

A gentle breeze creates a blizzard of cherry blossom petals, a lot like snow but warmer.

Yes, in case you were wondering you can eat them. I have had cherry blossom petals in a desert type of tofu and in some traditional Japanese sweets. It is an extremely subtle flavour.