Cherry blossoms in Niigata Prefecture, Japan

April 2004 Cherry blossom viewing is a traditional Spring pastime for Japan. The Japanese call Cherry blossoms Sakura. Viewing them is called hanami, hana for flower and mi meaning to see. Many of the photos below were taken in famous Muramatsu park where folks like to picnic on the one weekend in April the blossoms are in full bloom. The weekend varies from year to year according to the weather.
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