Cotton candy: Blossoming sakura turns the green Mount Yoshino into stunning pink forest.

Spring in Japan means blooming sakura '€” flower petals along rivers and brightening beautiful views across the country.

During this season, travelers can smell the sweet fragrance of flowers when the wind blows '€” even taste its sweetness.

The tradition of flower viewing '€” or hanami in Japanese '€” is an outdoor party to see the blooming of Japanese cherry blossoms or sakura.

Each park provides mattresses for picnics. The street vendors line the paths on the way to the tourist areas. People can taste traditional festival snacks like taiyaki (fish shaped cake), baked squid and chicken karaage (crispy fried chicken).

Travelers need to follow the blossom forecast to make sure they arrive at the perfect time to see sakura blushing in its full glory.

Usually, sakura bloom from the first of February on Okinawa Island to early May though out Japan. But it depends on the weather. Heavy rain could cause the petals to fall faster so there'€™s no harm in paying attention to weather forecasts as well.

At this time of year, the temperature during the day varies around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. But at night, it might drop to 4 to 5 degrees. For yozakura (hanami at night), prepare warm clothing and follow the paper lantern. In some parks, the trees are illuminated at night.

Outdoor party: Ueno Park is a popular destination for flower viewing in Tokyo.
As spring alters the color all over Japan, which one gives the best outdoor experience? Here are the top five for flower hunting locations:

Ueno Park in Taito, Tokyo: Put Tokyo at the top of the itinerary since the hanami season goes from late March to early April. After the harsh winter, people in Tokyo go out to the parks in droves.

As one of Japan'€™s public parks, Ueno Park becomes the most popular destination for hanami in Tokyo. The crowded park has more than 1,000 trees. White and pinkish sakura cover the street where people sit and enjoy their picnics.

People can also explore the areas to see more beautiful scenery. Surrounded by skyscrapers, Shinobazu Pond offers serenity in the world'€™s busiest city. Rent a boat for a romantic journey to enjoy sakura from boat rentals that dock near the bridge to Benzaiten Temple.

Maruyama Park, Kyoto: The majestic weeping sakura or shidare sakura of Maruyama Park is a must see list in exploring the beauty of Kyoto'€™s old town. The 86,000 square meter area is the oldest park in Kyoto, which is within the Yasaka Shrine precinct.

For sightseeing, Miei-do Hall as one of Japan'€™s largest traditional buildings can be viewed by visitors free of charge. In Yasaka Shrine, travelers can dress up as maiko (apprentice geisha) and enjoy strolling around in the traditional attire while posing for photographs. Along the way, people can sit in the outdoor bar, enjoy picnics around the park and tuck in to matcha delicacies, Kyoto'€™s specialty. Try matcha ice cream and crepes while taking pictures surrounded by short branches of weeping sakura.

The main attraction is the old tree named Hitoe (single petal); Shiro (white); Higan (Higan variety); and Shidare (weeping) Sakura (cherry).

According to Kyoto Guide, the current tree is the second generation. The first one was twelve meters tall and stood for nearly 200 years. Make sure to stay until the late evening to see the tree illuminated.

Surreal reflection: The pinkish sakura petals cover the canal that runs along the famous Philosopher'€™s Walk in Kyoto.
Philosopher'€™s Walk, Kyoto: As the wind blows in the northern part of Higashiyama District, the pinkish sakura petals cover the canal that runs along the famous Philosopher'€™s Walk. The clear water turns pink and white, creating a surreal reflection.

According to Japan Guide, the path got its name from one of Japan'€™s most renowned philosophers, Nishida Kitaro. The philosopher was said to use the 2-kilometer route to meditate on his way to Kyoto University.

The sakura tree along the two paths separated by the canal eventually merge into  a long white and pinkish tunnel. The quiet path starts around Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and ends around Nanzenji area.

Funny looking teddy bear fishing in the canal attract travelers to create their selfies photos. Secondhand kimono and traditional cake shops can be added to the itinerary.

Miyajima Park, Hiroshima: Upon arriving at the ferry terminal, views of roaming deer and sakura trees welcome visitors.

During the short walk to Itsukushima Shrine, the aroma of freshly baked oysters tantalizes travelers. According to Visit Miyajima Japan, the oyster farming has been tradition for 330 years ago in Miyajima. The juicy texture and savory taste of a baked oyster can be enjoyed for around ¥200 (US$1.96) to ¥300. Various toppings from butter to melted cheese make this local culinary delight the best reason to visit Miyajima.

Small steps up to Miyajima Park offer breathtaking views of the sea and hills framed by pink sakura. Deer often accompany you along the way to the top.

The best view is when the sun sets on top the torii (shrine gate) of Itsukushima-jinja. During high tide, the torii looks like it is floating in the sea. While waiting for the sunset, the low tide lets traveler reach the torii and explore the surrounding shores. This spectacular view has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A walk in the clouds: Miyajima Park in Hiroshima offers breathtaking views of the sea and hills framed by pink sakura.
Mount Yoshino, Nara: More than 30,000 sakura trees, with 200 varieties, turn the green mountain in a peak of cotton candy.

The sakura are planted in four districts with different altitudes, which results in different periods in which they blossom.

All souvenirs and cakes are shaped in the form of sakura. Sakura ice cream and mochi are sold in kiosks near train station.

Kimpusen-ji Temple and Yoshimizu-jinja Shrine in the area are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Exploring the shrine will certainly be an enlightening experience. Afterward one can relax at one of the wooden tables and chairs in the park. Stop for a while to experience the great hanami period, as the sakura frames the mountainous spectacular view.

After being mesmerized by the sakura forest, the cable car near the bus you will come across an endless view of pink sakura.

At the top, sunset send orange sparks toward the blue sky, while the white sakura reflect the blue sky, which is the ultimate view that makes the long journey worth it.

'€” Photos by Karlina Octaviany