All over Japan, seasonal cherry blossom viewing is enjoyed by friends and families gathering together for food, drink, music, and festivals. Families often picnic in the park under the blossoming trees. The significance of the cherry blossom in Japan is as a reminder of the beauty, yet also the fragility, of life, because the blooming is so short-lived. To find the peak blooming times in your area, check one the following websites: http://www.jnto.go.jp/ or  http://www.japan-guide.com/.