Sakura is the national symbol of Japan

Somei Yoshino is regarded as the most popular variety of Sakura in Japan. In total, there are about 600 varieties of this beautiful plant in the country. Sakura blooms gradually across the country and only about ten days. The flowering usually starts at the beginning of winter in Okinawa, reaches Kyoto and Tokyo by the end of March — early April, and a few days later reaches Hokkaido. Images of cherry flowering are often applied to many household items: kimonos, sake glasses, screens and can be found on the coats of arms of the police and armed forces. Sakura is the national symbol of the country of the rising sun and is regarded as the most popular female name.