The much-awaited cherry blossom season of the year is finally here, and 'Sakuraphiles' worldwide are gearing up to enjoy the 'hanami' (flower viewing) season at its best. Signalling the season's arrival, the blooming of the flower, known as 'sakura' in Japan, was confirmed in Western Japan's Kochi. Yes, Japan also has a beautiful region named Kochi. Interestingly, it's the second consecutive time the bloom has been recorded in Kochi. The blooming of the Somei Yoshino variety, the most common type of cherry blossom, was recorded here, as per reports. The blooms were spotted on the terrace of Kochi Castle, one of the few original Japanese castles left in the country. Full blooms are expected in various spots in about a week. 

Interestingly, while there are many varieties of cherry blossom, and they can be spotted in various Japanese regions even in January and February, it's the blooming of the Somei Yoshino variety, with its pale pink, short-lived flowers, that's considered the beginning of the flower's season. It starts in mid-March, peaks around April and ends by May. Japan's meteorological agency announces the arrival of the season. The country has over 200 varieties of the plant. Most people associate cherry blossoms with baby pink colour, but the flower also blooms in deep pink, white-pink and even a rare greenish-yellow shade in various parts of Japan. Each of them has its own petal structure and bloom time, too. 

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Here are the top five cherry blossom spots for tourists
1) The Imperial Palace in Tokyo has a moat named Chidorigafuchi, where you can row a boat along the moat, surrounded by trees.
2) The weeping cherry trees of Maruyama Park in Kyoto.
3) Mount Yoshino of Nara, which has more than 30,000 trees.
4) Hiroki Castle of Aomori that's known for its sakura carpet on its moat
5) Tokyo's Ueno Park, with more than 1,000 trees, is one of the most popular hanami spots

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