• Tagged cherry blossoms, flowers, Japan, Mount Fuji, nature, Spring, wisteria, wisteria tunnels

If you’ve just been through the mother of all winters, then hang in there. Eventually, all the long hard winters give way to spring. We’ve looked at Europe, where gorgeous bluebells carpet the woods, but winter in Japan gives way to a cheerful springtime bonanza of cherry blossoms. There are also pathways among millions upon millions of exquisite blooms, wonderful hanging wisteria and wisteria tunnels that are like something out of a dream. We hope you like these photos of springtime in Japan. [34 Photos]

• Tagged animals, architecture, Blossom Kite Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, cherry blossoms, DC cherry blossom photos, DC kites and cherry blossoms, District of Columbia, Jefferson Memorial, kites, National Mall, nature, people, places, season, Smithsonian Kite Festival, Spring, Tidal Basin, travel, Washington D.C., Washington Monument, White House

Ah beautiful cherry blossoms, kites and love is in the Spring air. It’s that time again for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. It would be a great time to see DC since there is also a Blossom Kite Festival, previously called the Smithsonian Kite Festival. An estimated 1 million people will come to witness the events while the cherry blossoms are blooming. With the cost of gas astronomical, here are 44 fantastic photos, a tour for those of you who won’t be able to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival and Blossom Kite Festival this weekend. [44 Photos]