Though it happens every year, cherry blossom season still functions as a vibrant experience in Japan. As the blossoms open up, somehow, so do people. Time spent walking or partying under the falling petals makes most people slow down to reconsider what is essential in life. It may be just a bunch of flowers, but it is a deeply meaningful bunch of flowers.

In many ways, cherry blossoms reflect the best of Japanese culture. The annual spring rite brings together friends, families and coworkers, united in a love of beauty and nature. New beginnings, whether to school, work or life are celebrated with possibly the largest, and certainly the most crowded, outdoor party in the world. Babies in strollers are rolled out for their first year hanami. One can tell it is a serious event because so many people are taking so many photos!

Photos are just another aspect of Japan's deeply rooted aesthetic attitudes. The skillful blending of the natural with the social shows a careful aesthetic patience. For a couple weeks each year, a megalopolis like Tokyo feels transformed into one huge garden, one planned out decades ago. That is no small feat. Hanami season reminds everyone that cities are made from more than metal, plastic and concrete. They are also filled with people and trees.