All of April, all across Japan, people give parties under the tress, follow the weather forecast carefully, hunt out the best picnicking spots, and are generally seen to be happy. The reason for this outpouring of national bonhomie: cherry blossom season. The ‘Cherry Blossom Front’ takes acout a month to blow across the Japanese archpelago, from south to north. The peak season, where the trees are in full bloom, is short- for about a week in each place, the flowers open all at once, and the petals all fall soon after. One of the most popular blossom, viewing spots in the Tokyo area is Asukayama Park, where a costume festival is sometimes held to go with the spirit of season. Other famous viewing areas are around the imperial palace, along the palace moat, and in Uneno Park. Good time to go.