Each time I travel to Japan, I feel the same level of excitement I experienced during my first visit nearly 10 years ago. The adrenaline rush of walking below sparkling sky-high buildings, the kitschy cafes and sleek Michelin-starred restaurants,

Spring also brings vibrant festivals, from the dazzling Takayama Matsuri to Kyoto’s geisha-led Miyako Odori. Whether you’re chasing blossoms or soaking in an onsen beneath the spring sky, Japan in spring feels like you’ve stepped inside a painting.

While cherry blossoms are only at their brightest for a few days, the season can last several weeks. Typically, New Jersey sees the peak of cherry blossom season during the last weeks of March and early April. Central Jersey has a plethora of cherry blossoms, particularly in Linden and Rahway.