Cherry blossom viewing in Japan is a special time of year for the Japanese. The beautiful blossoms bloom for a short period of time signaling the start of spring and a new year. Sakura can be viewed all over Japan and Hakone has a few special sights as well. There are spectacular trees lining the Hayakawa River in Miyagino that is wonderful for an afternoon or evening stroll. The mountains of Hakone are full of wild cherry blossoms sprinkling the green mountainsides with bits of pink and white.