Petals of wonder
1 Cherry blossoms herald spring's arrival. They symbolise the fleeting nature of human life. They bloom for a month and then fade away quickly.
2 This weeping cherry at Kyoto Imperial Palace attracts both locals and tourists. Its cascading branches, loaded with pink flowers, sway gracefully in the wind.
3 There's nothing better than chilling out under cherry trees along Kamo River on a Sunday afternoon. It is mesmerising to watch the reflection of light on the flowers.
4 Somei yoshino - the most popular cherry blossom in Japan - produces pretty flowers with five heart-shaped petals.
5 Rainy days don't have to get you down. Just put up an umbrella and admire droplets settling on Bubble-gum pink cherry blossoms.
6 A purple magnolia at Kyoto Imperial Palace catches the eye.
7 These Japanese primroses, or sakurasou, near Uji Temple grow in bouquets of their own.
8 This white magnolia on the banks of Uji River just loves the camera.
9 Baby's breath spireas, or yuki-yanagi, thrive along the banks of Kamo River.
It's hard to take your eyes off the dense foliage of pink cherry blossoms. But when you do, you'll find that spring has more to offer.
