Shizuo Kambayashi / AP
Cherry blossom petals fall on a Japan Self-Defense Force member standing in the compound of the Defense Ministry where PAC-3 Patriot missile units are deployed for North Korea's rocket launch, expected to take place sometime between April 12-16, in Tokyo, Wednesday, April 11, 2012. North Korean space officials said Tuesday that all assembly and preparations for this week's planned satellite launch have been completed, and denied it is a cover for a missile test.
For more pretty photos of cherry blossoms and scenes of spring see our slideshows below.
An early spring coaxes the birds, bees, flowers and humans to come out from winter hibernation to enjoy the sunshine.
Karen Bleier / AFP - Getty Images
This year marks 100 years since the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki to Washington, D.C.