If you have never visited Japan, you would likely be very surprised by how popular viewing cherry blossoms is in Japan. In Tokyo, huge crowds of people assemble in all the parks to look at and photograph these magnificent trees.
Families come in large groups and spread picnic blankets, making a day of it. In Tokyo, the short season begins in late March and extends only through the beginning of April. At Japanese web sites, like this one, people track each season so they can be there for the best show.