When temperatures start to rise and trees begin to turn pink,  Tokyoites know that their favorite season of the year is fast approaching. Known in Japanese as “Hanami,” or cherry blossom viewing, this spectacle of springtime evokes not just feelings of joy and happiness, but also marks the beginning of something new, and the fleeting beauty of life.

For our lowdown of the only places you need to see this hanami season, check our guide below.

Note: Hanami in Tokyo happens roughly between the last week of March and the first week of April - yet latecomers can still see plenty of blossoms until the end of April at Shinjuku-Gyoen.