Hello Spring! Stunning photos of cherry blossoms from Japan and Washington

Japan's famous cherry blossoms have reached full bloom in Tokyo as spring-like weather descends on the nation's capital. The cherry blossom season marks the arrival of spring for the Japanese. Tourists and locals flock popular spots in much of Japan to enjoy the sea of delicate pink and white blooms. (Source: AP)

People young and old strolled beneath a canopy of cherry blossoms on a walkway along the Meguro River, also in central Tokyo. Some stopped to take selfies or close-ups of the blooms. (Source: AP)

Some laid down picnic sheets at Shinjuku Gyoen, a former imperial garden in the heart of Tokyo, to enjoy "hanami," the custom of blossom viewing. Eating and drinking under the trees is a popular pastime. (Source: AP)

A family takes a picture of cherry blossom flowers at full bloom at Chidorigafuchi in Tokyo. (Source: AP)

Kimono-clad visitors view the blooming cherry blossoms in Tokyo. (Source: AP)

People paddled in rowboats in a picturesque moat lined with overhanging cherry trees and through a cherry blossom petals outside the Imperial Palace in Chidorigafuchi.

People enjoy viewing of cherry blossoms from Odawara Castle, a landmark in the city of Odawara, southwest of Tokyo. (Source: AP)

Cherry blossom flowers are reflected on a pond at Shinjuku Gyoen national garden in Tokyo. (Source: AP)

A woman wearing a Japanese traditional clothing called "hakama" views the blooming the cherry blossoms overhead in Tokyo. (Source: AP)

Japan is not the only place to enjoy cherry blossoms during spring. Washington too witness bautiful blooms every year. With the National Cherry Blossom Festival running March 20-April 15, the famous 3000 trees surrounding the Tidal Basin were gifts from a Tokyo mayor to the US capital city in 1912. (Source: AP)

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York City also celebrates the blooming of cherry trees that were a gift from the Japanese government. (Source: AP)

A two-day festival called Sakura Matsuri is planned this year for April 28-29 with some 60 events, including performances by taiko drummers. The garden features a Japanese pond and garden as well as an esplanade lined with some of its 200 cherry trees. (Source: AP)

With the Washington Monument in the background, a jogger wearing mittens passes a blooming cherry blossom tree on a windy and chilly day at the tidal basin in Washington. (Source AP)

Despite chilly weather, Judith Reiter, left, and Pixie Windsor, of Washington, have tea in an annual tradition under blooming cherry blossom trees at the tidal basin in Washington. (Source: A)

The Washington Monument is seen between the cherry blossoms. Peak bloom is forecast for later in the week. (Source: AP)

Julie Sternberg of Washington, takes a selfie under the cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin. (Source: AP)