Spring in Japan formally begins in the beginning of February; after that, nature better listen, because a lot of the tourism here depends on it. Last year the cherry blossoms in Kyoto didn't listen to the predicted Optimal Weekend, and there was chaos.
Fortunately, this year looks like it's doing better. This is a shot from a local shrine. The blossoms are 梅 (plum). The white paper is おみくじ, a fortune that you get at shrines. If it's good, take it with you; if bad, tie it to something so the bad luck won't follow you.
