Cherry blossom (sakura) season in Japan is short, lasting less than a week, but it is well worth the effort.

If you are lucky enough to be in Kyoto during mankai, or full bloom, be sure to visit Maruyama Park at night. The blossoms are beautiful during the day, but they come alive at night.

The park hosts many interesting kiosks, food stands, entertainment, and more, but the highlight is an enormous weeping cherry blossom tree (shidarezakura) that is illuminated at night.

Take some time to drink in the beauty here -- you won't regret it. And if you can, try to snag one of the small tables (chabudai) like the couple in the photo.