Spring in Japan

Signs of spring: Plum blossoms and a mejiro (Japanese white-eye) in Yugawara, Kanagawa Prefecture. (© Nippon.com)

Elementary school entrance ceremonies mark the beginning of a child’s formal education. (© Pixta)

Cherry blossoms turn the moat of Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture bright pink. (© Pixta)

Cherry blossoms in Ueno Park. (© Jiji)

Hina dolls. (© Pixta)

A school graduation ceremony (left) and a graduating university student in kimono and hakama. (© Pakutaso)

Parents often buy new indoor shoes for their children in spring (left) (© Photo Library); school students cleaning the classroom. (© Pixta).

A Japan Airlines entrance ceremony. (© Jiji)

Armor and helmet (left) and koinobori windsocks, designed to look like carp. (© Pixta)

Wild vegetables (left); bonito is tasty with ginger, negi onions, garlic, and soy sauce. (© Pixta)

Fruit at Nikkō Strawberry Park. (Photo by Nagasaka Yoshiki)