Cherry blossoms are full in bloom in this season.

Not only Japanese people but also people all over the world are attracted by the scene of light-colored petals wafting in the breeze.

The color of cherry blossoms is produced by a pigment called anthocyanin. This pigment is affected by the variety of the cherry tree, as well as the environment where the tree is growing. Similar to autumn leaves, the light and temperature are the key factors in the color of the blossoms. The color of the blossoms will be darker if the tree grows in full sun and in a lower temperature.

This is why the color of cherry blossoms in western Japan is relatively lighter and those in Hokkaido and the Tohoku area are darker. This explains why the color of cherry blossoms that people image seems different in each area of Japan.