Sakura trees are such an integral part of life in Japan that they can be found everywhere, including in the schools. I work at a private Buddhist high school and junior high with a long history in this area. The campus grounds are meticulously groomed, and trees and flowers of various varieties are planted so that at almost any time of the year, something will be blooming, or turning colors. There are also many Sakura trees scattered around the campus, so I like to arrive at school early during cherry blossom season and get in some snaps in the morning light before classes start.

There are Sakura trees in the high school, including over the bike parking space.

And, there are more on the adjacent junior high school campus.

The Sakura season is short and unpredictable, and it always rains at some point during flowering time, but working at a traditional school, in a country that places great importance on seasonal changes and mindful gardening, I always manage to get in my tree peeping time one way or another.