I planned a solo trip to Japan intentionally timed to arrive right in the middle of hanami season, or the cherry blossom festival (hanami literally means “flower viewing”). And despite my aversion to booking trips that are hyped by slideshows on the internet, I absolutely loved it. With every re-emergence of spring, I can’t help but reminisce. Indeed, it was a trip I loved so much that I want you to book it, too.