The nation's capital is far from the only place to see the iconic Japanese blooms hit their peak in spring.

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Nothing compares to cherry blossom season in Japan , where entire days are spent picnicking under the blooms (there's even a word for flower viewing, hanami ). But, luckily for Americans, the Japanese have so generously lent their cherry blossom trees to sister cities and exquisite gardens throughout the US.

This emblem of spring can be just as beautiful here in the US, with cherry blossom festivals and events celebrating the fleeting pink and white blooms all this month. Here are seven impossibly beautiful spots in the U.S.…