In this stunning photograph by Agustin Rafael Reyes, we see cherry blossoms in bloom in the Tszuki Ward of Yokohama, Japan.

In Japan, the traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers in bloom is known as Hanami. In most cases it refers to cherry blossoms (“sakura”) and sometimes plum blossoms (“ume”).

From the end of March to early May, sakura bloom all over Japan, and around the first of February on the island of Okinawa. The blossom forecast is announced each year by the weather bureau and is watched carefully by those planning hanami as the blossoms only last a week or two. [Source]

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Located in the basement of More’s Department Store in Kawasaki, Japan is the world’s shortest escalator. With only 5 steps, the escalator has a modest rise of 32.8 inches (83.4 cm). It was recognized as the world’s shortest escalator by the Guinness Book of Records back in 1989 so it’s possible a shorter, even more useless escalator exists…

To further add to its futility, it goes down not up, and there’s still another set of stairs you have to descent immediately afterwards! Only in Japan…

Be sure to check out Tokyo Escalator for more interesting escalator designs around Japan.

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