"From Tokyo to Washington, D.C., [cherry blossom] festivals celebrate the ethereal and glorious springtime blooming of the ancient cherry blossom tree and its role today as an instrument of diplomacy, landscape enhancement, and eternal sign of spring and romance. Highlights [in this book] include the story of the trees' cultivation and significance in Japan for more than 1000 years, how they came to the U.S. and their importance as representatives of Japanese and American friendship, plus listings of important cherry blossom tree collections and other significant viewing sites throughout the U.S. and Japan"--Amazon.com.