Japan

In Japan, you’ll often see umbrella stands outside of shops. White, grey, transparent — all looking brand new, neatly arranged in a row. Can you just grab one?

Near Osaka lies the ancient Okunoin Cemetery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Among moss-covered stone pillars, some dating back a millennium, one encounters modern graves bearing the names of Japan corporations such as Panasonic, Nissan, Toyota, and others.

Hanami in Japan is loved not only for the unimaginable and magical beauty of the cherry blossoms but also for very down-to-earth reasons—Japanese people always seem to find an excuse to enjoy delicious food and chat with friends or simply goof around with family when they spot the first pink blooms along the way.