In a series of triptychs, Associated Press photographers in Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo capture the ways people in each country interact with the blossoms. Each set of images focuses on a theme: architecture, children, couples, picnics and others. The combined photos are notable as much for their similarities as their differences.
Cherry Blossoms Lure Admirers Around North Asia
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In this combination of photos showing children with cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Beijing, and Seoul, from left to right: A child walks under the blooming cherry blossom trees in Tokyo, March 30, 2017; a child with a cherry flower in her mouth looks at cherry trees at the Yuyuantan Cherry Blossom festival in Beijing, April 2, 2017; a girl's face is painted with cherry flower patterns during the cherry blossom festival in Seoul, April 8, 2017.
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In this combination of photos, from left to right: A couple takes a selfie under the blooming cherry trees at Ueno park in Tokyo, April 2, 2017; a woman takes a selfie with cherry blossoms in Beijing, March 25, 2017; visitors take a selfie with cherry blossoms in Seoul; April 8, 2017.
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In this combination of photos from Tokyo, Beijing, and Seoul, from left to right: Crowds gather under a canopy of blossoms, April 7, 2017 in Tokyo; a child runs past men resting on a mat at the Yuyuantan Cherry Blossom festival in Beijing, March 25, 2017; visitors sit near cherry blossoms in Seoul, April 9, 2017.
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In this combination of photos from Tokyo, Beijing, and Seoul, from left to right: Visitors ride paddle boats beneath blooming cherry trees on the Meguro river in Tokyo, April 9, 2017; crowds walk at the Yuyuantan Cherry Blossom festival in Beijing, March 25, 2017; visitors take souvenir photos with cherry blossoms in Seoul, April 8, 2017.