March is the time for cherry blossoms in Japan, however, the month can be finicky - warm some days and down right cold on others. Cherry blossoms bloom in Japan in a wave starting from the southern area of the country and slowly move north. Just to add confusion to this story, there are different types of cherry blossoms. Some types of blossoms are early bloomers and show their pink flowers even in early February.

March isn't just about blossoms; it's a month of transitions and closures in Japan. It marks the traditional end of the fiscal year for companies and schools alike. Companies wrap up their year-end books at the end of March and start fresh from April. Students also start their school year from April.

March signifies the conclusion of one chapter and the anticipation of the next. Against the backdrop of fleeting cherry blossoms, a sense of renewal lingers in the air.

This matcha parfait is all dressed up to celebrate the sakura season and is easy to put together. Choose your favorite dish and start the layering. Assemble your own masterpiece with layers of delight: I made mine with a luscious strawberry mousse at the bottom, followed by a dollop of Greek yogurt sweetened with condensed milk, sprinkled with crunchy granola, and crowned with a velvety matcha mousse. Let your creativity bloom as you craft your springtime parfait, capturing the essence of the season in every spoonful.