The first step was made by the shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune, who planted large areas of sakura trees in Edo, example later followed by many towns. Thus appeared parks accessible to common people, and some of them remained popular Hanami venues until today.
EXIF info:
Nikon Df
Lens: 14mm F/2.8D
Focal Length: 16mm
Aperture: F/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/1250s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200