Emoni, I agree with you that the Japanese have "worshiped" nature for ages with Shinto, and that Hanami dates back to the Heian period. However, it was mostly the elite who went on such pleasance trips to watch the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. What's more, some European countries also have a tradition of strong connection with nature (e.g. pagans and neo-pagans in Britain). But there isn't such a media-sponsored tourism industry around it (and this is new in Japan). Why ? Because most Westerners (and especially the British) have their own garden, or can enjoy nature in their city's numerous parks (London has so many public parks compared to Tokyo). So the Japanese have no other choice by go far away and maybe stay for a night or two, just to admire nature.