Tokyo's Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early, Ushering in Spring with a Burst of Pink

Tokyo's Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early, Signaling the Start of Spring

The first cherry blossoms of the season have officially bloomed in central Tokyo, marking the arrival of spring in the Japanese capital. The announcement was made on March 24th, with cheers erupting from the crowd gathered at Yasukuni Shrine in Chiyoda Ward. Six blossoms have opened on the Somei-Yoshino cherry tree, signaling the start of the blooming season.

This year's bloom is five days earlier than last year and aligns with the average year's timing. The warm, moist air from the south is expected to continue raising temperatures, accelerating the blooming process. The trees are expected to reach full bloom in about a week, creating a breathtaking spectacle of pink blossoms across the city.

While there is a chance of rain on March 29th, the following Sunday is expected to be sunny and ideal for enjoying the cherry blossoms. This makes it the perfect opportunity to stroll through parks and gardens, admiring the delicate beauty of these iconic flowers.

The blooming of Somei-Yoshino cherry trees has also been confirmed in Nagasaki, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima prefectures. Kochi and Kumamoto prefectures reported the first sakura blossoms in the country on March 23rd, marking the beginning of the blooming season across Japan.

For those who want to follow the progress of the cherry blossoms, the Asahi Shimbun has launched a sakura map featuring pictures from across the country taken by its reporters and photographers. This platform offers the latest information on the blooming conditions nationwide, allowing you to plan your cherry blossom viewing experience.