Every spring, Tokyo is transformed by an explosion of cherry blossoms, also known as sakura, which cover more than a thousand viewing locations.
Japan’s famous cherry blossoms are expected to bloom earlier than usual in various locations this year due to warmer temperatures in February.
Weather conditions leading up to spring have a large effect on the blooming of these cherry blossoms, and since February was so warm, blooming dates have moved forward.
These cherry blossoms were expected to start flowering in Tokyo and Fukuoka on 15 March and are expected to reach full bloom in the capital by 23 March, and a day later in Fukuoka. Meanwhile, blooming in Hiroshima and Nagoya began on 15 March and are expected to reach full bloom on 26 March.
View this post on Instagram
To experience one of the best blooms the city has to offer, covering 58 hectares of more than a thousand cherry trees, Shinjuku Gyoen Garden is where you want to be. Ueno is the park where you’ll find Tokyoites picnicking on blue tarpaulins which they lay beneath the cherry-tree boughs.
Featured picture: Unsplash
