Tokyo Cherry Blossom Season Begins Early This Year
Tokyo’s cherry blossom season began early this year with blooms confirmed at Yasukuni Shrine. The Meteorological Agency bases this on a specific tree’s flowering. Warm weather has accelerated the blooming process, with peak viewing expected soon. Regions like Kochi and Kumamoto also reported earlier blooms compared to last year.
Tokyo’s cherry blossom season commenced on Monday, a full five days ahead of last year’s start. The Meteorological Agency confirmed that a tree at Yasukuni Shrine had bloomed. This announcement relies on the Somei-Yoshino variety, distinguished by its pale pink flowers, which serves as the official reference. Data is collected from 58 specific trees across Japan, with the announcement for Tokyo based on a single tree in Chiyoda Ward.
At around 2 p.m. on Monday, the Meteorological Agency declared that the iconic tree was officially in bloom. The agency identifies a tree as blossomed once five or six flowers have bloomed on its branches. Full bloom status is achieved when approximately 80% of the tree’s flowers have opened.
Warm temperatures experienced over the past week are believed to have stimulated this early blooming, as per the Japan Weather Association. The peak viewing period is expected in about a week, potentially earlier if the warm weather continues. On the previous Sunday, the agency also noted blooming in Somei-Yoshino trees in Kochi and Kumamoto prefectures.
Kochi’s cherry trees bloomed on the same date as last year, while Kumamoto’s blossomed three days earlier than in 2022. Both cities’ blooming occurred just one day later than their respective averages.
The commencement of Tokyo’s cherry blossom season five days earlier than last year underscores the influence of recent warm weather. The blooming at Yasukuni Shrine serves as a key indicator, with full bloom anticipated soon. Other regions like Kochi and Kumamoto are experiencing similar trends, enhancing the seasonal celebration.
Original Source: www.japantimes.co.jp
