Tokyoites hit the parks over the weekend as sakura (Japanese cherry blossom) season got off to a record early start.
Early bloomers —
Tokyoites hit the parks over the weekend as sakura (Japanese cherry blossom) season got off to a record early start.
YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images
Parts of Japan, including Tokyo, have seen record high spring temperatures, leading to the early blooming.
Unusual warmth —
Parts of Japan, including Tokyo, have seen record high spring temperatures, leading to the early blooming.
YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images
Viewing the sakura is so popular that at most of Tokyo's best cherry blossom parks, wannabe picnickers need to arrive by 8 a.m. just to reserve some turf.
Picnic in the park —
Viewing the sakura is so popular that at most of Tokyo's best cherry blossom parks, wannabe picnickers need to arrive by 8 a.m. just to reserve some turf.
YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images
Hanami parties, usually a walk in a park or a picnic under the trees, date back centuries to when it was primarily a royal or aristocratic activity. There are more than one hundred cherry tree varieties in Japan. The most popular variety is the Yoshino Somei.
Hanami party —
Hanami parties, usually a walk in a park or a picnic under the trees, date back centuries to when it was primarily a royal or aristocratic activity. There are more than one hundred cherry tree varieties in Japan. The most popular variety is the Yoshino Somei.
YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images
Japan takes cherry blossom blooming very seriously. National news services publish maps and weather reports relevant to prime flower hotspots.
National event —
Japan takes cherry blossom blooming very seriously. National news services publish maps and weather reports relevant to prime flower hotspots.
FILE/TORU YAMANAKA_AFP_Getty Images
The sakura season is short and lasts only one to two weeks after the first flowers bloom. Next weekend is expected to be the highlight of the season, where scenes like this (from last year) will be commonplace.
Crowd pleasing —
The sakura season is short and lasts only one to two weeks after the first flowers bloom. Next weekend is expected to be the highlight of the season, where scenes like this (from last year) will be commonplace.
file/YOSHIKAZU TSUNO_AFP_Getty