The cherry tree blossoming began in Tokyo earlier than average for the season, marking the start of the spring season in the Japanese capital and one of the most significant annual phenomena for residents and visitors alike.

According to authorities, the start of flowering was recorded five days earlier than usual. The process is officially declared when at least five blossoms open on the designated reference tree, but this year 61 blossoms were recorded before the official announcement was made.Higher-than-usual temperatures since mid-February have helped speed up the process, according to Japanese meteorologists.

Already by Friday, visitors had begun to gather in city parks, such as the well-known Ueno Park, which is one of the most popular destinations for bloom watching. At the site, citizens and tourists had spread blankets under the blossoming trees as part of the traditional outdoor gathering activity.

The cherry blossom season is associated with increased tourist traffic and is an occasion for family outings and social activities in the city.

At the same time, according to visitors’ testimonies, the phenomenon also retains a more symbolic character, as the annual reappearance of flowering trees is associated with moments of calm in a period of international uncertainty.