Tokyo’s early sakura

The Japan Meteorological Agency’s flowering declaration was based on a monitored Somei‑Yoshino specimen at Yasukuni Shrine showing 61 open blossoms — well above the five‑to‑six flowers required to mark the start of flowering. (reutersconnect.com) The JMA said that, if warm temperatures persist, the sample‑tree method indicates Tokyo’s full bloom should follow in roughly one week from the flowering declaration. (japannews.yomiuri.co.jp) Inui Street at the Imperial Palace will be open to the public as a special spring event from March 21–29 with entry via Sakashita‑mon Gate from 09:00 and exit required by 16:00 each day. (tokyotourists.com) The Inui Street planting comprises roughly 99–100 cherry trees across about 30 varieties, and the twice‑yearly public opening was instituted in 2014 to mark then‑Emperor Akihito’s 80th birthday. (japannews.yomiuri.co.jp) Ueno Park’s Sakura Festa (running March 14–April 5) will feature more than 50 food stalls and organisers say a portion of food‑sale proceeds will be donated to Tohoku revitalisation projects for the 15th anniversary of the 2011 disaster. (tokyoweekender.com) Chidorigafuchi’s greenway stretches about 700 metres alongside the Imperial Palace moat and is reinforced this season by ticketed Sumida River cruises that pass roughly 800 cherry trees and operate during peak bloom with evening illuminations. (timeout.com) Local reports said about 500 people queued early to view the Imperial Palace opening on its first public day, underlining immediate strong local interest in the spring access. (thestar.com.my)