Sakura arrived early in Japan

Japan’s official observation trees registered first blooms in Kōchi on March 16, Nagoya on March 17 and Tokyo on March 19, with "first bloom" defined as five to six flowers opening on the sample tree. (nippon.com) Tokyo’s March 19 first‑bloom arrived five days earlier than the long‑term 30‑year average first‑bloom date of March 24 used in national blossom tracking. (nippon.com) Seasonal forecasts issued by the Japan Meteorological Corporation and updated sakura maps show flowering running earlier than normal across eastern Japan, prompting successive forecast revisions through March. (travelandleisureasia.com) Inui Street at the Imperial Palace opened to the public on March 21 for a nine‑day period (entry 9:00–15:30, exit by 16:00), the promenade stretches about 750 metres and is lined with roughly 99 cherry trees representing about 30 varieties. (kunaicho.go.jp) About 500 people were reported lining up early on opening day, and the Imperial Household Agency is conducting bag inspections while prohibiting eating, smoking, drones, fundraising and flags to manage crowds. (web11.bernama.com) Major Tokyo hanami programmes such as the Ueno Park Sakura Festa (running into early April) feature scheduled food stalls and live music, with organisers saying a portion of food‑sale proceeds will be donated to Tōhoku revitalization projects tied to the 15th anniversary of the 2011 quake and tsunami. (soranews24.com)