Tokyo’s sakura season begins
Tokyo officially declared cherry blossom season started on March 19 — five days earlier than the historical average after on‑and‑off late‑winter temperatures, with the Yasukuni Shrine reference tree showing first blooms (straitstimes.com)(gotokyo.org). Popular hanami spots like Ueno Park and the Meguro River are primed for picnickers through early April, though some U.S. bases canceled spring festivals this year which could affect access in specific areas (gotokyo.org)(stripes.com).
Japan Meteorological Agency inspectors counted 61 open blossoms on the Somei‑Yoshino sample tree at Yasukuni Shrine when they declared Tokyo “in bloom,” and the agency uses a five‑to‑six open‑flower threshold to make that declaration. (france24.com) The Japan Weather Association projects Tokyo will reach full bloom on March 28, while other forecasts put peak bloom around March 30 — both forecasts caveated that continued warm weather will determine the exact timing. (weather-jwa.jp) The JMA said this year’s opening came five days earlier than the recent average start date of March 24, and noted the earliest recorded Tokyo bloom remains March 14, which occurred in 2020, 2021 and 2023. (france24.com) Ueno Park contains about 1,200 cherry trees and the site typically attracts nearly 2 million hanami visitors during the short spring viewing window. (livejapan.com) The Meguro River promenade is lined with roughly 800 Somei‑Yoshino trees over an almost 4‑kilometer stretch, creating the well‑known riverside sakura tunnel used for daytime strolls and nighttime illuminations. (japan.travel) Three U.S. bases in Japan scaled back or canceled public spring events this season: Yokosuka canceled its March 21 Spring Festival (last year’s event drew more than 55,000 people), Sasebo canceled its April 18 Fleet Friendship Day, and Camp Zama’s March 28 Cherry Blossom Festival will be limited to personnel and guests with base access. (stripes.com) Meteorologists attributed the earlier‑than‑average start to warmer‑than‑usual temperatures in Tokyo since mid‑February, a pattern JMA officials cited when announcing the bloom. (france24.com)
