Tokyo’s cherry blossom season has begun five days earlier than last year, according to the Meteorological Agency. The agency declared that a Somei-Yoshino tree at Yasukuni Shrine had bloomed, marking the start of the blossoming season.
The agency tracks data from 58 preselected trees nationwide and declares full bloom when about 80% of the flowers have opened. This year, the warm weather over the last week is believed to have spurred the early blooms.
In addition to Tokyo, Somei-Yoshino trees in Kochi and Kumamoto prefectures also started blooming on Sunday. While Kochi matched last year’s date, Kumamoto’s blooms came three days earlier than usual. Both cities saw an early bloom compared to average years, with Kochi one day late and Kumamoto two days late.
The agency predicts that peak viewing time will be in about a week, although the warm conditions may bring it forward if they persist. The early bloom is seen as a positive sign for this year’s cherry blossom season, which is expected to be exceptional due to the current weather pattern.
Source: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/03/24/japan/tokyo-cherry-blossom