Tokyo: Cherry blossoms reach full bloom, drawing tourists and locals in large numbers

Tokyo is presently bedecked with fully bloomed cherry blossoms, captivating both tourists and locals alike. People are flocking to the city's prime cherry blossom viewing spots to bask in this lively display, delayed this year by the cool temperatures. The graceful dark branches adorned with pink and white blossoms, known as sakura in Japanese, gently drape over the moat of the Imperial Palace, attracting crowds eager to snap photos or simply soak in the picturesque ambiance.

With regard to this, a local expressing his enthusiasm, stated that cherry blossoms hold immense symbolism and infuse everything around with a sense of joy and beauty. He also added they these blossoms give them the feeling that they have embarked on a promising journey for the year ahead. He says he makes it a yearly ritual to visit Chidorigafuchi Park, located beside the moat in central Tokyo, where he shares his sentiments of gratitude for this cherished tradition.
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Traditionally accompanying the beginning of Japan's new fiscal year, sakura season symbolises fresh beginnings but also the transient nature of life. People enjoy the cherry blossom season as it signifies health and happiness.
According to the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA), the renowned 'somei yoshino' cherry trees in Japan have recently reached full bloom, signaling a four-day delay compared to the city's typical average. Although this year's delay is attributed to cold weather, the agency warns about the persistent impacts of climate change, which could result in earlier cherry blossom appearances in the future. Despite pandemic-related border restrictions being lifted, tourism to Japan has been thriving, with an international crowd also appreciating the scenery on Thursday. A 35-year-old tourist from New York, planned her trip around the cherry blossoms, expressing satisfaction with the sight, calling it ‘marvellous’ and ‘very magical.’

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Professor emeritus Katsuhiro Miyamoto of Kansai University estimates the economic impact of cherry blossom season in Japan, including travel and festivities, at 1.1 trillion yen (US$7.3 billion) this year, a significant increase from 616 billion yen in 2023.