Officials from the Tokyo Regional Meteorological Observatory of the Japan Meteorological Agency check the blooming status of the Somei Yoshino specimen tree at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, Monday March 24, 2025.
(Kyodo Photo via AP)
On Monday, official cherry blossom spotters in Tokyo, Japan, confirmed that this season’s blooms had begun, declaring the official beginning of the festive season in the country’s capital.
Cherry blossoms, or “sakura,” are a big deal in Japan, where they are known as the country’s favorite flower. The Japan Meteorological Agency tracks over 50 “benchmark” cherry trees around the country. For blooms in an area to officially begin, a JMA official must examine one of the specimen trees and see that more than five blossoms are flowering on it. Cherry trees usually bloom for about two weeks from the first bud to the last leaf falling off.
In Japan, cherry blossoms usually reach their peak from late March to early April, coinciding with the beginning of a new school and business year. Sakura have long appeared in Japanese culture, with their fragility often seen to symbolize life, death and rebirth.
Senior writer Chris DeWeese edits Morning Brief, The Weather Channel’s weekday newsletter.
AloJapan.com