Rollercoaster Weather Delays Cherry Blossoms

Mar 19, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Tokyo is experiencing a return to colder weather, with temperatures plummeting to 12C on Tuesday, affecting the anticipated blooming of cherry blossoms.

Despite the arrival of the spring equinox on March 20th, warm clothing is still necessary.

The timing of cherry blossom viewing is causing concern. In Kanagawa Prefecture's Minamiashigara City, the unique cherry blossom variety "Harumeki" is blooming. Depending on the location and weather, a beautiful combination of blue skies and rapeseed flowers can be enjoyed.

The "Harumeki" cherry blossoms, originating from Minamiashigara City, are known for their deep pink color and fragrance.

Locals and visitors are enjoying the rapid blooming of the "Harumeki" cherry blossoms, which started around two days ago.

The blooming is delayed this year due to the inconsistent weather, with the cherry blossom festival extended until the 20th. Many visitors who came during the usual blooming period were greeted by buds instead.

Tokyo is also on the verge of welcoming spring. The Kanzakura cherry blossoms are adding color to the grounds of Yasukuni Shrine.

For the Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms, the benchmark tree has yet to show open flowers. However, some buds are visibly swelling and turning red.

Last year's blooming announcement came exceptionally early on March 14th. This year's fluctuating weather has shifted the timing, with the latest forecast predicting blooming on March 24th.

Amusement parks are also anticipating the cherry blossom season. At Yomiuriland in Inagi City, Tokyo, the blooming forecast of Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms is being closely watched.

The park's approximately 800 cherry trees will allow visitors to enjoy hanami from rides like the gondola and merry-go-round.

The popular roller coaster "Bandit" transforms into a "hanami coaster," offering a unique perspective as it speeds through the cherry blossoms.

Yomiuriland, celebrating its 60th anniversary on March 19th, offered free admission to all visitors. The park, which opened in 1964, has evolved over the years, with various events planned to commemorate its history.

Visitors, including those from three generations, have fond memories of the park's evolution and the activities they've enjoyed.

Yomiuriland continues to evolve and remains beloved by the community.

Adjacent to the amusement park, the Yomiuriland Panoramic Hot Spring "Hanage no Yu" opened this month, offering natural hot springs and cherry blossom viewing from inside the facility.

The weather on March 20th is expected to be rough across a wide area from western to northern Japan due to cold air aloft and low-pressure systems.

Source: ANN

Japan Faces Netherlands Without Liverpool Midfielder Wataru Endo

When Japan kicks off its World Cup campaign against the Netherlands at 5:00 a.m. Japan time on June 15 at Dallas Stadium in Texas, the Samurai Blue will do so without one of their most influential players. Liverpool midfielder and former captain Wataru Endo has been ruled out through injury, prompting coach Hajime Moriyasu to hand the captain's armband to Ajax defender Ko Itakura while relying on Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka and Crystal Palace playmaker Daichi Kamada to help fill the void left in central midfield.

Fire Torches Naritasan Shokoji Temple in Hokkaido

A fire broke out at a Buddhist temple in Obihiro, Hokkaido, on June 13th, sending flames soaring from the building and causing temporary alarm in a nearby residential neighborhood before being largely extinguished about two hours later.

Japan Moves To Tackle Potty Parity

The Japanese government on June 12th released new guidelines calling for women’s toilets to have at least as many fixtures as men’s toilets in public facilities, seeking to address the persistent problem of long queues at women’s restrooms in places such as train stations and event venues.

Captain Endo Withdraws From Japan Squad

Japan captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the national team's World Cup squad due to injury and announced his retirement from international soccer, dealing a major blow ahead of Japan's Group F opener against the Netherlands on June 14th (June 15th Japan time), as the team continued preparations near Nashville, Tennessee, on June 11th.

Veteran Photographer Documents Changing Bear Behavior

As bear sightings continue at an unusually high pace across Akita Prefecture, a veteran wildlife photographer who has spent nearly 30 years observing and photographing Asian black bears says the animals are appearing more frequently, moving closer to human settlements, and increasingly adapting their behavior to survive.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Notorious Osaka Slum Turns Tourist Hotspot

A district once known nationwide for its concentration of day laborers and social challenges is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with new hotels, cafes and restaurants reshaping Osaka's Nishinari Ward as tourists, entrepreneurs and younger visitors increasingly flock to the area.

Kyoto Tourist Numbers Hit Record High as Foreign Visitors Stay Longer

Kyoto welcomed a record 62.79 million visitors last year, an increase of more than 6.7 million from the previous year, according to the Kyoto city government, highlighting the continued recovery and expansion of the city's tourism industry.

Bear Sighting Triggers Road Closure at Kyoto's Amanohashidate

Authorities in Kyoto Prefecture received another report of a bear sighting at the famous Amanohashidate sandbar on June 12th, just two days after a bear was captured in the area, prompting temporary road closures and heightened precautions for local residents and visitors.

ANA And JAL Raise Fuel Surcharges to Record High for Summer Travel

Air travelers departing Japan for overseas destinations this summer will face record-high fuel surcharges after All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) announced significant increases for international tickets purchased in July and August, driven by soaring fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.