TOKYO - Cherry blossoms across Japan are reaching their peak, drawing crowds to scenic spots nationwide as Tokyo’s blooms approach full bloom.
At around 2 p.m. on March 27th, large numbers of visitors gathered at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, anticipating the possibility that the city’s cherry blossoms would reach full bloom that day. Although full bloom was not officially declared, the blossoms at the shrine were already in beautiful condition.
March 27th is also known as “Sakura Day,” and many regions across Japan are now entering their peak viewing period.
Yamanashi Prefecture was among the first in the country to see its Somei Yoshino cherry trees reach full bloom, with entire hillsides covered in soft pink hues that contrast vividly with the surrounding greenery.
At a shrine in Mori Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, the blossoms are currently about 70 percent open and are expected to reach full bloom over the weekend.
In Satte City, Saitama Prefecture, Gongendo Park is offering a striking collaboration between cherry blossoms and fields of yellow rapeseed flowers, creating a vivid spring landscape.
While cherry blossoms are now at their best across many areas, new measures have been introduced at one of Tokyo’s most famous viewing spots, the Meguro River.
A large banner has been installed on a bridge, displaying a message that reads “No stopping.” The banner is positioned at a height that discourages people from pausing to take photos.
Motohashi Takeaki, chairman of the Nakameguro Ekimae Shopping Street, explained: “People tend to gather closest to the station, where many stop to take photos and block movement. When vehicles enter this area, it becomes especially dangerous.”
Large crowds gathering to photograph the blossoms had been spilling into the roadway, prompting authorities to introduce the banners on a trial basis this year to encourage safer behavior.
A visitor in their 50s said, “I think it’s a good idea. It gets very crowded on weekends, and while some people may still ignore the signs, it’s a positive initiative overall.”
Cherry blossoms in Tokyo are expected to reach full bloom over the weekend, with heavy crowds anticipated at popular viewing spots.
Source: TBS
