Start of cherry blossom season declared in Tokyo

Japan Times -- Mar 22

The cherry blossom season officially arrived in Tokyo on Thursday after officials from the Meteorological Agency confirmed that more than five blossoms had opened on a Somei-Yoshino cherry tree at Yasukuni Shrine in Chiyoda Ward.

Most Somei Yoshino cherry trees in Tokyo are now expected to be in full bloom in about seven days.

This year, the sakura (cherry blossoms) arrived five days earlier than average and four days later than last year.