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Blooming marvellous: Tokyo’s cherry blossom season officially begins

Tokyo’s meteorologists declared the start of the much-loved cherry blossom season in the Japanese capital on Thursday, as residents prepare to host outdoor picnics under…

By Samantha Johnson / March 19, 2026
Tokyo’s meteorologists declared the start of the much-loved cherry blossom season in the Japanese capital on Thursday, as residents prepare to host outdoor picnics under dazzling floral displays.
The cherry season for Tokyo starts when the official sample tree at Yasukuni Shrine opens at least five flowers.

“Today, the blooming of the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms was observed,” the Tokyo Regional Headquarters of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said in an eagerly awaited statement, referring to the most common cherry variety.

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Since early Thursday morning, local broadcasters have repeatedly shown dozens of open flowers on the tree.

Blossoms and buds from a Somei Yoshino cherry tree at the Yasukuni Shrine used by The Tokyo Regional Headquarters of the Japan Meteorological Agency for phenological observation on Thursday. Photo: AFP
Blossoms and buds from a Somei Yoshino cherry tree at the Yasukuni Shrine used by The Tokyo Regional Headquarters of the Japan Meteorological Agency for phenological observation on Thursday. Photo: AFP

To make it official, a duo of suit-clad officials from the weather agency stepped in front of dozens of spectators and theatrically counted and pointed to open flowers.

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