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Cherry blossoms in Tokyo expected in mid-March

Weather officials say cherry trees in central Tokyo are expected to start blooming around March 18, about a week earlier than usual, thanks to relatively warm temperatures this month.

The Japan Weather Association said in a forecast on Thursday that cherry trees of the most popular variety, Somei Yoshino, are expected to be in full bloom about a week later on March 25, six days earlier than usual.

Cherry trees are also expected to start blooming early in Saitama and Yokohama, near Tokyo.

For the first time since the pandemic started in 2020, people visiting places famous for cherry blossoms will see COVID restrictions relaxed this spring.
But some restrictions will likely be in place.

Officials in Meguro Ward say they will welcome visitors to a four-kilometer stretch of the Meguro River lined by hundreds of blooming cherry trees. But they will ask visitors to follow a one-way rule to be imposed along the river. Visitors will also not be allowed to hold parties under the trees.

Officials at Ueno Park say they will relax restrictions overall but that a one-way rule may be imposed on the main street to prevent crowding.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230302_33/