Japan’s world renowned Cherry blossom season has arrived. The country’s Meteorological Agency said Monday that the capital city of Tokyo was officially in bloom.
Certain trees are monitored in the country each year and an area is considered to be in “full bloom” when five or six flowers (sakura) can be counted on their branches. Tokyo’s most celebrated Cherry tree is located at the Yasukuni Shrine. The capital city is in “full bloom” when 80 percent of this tree’s flowers are in bloom.
The blossoms have been celebrated for centuries, but will likely be overshadowed this year by the tragedy of the recent earthquake and tsunami. Trees in the tsunami region are expected to bloom early to mid April.
