Toi-zakura cherry blossoms peak early in Shizuoka's Sumpu Castle Park

In Shizuoka City's Sumpu Castle Park, small pink flowers of the early-blooming Toi-zakura cherry trees have reached their peak, signaling an early arrival of spring. Warbling white-eye birds perch and chirp on the branches. On Sunday, many visitors came to the park to enjoy this sight.

In Aoi Ward of Shizuoka City, the Toi-zakura cherry trees in Sumpu Castle Park are at their blooming peak. This early-blooming variety features six to seven small pink flowers hanging downward from its branches. Warbling white-eye birds can be seen perching and chirping on the trees.

The Toi-zakura serves as one of Japan's first indicators of spring. On Sunday, many people visited the park to appreciate these early signs of the season. The scene offers a gentle preview of warmer days ahead.

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First snowfall blankets central Tokyo and Yokohama streets, with pedestrians and vehicles navigating light snow and icy roads on January 2, 2026.
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Tokyo and Yokohama see first snowfall of season, one day earlier than average

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On Friday, January 2, 2026, the first snowfall of the season was observed in central Tokyo and Yokohama. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, it arrived one day earlier than the average but 14 days later than last season. The agency warned of heavy snowfall through Saturday in eastern to western regions facing the Sea of Japan, urging caution against traffic accidents on icy roads.

As the new year begins, Tsurui Village in Hokkaido is drawing a surge of visitors to see the red-crowned crane, a national Special Natural Monument. On Saturday, about 100 cranes arrived at the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary, raising their beaks and crying out. Residents and tourists were captivated, saying, “Cranes are auspicious” and “They’re impressive.”

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The arrival of migratory white-fronted geese has peaked at Izunuma Pond in Miyagi Prefecture, with at least 100,000 birds spotted wintering there this season. The pond, along with adjacent Uchinuma, is registered under the Ramsar Convention on wetlands conservation and is known as one of Japan's largest wintering stopovers for migratory birds.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a massive snowfall alert for Ishikawa and Tottori prefectures on January 26, 2026, due to a severe winter pressure pattern bringing heavy snow to the Sea of Japan side. In 24 hours until 6 p.m. Sunday, 47 cm fell in Kanazawa and 36 cm in Daisen, Tottori. The pattern is easing in western Japan, but vigilance is urged for northern areas on Monday.

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Following earlier warnings, heavy snow accumulated Thursday morning along the Sea of Japan side from northern Japan to Chugoku, with advisories for Ishikawa and Shiga prefectures. The winter pressure pattern is set to continue until Sunday, per the Japan Meteorological Agency.

A wolf escaped from its enclosure at Tama Zoological Park in western Tokyo on Sunday morning, causing the facility to close. The animal was spotted shortly after opening and recaptured inside the park around 2:20 p.m. No injuries were reported among visitors who sheltered in safe areas.

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Timed sled runs down the 355-meter-high Mt. Kanpu in Oga, Akita Prefecture, started on December 27 to attract winter visitors. The event, organized by the local tourism department, will continue every Saturday and Sunday until February 15.

 

 

 

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