Tokyo's cherry blossom season has officially started after the official sample tree at Yasukuni Shrine opened at least five flowers.
According to The Japan Times, Tokyo's cherry blossom season officially began on March 19, 2026. The season starts when the official sample tree at Yasukuni Shrine opens at least five flowers. Yasukuni Shrine serves as the site for the official sample tree. Keywords include Yasukuni Shrine, SAKURA, TOKYO, and TOURISM. This marks the beginning of the tourism season.
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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.
Taiwan cherry blossoms are blooming early in the Kojirokuji area of Unzen, Nagasaki Prefecture, enhancing the scenery around former samurai residences. Some trees are half in bloom, while others are fully open, and the flowers can be viewed through early March. The district, with its black wooden fences and black-and-white walls, draws numerous tourists each year during February and March.
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Early-blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms are now at their peak at Ibaraki Flower Park in Ishioka, Ibaraki Prefecture, creating a sea of pink across the grounds. On Saturday, many visitors strolled along paths lined with the sakura trees. The peak viewing period for the 250 Kawazu trees is expected to last until early March, with someiyoshino and yamazakura varieties following in bloom from March.
A media preview in Gifu City illuminated nearly 100 traditional umbrellas on Friday, ahead of the event's official start the next day. Projection mapping displayed flower images on the ground, highlighting one of the city's crafts. The evening event begins Saturday at Gifu Park and runs through February 1.
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Cherry blossoms have burst into full bloom in Jinlong village, Daguan town, Nanchuan district, Chongqing, creating a stunning contrast with golden rapeseed fields and drawing crowds of visitors. The recent Cherry Blossom Festival featured a float parade, cultural market, parent-child activities and a village song contest. Rural tourism is boosting local incomes amid rising interest in farming culture.
Most major department stores in Japan closed for the New Year to provide employees with a holiday break. Upon reopening, shoppers flocked to the stores, leading to strong sales performances.
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The Shirakawa Ice Pillars in Kiso, Nagano Prefecture, have reached their seasonal peak, delighting tourists with their natural beauty. These icicles form when underground water seeps out during winter and freezes gradually, creating a curtain-like drape along the cliff up to 50 meters high and 250 meters wide. The display can be viewed until mid- to late February, weather permitting.