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.

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.

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In the tranquil grounds of Zoshigaya Kishimojin hall in Tokyo, Kamikawaguchiya, founded in 1781, sells traditional Japanese snacks. Owner Masayo Uchiyama, 85, the 13th-generation proprietor, has run the shop alone for 36 years since her adoptive mother's death. Despite rising costs, she finds irreplaceable joy in customer interactions.

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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In Imizu, Toyama Prefecture, kote-e artisans carefully removed a year's dust from a large plaster artwork at a local museum during year-end cleaning. The piece, titled 'Soryu' (Double dragons), spans more than 17 meters and depicts two white dragons facing each other, making it one of Japan's largest. This traditional craft helps preserve cultural heritage in the region.

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