Cherry Blossom Viewing Season at Peak in Japan’s Kanazawa

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Visitors take photos of cherry blossoms at the Kenrokuen garden in Kanazawa on Friday.

KANAZAWA — Cherry trees have reached full bloom in Kanazawa, the local meteorological office said on Friday.

More than 80% of flowers were confirmed to have bloomed on a sample tree of the someiyoshino variety on the day.

The peak came three days earlier than last year and five days earlier than the average year.

A total of about 800 someiyoshino trees and other varieties are planted in Kanazawa Castle Park and nearby Kenrokuen, which is considered one of the nation’s three best gardens.

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Cherry blossoms are illuminated at Kanazawa Castle Park, with Ishikawamon gate seen in the background.

As the temperature hit a high of 18.5 C, visitors were seen strolling under the flowers without jackets.

To mark the viewing season, Kenrokuen will be open from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. through Wednesday. Admission is free.

Meanwhile, Kanazawa Castle Park is holding nighttime illuminations from sunset to 9:30 p.m. through Wednesday.

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