Cherry Blossoms Begin Blooming at Tsuruga Castle in Japan’s Fukushima Pref.

The Yomiuri Shimbun

15:33 JST, April 4, 2026

AIZUWAKAMATSU, Fukushima — Cherry trees have begun blooming at Tsuruga Castle Park in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, Mayor Shohei Muroi announced on Friday.

The announcement, which came four days earlier than the average year, was made after at least five blossoms were confirmed on a sample tree in front of the castle keep in the morning.

The park’s about 1,000 trees are expected to reach full bloom in five to seven days.

A sakura festival is being held at the location through May 6, featuring nighttime illuminations and stalls selling local specialties.

Meanwhile, the local meteorological office in Fukushima City said Friday that the someiyoshino variety had reached full bloom. The peak came five days earlier than last year and eight days earlier than the average year.

The flowers are expected to be in full bloom for about a week.