I love the build up to the Sakura period. People emerge to seek early blossom – plum blossom starts in late January and then there are the early cherry blossom varieties, Kanzakura, Kawazuzakura, Kanhizakura and many more (and no, I don’t see the differences) until we reach the main flowering period. In 2022, this is between mid March to early May, depending on the location in Japan.

There are sites offering information on predicted dates in all areas of Japan, best places to view the blossom etc. Officials of the Meteorological Agency decide on the start of the cherry blossom season when they inspect buds on a benchmark cherry tree of the Somei-yoshino variety at the Yasukini Shrine in central Tokyo. And it officially started on March 20th, 4 days earlier than average but 6 days later than last year.

I feel excited when the shops put up cherry blossom decorations

And then there is all the pink food and drinks – I have sampled many. All for research purposes of course!

And three photos of blossom; lots more to come after various walks this coming week