On March 24, 2025, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that the cherry blossoms in Tokyo have officially started blooming, marking the occasion five days earlier than last year. The news was announced based on observations made at 1 PM Taiwan time, with considerable excitement among locals and visitors.
The iconic Somei Yoshino cherry trees serve as the standard for Tokyo's cherry blossoms, and the announcement came after staff from the Tokyo District Meteorological Observatory confirmed that six blossoms had opened on the standard tree located at Yasukuni Shrine in Chiyoda Ward.
"6 blossoms have opened," was the enthusiastic declaration made by the observatory staff, which elicited applause from spectators who had gathered, eagerly awaiting the announcement. This year’s early bloom is notable, as it aligns closely with historical averages while still catching many by surprise.
In previous years, Tokyo's cherry blossoms bloomed on March 29 in 2024, March 14 in 2023, and March 20 in 2022. This means that despite other variables that can impact their blossoming, like climatic changes, the trees have maintained a relatively consistent flowering pattern.
As meteorological experts predict, cherry blossoms typically require about seven to ten days to progress from blooming to full bloom. This means viewers can anticipate the spectacular peak bloom in Tokyo by early April, bringing one of nature's most celebrated displays to life just in time for the season of hanami, or cherry blossom viewing.
Interestingly, the cherry blossoms are also blooming in other areas of Japan, with the earliest blooms being reported from Kochi City and Kumamoto City on March 23, which also provides context for the cherry blossom season across the nation this year.
According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation's latest forecasts, the cherry blossoms in the Tokyo area are expected to reach their full bloom by the end of March. In contrast, regions like the Kansai area, including cities such as Osaka and Kyoto, may see a slight delay of one to two days before experiencing full bloom. Meanwhile, northern regions like Hokkaido will have to wait until late April, with their peak bloom estimated to occur in early May.
On the day of the announcement, Tokyo's weather saw warm temperatures despite some clouds associated with a cold air mass and humid conditions. Temperature readings in the city center reached an unexpected 19.1 degrees Celsius, indicative of temperatures typically felt in mid-April.
According to Kawaue Toshiaki, an expert from the Tokyo District Meteorological Observatory, the weather fluctuations earlier in March have had a pronounced effect on the cherry blossom blooming schedule this year. "The temperature from the beginning to منتصف March was roughly consistent with average levels, so the progress of cherry blossom blooming is also quite normal. However, yesterday not a single flower had bloomed on the tree, but the sudden rise in temperature past 25 degrees Celsius accelerated the blooming significantly," he explained.
As locals and tourists alike prepare to partake in this year's cherry blossom festivities, the early bloom is welcome news amid ongoing discussions about the impacts of climate on traditional bloom timing. The anticipation of witnessing full blooms should not only excite nature enthusiasts but remind everyone of the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms—symbolizing the arrival of spring.
In summary, this year's cherry blossom bloom in Tokyo has created a lively atmosphere among the populace, as they look forward to experiencing the beauty of these iconic trees during the expected peak season. With the bloom occurring earlier than anticipated, it's a perfect time for folks to engage in cherished springtime traditions while celebrating nature's artistry.
