TOKYO -- As Japan's capital prepares to usher in cherry blossom season, companies and local governments are taking steps to ensure they can handle the influx of foreign visitors coming to Japan to see the trees in full bloom. According to forecasting company Weathernews Inc., cherry blossoms are expected to bloom in Tokyo on March 24, followed by the cities of Hiroshima on March 25, Fukuoka and Yokohama on March 26, and Osaka and Kyoto on March 27. Tokyo expects to see them in full bloom on March 30.
Japan recorded some 36.87 million inbound visitors in 2024 -- a record high surpassing the level seen in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. This year marks the second cherry blossom season following the Japanese government's downgrading of COVID to the same disease level as seasonal influenza.
As visitors flock to experience the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms, local operators are gearing up to provide opportunities for sightseeing. Cruise operator Spice Serve Co., based in the capital's Minato Ward, rents out boats for cruises every year along the Meguro River, a famous spot for cherry blossoms in Tokyo. A representative said that English-speaking staff are also available to help passengers enjoy the sights.
According to the company, the cruise tours are increasingly popular among foreigners, with inbound visitors accounting for 41% of all passengers in 2024, compared to a mere 7% in 2020. As of March 16 this year, the proportion had reached 45%. This surge indicates a robust interest in experiencing the cherry blossom season, which is widely celebrated for its beauty and cultural significance.
At five tourist information centers within metropolitan Tokyo, most inquiries from foreign visitors during cherry blossom season are about cherry blossom viewing. An official said they are tracking the status of the blossoms and remaining ready to offer information on top viewing spots, times for peak blooms, and more.
However, with the increased number of blossom viewers, public manners have become a concern. At Ueno Park in Tokyo's Taito Ward, some worry about branches breaking due to visitors touching the trees for photos. In response, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's east district park office, which manages Ueno Park, has posted signs in English, Japanese, and Chinese advising people not to touch the cherry blossoms.
A temporary information center, where volunteers respond to inquiries in English, has also resumed operations this cherry blossom season, after being discontinued during the pandemic. The office reported that littering remains a particularly common violation of manners by both Japanese and foreign visitors, and pictograms have been placed in the park to communicate warnings such as "no littering" and "no fires" to all visitors. An official stated, "I want foreign visitors, too, to enjoy viewing the blossoms while minding their manners."
Weather officials announced that cherry blossoms started blooming in Tokyo on March 24, the same date as the seasonal average, and five days earlier than last year. By 2 p.m. on March 24, the mercury had risen to a warm 19.1 degrees Celsius in central Tokyo, indicating pleasant weather conducive to bloom. The Meteorological Agency confirmed the start of the cherry blossom season after officials spotted six flowers in bloom on a benchmark cherry tree at Yasukuni Shrine.
A weather official noted that temperatures in early and mid-March were about the same as the seasonal average, allowing the cherry blossoms to arrive right on schedule. He added that while no open flowers were confirmed the previous day, warm weather with temperatures exceeding 25 degrees Celsius helped the buds open up. Cherry trees in Tokyo are expected to be in full bloom within a week to ten days from March 24, enhancing the excitement for visitors and locals alike.
As the cherry blossom season approaches, Tokyo is not just preparing for an influx of tourists but also emphasizing the importance of respectful engagement with nature during this beautiful yet delicate period. For both visitors and residents, the blossoms represent a crucial aspect of Japan's natural heritage, and efforts to maintain their integrity will define the experience of this year's season.
