Japan celebrates cherry blossom tradition despite pandemic restrictions
- The trees are in full bloom across the country, attracting many people who had avoided taking part in the national tradition for two years because of Covid-19
- There were requests not to gather under the trees for drinking parties – a traditional way of celebrating the season – as part of continuing antivirus measures
People across Japan are celebrating the peak cherry blossom viewing season this week without Covid-19 restrictions in place for the first time in two years. But many are limiting their viewing to strolling under the trees rather than drinking and eating in traditional party style.
The trees are in full bloom this week in many parts of Japan. They peaked in Tokyo on Sunday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, attracting many people who had avoided taking part in the national tradition for two years because of the pandemic.
In many areas, viewers were requested not to gather under the trees for drinking parties – a traditional way of celebrating the season – as part of continuing antivirus measures.
At Yoyogi and Ueno parks, areas were roped off to prevent people from sitting down and partying. Many parks put up signs forbidding parties with alcohol.
At Chidorigafuchi Park, a famous “hanami” or cherry blossom viewing spot northwest of the Imperial Palace, thousands of people admired the fluffy pale pink flowers while strolling under rows of trees or from rowing boats on the palace moat.
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Japan welcomes its earliest cherry blossoms in over 1,200 years
Cherry blossoms, or “sakura,” are Japan’s favourite flower and usually reach their peak in late March to early April, just as the country celebrates the start of a new school and business year.