This past weekend, with cherry blossoms in full bloom in Tokyo, some areas experienced weather similar to May, and places were bustling with people enjoying cherry blossom viewing.
The Sumida River was bathed in the warmth of spring. The fully bloomed cherry blossoms dyed the riverbanks pink. Tokyo was experiencing the warmth of Golden Week. It was a perfect day for cherry blossom viewing. “They’re in full bloom and so beautiful. I’ve been coming here since I was a baby.” Two people from Russia were dressed in pink cherry blossom-themed outfits. A tourist from Russia said, “I matched my outfit to the cherry blossoms because I love them.” “It’s so beautiful, I want to take lots of pictures.”
One place that was particularly lively was… Sumida Ward Mayor Toru Yamamoto: “I also live in this neighborhood.”
Mayor Yamamoto also participated in the local neighborhood association’s cherry blossom viewing. Everyone was enjoying spring in their own way. Along the Sumida River, there is a row of 343 cherry trees stretching for about 1 kilometer. Its origins date back to the Edo period. The eighth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, planted them as a form of entertainment for the common people. Shigeru Sahara, former director of the Sumida Ward Tourism Association, said, “At that time, it wasn’t Somei Yoshino yet, it was Oshima cherry. That’s why even now, the cherry blossom mochi shops use Oshima cherry leaves for their mochi. Afterwards, local people planted Somei Yoshino trees to replace them.”
Ukiyo-e prints also depict people enjoying cherry blossom viewing. That atmosphere still exists today… It’s a time slip, only for the duration of the cherry blossom festival. “It’s wonderful and lovely. Everything is delicious, and it’s great no matter how many times you come.” Meanwhile, at a temple in Yamanashi, the magnificent cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
The Yamadaka Jindai Cherry Tree. It is said to be the oldest cherry tree in Japan, approximately 2000 years old. “I thought it was amazing that it has been blooming for 2000 years.” “More than the flowers, it’s the trunk. The roots are wonderful. It makes me happy, it’s about the same age as me.” This year, due to the warm weather, the blossoms reached full bloom about a week earlier than usual. Spring is spreading throughout the country.
