Spring has reached the Japanese capital.

Japanese weather officials declared the start of Tokyo’s cherry blossom season.

This year’s announcement came a day earlier than average, but nine days later than last year.

Five blooming flowers were observed on a sample tree in Yasukuni shrine in central Tokyo.

The temperature rose to 22℃ in Tokyo today (Tuesday).

After some rain over the next few days, cherry blossoms will reach full bloom within a week.

Japanese people like to celebrate spring with raucous cherry blossom viewing parties.