Somei-Yoshino Sakura, the most popular cherry trees, have come into bloom in Tokyo, the Japan Meteorological Agency said Sunday, March 14, a few weeks earlier than usual. The Japan Meteorological Agency is responsible for declaring the official opening of the season, which is a kind of annual rite of spring. In each prefecture, a specified cherry tree is observed as the standard tree. There is a very careful watching of the tree for measurement twice a day so as not to miss the five or six flowers that open to define the transition of seasons. The agency even releases maps of the cherry blossom front, which is similar to weather fronts. Full bloom is forecasted around March 22.す Let me also tell you that Somei-Yoshino is not the only cherry blossom in Japan. There are more than 200 types of cherry blossoms in Japan. Earliest one starts blooming in autumn and latest comes end of April. We will keep you updated by posting various photos of beautiful Somei Yoshino.
Quite recently the state of emergency has been extended for two weeks till late March in the greater Tokyo area. Late March… it will be almost the beginning of the season “Somei Yoshino Sakura”, the most popular cherry blossom in Japan. We will introduce you the beauty of Sakura in Japan through Tokyo Now in April. This issue is focused on “one day in early spring at Asakusa” when I enjoyed a stroll from Kuramae to Asakusa in Tokyo. Asakusa is still far less crowded. For example, the observatory deck of Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center was empty when I drop in at. I felt I charted there exclusively for me. By the way, do you happen to know “DORAYAKI of Kameju – the famous confectionery in Asakusa. Many people used to line up long for “Dorayaki”. It was really short on the day thus for the first time I could buy and enjoyed one. Pancake of the Dorayaki is soft & fluffy. Anko (sweet azuki beans paste) is not too sweet. Dorayaki of Kameju is just one of many famous & popular confectioneries in Asakusa. I also bought “Ningyo-yaki (doll shaped baked cake)”. It is a soft sweet cake with anko (sweet azuki beans) […]
