By The Way - Travel
After an unusually long wait, tourists and locals began gathering in Tokyo last week to see blooming cherry blossoms. A cold snap delayed their bloom for many days.
Noriko Hayashi for The Washington Post
After a long wait, people in Tokyo were finally are able to take in the cherry blossoms on March 30.
Noriko Hayashi for The Washington Post
Noriko Hayashi for The Washington Post
These tiny pink flowers are known better in Japan as sakura. The national flower of Japan has a diplomatic legacy in Washington, D.C. Much like festivities held for the District’s beloved Tidal Basin trees, parades, viewing parties and festivals are popular during peak bloom in Japan. People picnic beneath the falling petals, take photos and spend time with loved ones among thousands of flowering trees.
Noriko Hayashi for The Washington Post
People picnic under the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park in Tokyo on Friday.
Noriko Hayashi for The Washington Post
Noriko Hayashi for The Washington Post
A woman looks at cherry blossoms in bloom at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo on Thursday.
Noriko Hayashi for The Washington Post
Noriko Hayashi for The Washington Post
People picnic under trees at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo on Thursday.
Noriko Hayashi for The Washington Post
Noriko Hayashi for The Washington Post
But unlike in D.C., the trees reach peak bloom at the same time Japan begins a new school and business year. At this time of reemergence, the bloom coincides with new beginnings. But this year, peak bloom ran far later than normal; it was the latest bloom of the flowering trees in more than a decade. Last weekend, the blossoms reached a stunning full bloom.
Noriko Hayashi for The Washington Post
Park goers take photos with the cherry blossom trees at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden on Sunday.
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
A bridge is packed with park goers at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden on Sunday.
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Park goers take photos with the cherry blossoms on Sunday.
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Park goers take selfies in front of the trees on Sunday.
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Park goers take photos with cherry blossoms in Inokashira Park in Tokyo on Sunday.
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Flowering trees grow tall in Inokashira Park in Tokyo.
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Largely ignored signs urge people to keep moving in the Nakameguro district in Tokyo on Saturday.
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
The bridge over the canal in the Nakameguro district is packed with people taking photos.
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
People take photos of cherry blossoms in the Nakameguro district on Saturday.
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Signs in Chidorigafuchi Park warn onlookers not to touch the trees.
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
People line up on an observation deck in Chidorigafuchi Park on Saturday.
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
People gather for the cherry blossoms in Chidorigafuchi Park on Saturday.
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
People head for a subway exit at Kudanshita Station in Tokyo on Saturday to observe the cherry blossoms.
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Tourists from all over the world flock to Inokashira Park to see the cherry blossoms.
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
Irwin Wong for The Washington Post
More from the Post
Advice | Everything you need to know about traveling to Japan this year
The latest from The Washington Post
Credits
Photo editing and production by Lauren Bulbin