#95 Cherry Blossom Shock
Significant influence of unusual late blooming
In my previous post, I mentioned many times that cherry blossoms are significant for Japanese people in the spring season. I expected to write that the cherry blossoms were entirely blooming in the last week of March. However, to my surprise, the blooming of cherry blossoms in Tokyo was delayed, and the Japan Meteorological Agency finally officially declared the blooming of cherry blossoms in Tokyo on March 29. This announcement is the latest in a decade for Tokyo. I had planned many things for this cherry blossom season, but the significant delay caused me to miscalculate.
It is only to say that the blooming season has returned to its usual time, but this year, it is very unusual to have a late cherry blossom season under the effect of climate change. I will examine what is going on with the cherry blossoms and provide some hints for viewing this year's cherry blossoms.
The reason for the late bloom
As I have explained in past posts, cherry blossom buds secretly prepare to flower during the harsh winter months of December and January. However, a specific low temperature is necessary to prepare flower buds to proceed during that period. In addition, the temperature must rise as flowering approaches. This year, however, the temperature was relatively high from December to January, while cold air entered the Japanese archipelago in March, which delayed the blooming of cherry trees as a whole, according to experts' analysis.
In addition, it usually takes one week from bloom to full bloom, but when the bloom is delayed and temperatures rise sharply, the period between bloom and full bloom shortens much more quickly.
Future bloom forecast
After a lull, cherry blossom information comes from all over the country. The cherry blossom bloom will continue to move northward into northern Japan. Still, the current situation can be summarised as follows:
Effect of delayed blooming
Cherry Blossom Festivals Shrugged Off
Many "cherry blossom festivals" are scheduled in various parts of Japan to coincide with the blooming of the cherry trees, and the organizers must have been very nervous about the timing. Since most of the organizers are local governments, they could not easily change the timing of the festivals. Some extended the festival period to coincide with the blooming of the cherry trees, while others held the event regardless of the blooming of the cherry trees.
Impact on the travel industry
The delay in the blooming of the cherry blossoms must have also had a considerable impact on the travel industry. Many tours are sold in conjunction with the blooming of the cherry blossoms, so such tours must have been affected. On the other hand, the delay in the blooming of the cherry blossoms has prompted some tour operators to add tours. This spring, there are more tour guide demands as time goes by; it is mainly for offshore tours on cruise ships, but there is a considerable increase in demand this spring.
Impact on Myself
Now, how was I affected by this delay in the blooming season? There is a golf course near Tokyo with many cherry trees. I planned to play golf this week, dreaming of playing under the full bloom of cherry trees, but I will miss it. Cycling along the Tama River in full bloom, which I had planned last year, has also become difficult due to the timing. It is challenging to adjust my timing if it is too early or too late. The same thing can be applied to travelers from overseas.
Tips for this year
Shorter period from bloom to full bloom
As mentioned earlier, the period from bloom to full bloom is usually said to be shorter when blooming is later. Typically, it takes about one week to reach full bloom. However, if the blooming delays, it takes about five days to reach full bloom, so Tokyo should be expected to be in full bloom as early as April 4. So, if you are in Japan but still trying to decide where to see the cherry blossoms, check the bloom dates for the Tohoku region, which you can expect to bloom very soon, and add 4 to 5 days to that date to estimate the full bloom date. You will be able to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom with a fair probability.
Important dates
Early April is the season of entrance ceremonies from elementary to high schools. In Tokyo, public elementary and junior high school entrance ceremonies are held on Monday, April 8, and Tuesday, April 9. Since the cherry blossoms were in full bloom earlier, you can expect that the traditional scene of welcoming students to school under the full bloom of cherry blossoms, which has been the standard practice in the past, will return. In other words, if the weather is good on April 6 and 7, the weekend just before the entrance ceremony, cherry blossom viewing spots around the country will be crowded with many people. If you want to take your time to view and photograph the cherry blossoms, the best time to do so is after April 8, when the new school year begins. The cherry blossoms will fully bloom in Iwate, Akita, and other areas in the Tohoku region about a week after that.
Possibility of returning to the cold weather
According to the weather authorities, cold weather will not return in April. Therefore, it is unlikely that there will be any significant deviations in the blooming and full-blooming information.
Finally
For those of you who are staying in Japan for mid-to-long-term stays, if you are planning to visit Japan this spring, please check the information on the blooming and full-blooming of cherry blossoms in northern Japan again and re-evaluate your schedule to see when you will be able to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Also, if you plan to visit next season, please keep the characteristics of cherry blossoms in mind and plan for next year with that in mind. You cannot ask the cherry blossoms when they will fully bloom. It will be short, and vital weeks are ahead of you. I hope you will have a fantastic time with cherry blossoms.
Yesterday in Ueno only a couple of trees had a decent number of blossoms. However, the picnic area was packed as usual. Lots of drunks, as usual.