The cherry blossoms at Ueno Park in Tokyo are experiencing a unique season this year. Due to an unusually prolonged cold snap, the Somei Yoshino cherry trees, which are the most common and celebrated variety for hanami (flower viewing), have been slow to bloom, with only a few blossoms spotted so far.
However, visitors to the park can still enjoy the beauty of early blooming cherry blossom varieties. Notably, the “Komatsu Otome” and “Ueno Shirayuki Shidare” cherry blossoms have started to bloom. The “Komatsu Otome,” discovered within Ueno Park and named in 1989, is known for its slightly pinker blossoms. Meanwhile, the “Ueno Shirayuki Shidare,” a variety found in Tokyo for the first time in about 30 years in 2022, is celebrated for its snow-like white flowers.
Current reports from Weather News indicate that the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park are at “fifty percent bloom,” suggesting that they have not yet reached their peak. The cherry blossoms are a significant draw for both tourists and locals, promising a splendid view when they finally reach full bloom.
For those planning to visit, it’s advisable to keep up with the latest blossom reports, as the peak viewing times can vary. The mixed blooming stages of various cherry blossom varieties in Ueno Park offer a unique opportunity to appreciate the diverse beauty of sakura season in Japan.