The Japanese capital has entered sakura or the peak season of cherry blossoms that lasts for barely two weeks, and marks the beginning of spring.
Thousands of Japanese are celebrating the arrival of the new season - one of the most anticipated events of the year in the country - with mass "hanami", or picnics under the cherry blossoms, dressed in their best clothes and loaded with traditional bento food boxes, beer and sake (rice wine).
![People enjoy a party under the blooming cherry blossoms at Ueno Park, one of the most popular cherry blossoms viewing party venues in Tokyo. Photo / AP](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/AFYIIJEV4O2Q4ZY7I35VFWPJAY.jpg?auth=b6f771bd84158300fa8f598917e89c3421ca21038b57ee10b160ae4852f896c2&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Japan's Meteorological Agency announced on March 21 that cherry trees had begun to flower in Tokyo's Yasukuni Temple, to mark the beginning of "sakura" in the city.
However, spring has been colder than expected this year and this has affected the cherry blossoms from blooming in their full splendour.