NHK



 

Cherry blossoms of the Somei-Yoshino variety have started blooming in a town on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido.

Officials in Matsumae Town on the southern tip of the island announced on Sunday that the blooms had appeared. They confirmed more than five blossoms on the benchmark tree in Matsumae Park.

They say the tree bloomed seven days earlier than usual, and four days later than last year.

Tourists gathered around the tree to take photos.

A visitor from Taiwan praised the combination of cherry blossoms and a nearby castle.

He said cherry blossoms in Japan are very beautiful because of their colors.
Matsuura Shinya, a town official in charge of tourism, said he feels relieved the blooms have appeared as temperatures had been low recently.

The park has roughly 10,000 cherry trees and there are about 250 varieties. Officials say visitors will be able to enjoy the cherry blossoms for about one month as the varieties bloom at different times.