Somei-Yoshino Cherry Blossoms Along the Takase River

　The official declaration of the start of the cherry blossom season in Kyoto has been made, following the blooming of five standard Somei-Yoshino cherry trees at Nijo Castle. This is three days earlier than average and marks the earliest declaration in the Kansai region. That said, it is still cold in the city, and only a few blossoms have appeared so far.

　The Somei-Yoshino cherry trees along the Takase River have also begun to bloom, but they are still far from being in full bloom. Although rain is forecast for tomorrow, warm, sunny weather is expected from the day after tomorrow onwards, so it looks likely that the Somei Yoshino cherry trees will be in full bloom in various places by the weekend.