Residents and tourists are amazed to see this magical combination – pink petals on a white snowy background.
The Winter Cherry Blossom Festival, which attracts about 2 million visitors annually, has started in Japan. During this period, the winter variety of kawazu-zakura blooms in warm regions of the country, while the famous somei-shino traditionally opens its buds only in March.
A rare miracle on camera
Eyewitnesses managed to capture the unusual phenomenon on their smartphones: snowflakes falling on the flowering trees, creating the effect of a real winter fairy tale. The photos instantly went viral on social networks, delighting followers around the world.
Meteorologists predict that cherry blossoms will start blooming earlier than usual in most regions due to the sharp warming in March. Tourists will be able to enjoy pink flowers and warmth earlier than usual.
When the cherry blossoms will bloom:
– Tokyo, Nagoya, Shizuoka – around March 20;
– West of Greater Tokyo – late March;
– Hokuriku and Tohoku – late March to early April;
– Southern Hokkaido (Sapporo) – around April 27.
Nature has its own laws
Cherry blossoms depend on the weather conditions of the previous year. The buds form in summer and then fall into a winter slumber, withstanding frosts of -5 °C to -15 °C. With the arrival of warmth, they awaken: the tips turn yellowish-green, and soon delicate petals appear, which decorate the country with spring magic.
Even February’s chill does not prevent the sakura from giving joy and surprising with their beauty. This year, Japanese spring came a month early – and from the first days it has been mesmerizing tourists and locals alike.
