Cherry blossoms at a park in Japan's northeastern prefecture of Aomori are in full bloom.
Hirosaki Park is home to about 2,600 cherry trees in 52 varieties. It's one of Japan's best-known places for appreciating the beauty of cherry blossoms.
The somei-yoshino variety of trees in the park reportedly came into full bloom on Friday, eight days earlier than usual.
Hirosaki Mayor Sakurada Hiroshi declared the trees in full bloom at a ceremony held near Hirosaki Castle. He said the trees across the park were confirmed to be in full bloom at 10 a.m.
Participants released about 100 colorful balloons into the sky.
Visitors from across the country enjoyed seeing the cherry trees while strolling and taking pictures.
The somei-yoshino flowers in the park will likely remain in full bloom until Sunday, but visitors will be able to enjoy other varieties after that, including weeping cherry trees, which will come into bloom later.