A symphony of sakura in Shizuoka

The Kakegawa cherry trees are in full bloom, displaying their signature dark pink flowers that cascade downwards. The early-blooming trees are named after the Shizuoka city of Kakegawa, where 300 have been planted along the banks of the Sakagawa River that flows near the city's castle. The trees began to flower at the end of February, then quickly popped into full bloom thanks to the unseasonably warm weather.