National treasure in full bloom

Designated as a national natural monument and regarded as one of Japan's three most significant major cherry blossom trees, Usuzumizakura in Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture, is in full bloom. The giant tree, said to be more than 1,500 years old, is 17 meters tall and has branches 24 meters across. It takes its name from the blossom colors: they first bloom in pale pink and fade to white before changing to light grey as the petals fall.
Due to the continued warm weather, this year is the earliest that it has reached full bloom since records began.