Early cherry blossoms in Aomori

Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture is one of Japan's most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, home to about 2,600 cherry trees of 50 varieties.
They reached their full bloom on April 13, some 15 days earlier than usual, and the earliest date since records began in 1947. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival was originally scheduled to be held from April 21, but its unofficial start date was brought forward by a week, to catch the flowers while they are at their best.