Cherry blossoms still in full bloom in southern Hokkaido

It's not too late to get in some top-notch cherry blossom viewing in Japan. The cherry trees are in full bloom at Matsumae Park, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in southern Hokkaido, where about 250 varieties are planted. The park is renowned for the scenery of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of Matsumae Castle, a national historic site and the only castle in Hokkaido.
Matsumae Town says the blooming started on April 11th this year, the earliest on record. The 10,000 cherry trees in the park blossom at different times, so the best viewing period lasts nearly a month.