Hirosaki City Park Greenery Division (Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki City) announced on March 19 that the cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park are expected to bloom on April 17.

This is the first time this season that the section that manages the cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park has been announced. According to the announcement, the flowering forecast of the standard Yoshino cherry tree in the park is April 17th. Six days earlier than April 23, the normal flowering day. Sotobori is April 16th, Sakura Tunnel is April 18th, and the forecast for full bloom is April 22nd.

Yuji Ebina, a tree doctor in the park and greenery section of the city, said, "Long-term forecast that the temperature this year will be about the same as normal or slightly higher. It was forecast earlier than normal because it will continue to be high."

Hirosaki Park is known as one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, with 2,600 cherry blossoms of 52 species in bloom. Since the time of full bloom coincides with Golden Week, tourists from all over the country visit the "Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival". Last year, the festival was canceled to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus infection.

Ebina smiles, "Last year, not only was the Sakura Festival canceled, but the park was closed and I couldn't enjoy the cherry blossoms. I hope this year I can enjoy the cherry blossoms in the park as well."

The next announcement of the city's flowering forecast is March 26th. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to be held from April 23rd to May 5th.