(Mainichi/Kunihiko Misawa)
Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloomed on April 20 at Matsumae Park in the town of Matsumae, located in the southernmost part of Hokkaido. This was seven days earlier than usual and the earliest blooming in Hokkaido. Matsumae Park is famous for cherry blossoms and Matsumae Castle is located there. In the park, there are 10,000 cherry trees of 250 varieties, including those that will bloom later. The Matsumae cherry blossom festival is being held there until May 11.
Japanese original
(Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun)
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