People are flocking to a cherry blossom viewing event that began on Thursday at the Japan Mint in Osaka, western Japan.
The mint opens an avenue on its grounds to the public every spring. Visitors can walk along a 560-meter-long path lined with 331 cherry trees of 140 varieties.
An elementary school girl who came with her family said she could see different kinds of cherry trees and they are beautiful. She added she feels happy.
A man in his 70s said he came last year, too. He said the blossoms have not reached full bloom yet, but that he feels spring has come.
Every spring the mint selects a “blossom of the year” and this time it has chosen the “Gyoiko” variety. This rare type features yellow-green petals.
The tradition dates back more than 140 years. Booking is required. Up to more than 300,000 visitors are expected during the event, which runs through Wednesday.
AloJapan.com