Now most Japanese are probably checking weather forecasts to see when will be good for "Hanami", although the announcement was about the beginning of blooming and there aren't many flowers yet in parks. "Hanami" is one of Japanese traditional customs of going out to enjoy seasonal flowers. It is actually not only for Sakura(cherry blossoms), Hanami can be for any flowers, in fact Japanese enjoy going for "Hanami" throughout the year, but of course "Hanami" for Sakura is the most popular one.
Besides, people love to have a "Hanami party" under Sakura trees. When people hear the announcement of Sakura(cherry blossoms) blooming in their area most people would say "Okay, let's go for Hanami with lots of food and alcohol! It's a party time!". Then some people would bring out their blue sheets, huge tarpaulins usually used by construction companies as shown in upper right hand side photo. Somehow using tarps is common for "Hanami parties" since people think it is more convenient than gathering small picnic sheets, and large tarps can be used to secure enough space in a good spot.
Weather forecasts are now saying that the temperature will cool down from the day after tomorrow therefore Sakura flowers would last long this year. If it is too warm all Sakura flowers bloom quickly and scatter within several days, but with cooler temperature people can enjoy "Hanami" with lots of flowers this weekend and even during the next week.
However, maybe some people just can't wait that long. Don't worry, although the major type, Someiyoshino, is just started blooming, there are other types of Sakura flowers have bloomed enough for Hanami. The photos in the lower row show "Angyoukanzakura" in Sakado City, Saitama prefecture. Today, I saw 70-80% of the "Angyoukanzakura" flowers have already bloomed. You can go for Hanami there right away!
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