Photos: Japan enjoys peak cherry blossoms, but no party

Country lifted all formal COVID-19 restrictions last week after infections slowed

Published: April 01, 2022 12:23 AP and compiled by Nathaniel Lacsina, Senior Web Editor

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Tokyo: People are celebrating Japan's peak cherry blossom viewing season without COVID-19 restrictions for the first time in two years. Image Credit: AP

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But many are strolling under the trees rather than drinking and eating in traditional party style. Image Credit: AP

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Trees are in full bloom this week in many parts of Japan. Image Credit: AP

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They peaked in Tokyo on Sunday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, attracting many people who had avoided participating in the national tradition for two years because of the pandemic. Image Credit: AP

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In many areas, viewers were asked not to gather under the trees for drinking parties _ a traditional way of celebrating the season _ as part of continuing anti-virus measures. Image Credit: AP

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At Yoyogi and Ueno parks, areas were roped off to prevent people from sitting down and partying. Many parks put up signs forbidding parties with alcohol. Image Credit: AP

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At Chidorigafuchi Park, a famous 'hanami' or cherry blossom viewing spot northwest of the Imperial Palace, thousands of people admired the fluffy pale pink flowers while strolling under rows of trees or from rowboats on the palace moat. Image Credit: AP

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Cherry blossoms, or 'sakura,' are Japan's favorite flower and usually reach their peak in late March to early April, just as the country celebrates the start of a new school and business year. Image Credit: AP

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In Shinjuku Gyoen in downtown Tokyo, many people including families picnicked under the trees. Image Credit: AP

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The popular blossom viewing area of Nakameguro was full of people walking along a river lined with cherry blossom trees. Image Credit: AP

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Japan lifted all formal COVID-19 restrictions last week after infections slowed, but experts have raised concerns about a resurgence prompted by people gathering and traveling during spring holidays. Image Credit: AP

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People wearing face masks on a tourist bus view seasonal cherry blossoms at Roppongi district, in Tokyo. Image Credit: AP

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Visitors stroll under a shower of cherry blossoms in full bloom at a shinto shrine in Tokyo. Image Credit: AP

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In this long exposure photo, streaks of lights indicate vehicles moving under a canopy of cherry blossoms flowers lit by street lights, in Tokyo. Image Credit: AP

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