Some sakura stories in 2008
Cherry viewing party with PM Fukuda at Shinjuku Gyoen Park on April 12
photo
The species on the photo may be Fugenzo, a double-flowered cherry tree, and the brown-haired young species next to Mr Fukuda is
Gal Sone, an eating competitor, and you will be surprised to see how much she can eat.
The gyoen park itself is a good place to go picnicking for people who don't drink, for drinking alcohol is prohibited there.
it is a good to look for your favorite trees from many species in the park. Each tree has different blooming time, so the tree you choose may not be the tree in spring.
I don't live in Kansai, but for fairness and it is the event I want to see.
"2008 Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan Mint"
This year 370 trees and 125 varieties are blooming in our Cherry Blossom Lane.
http://www.mint.go.jp/eng/topics/new/page21.html
Next weekends, you can expect the full bloom around Tohoku.
Forecast of cherry blossom blooming dates in 2008
Japan Meteorological Agency
There are some places with more than 5,000 or
10,000 trees, but I think 500 or more trees make me feel the places are great to see around.