Sakura Festival 2004

These photographs were taken April 3, 2004 and show Someyoshino species of Sakura, Cherry Blossoms, that bloomed during that period. This year the 600 Cherry Trees in Sakura New Town started to bloom around March 25, but on March 31 the early blooming trees blossoms were badly damaged by heavy rain and high winds, almost 50% of the petals fell to the ground. The latter blooming buds and late blooming trees helped keep the blossoms looking attractive. With heavy rain forecast for April 4 the blossoms the trees look to be in their prime for only 1 day, namely April 3.