Japan’s cherry blossom season has started at the earliest date since record begin 1200 years ago.
The 2021 season in the city of Kyoto peaked on 26 March, according to data collected by Osaka University.
Scientist believe that the early flowerings in recent decades is likely to be as a result of climate change.
The records from Kyoto go back to 812 AD in imperial court documents and diaries.
The city has experienced an unusually warm spring this year.
The previous record there was set in 1409, when the season reached its peak on 27 March.
The blossoms, are known as “sakura” in Japanese. They last for only a few days, but their appearance is tremendously important, both economically and culturally.