Pink-tinted precocious double cherry blossoms start blooming (March 12, Kurumazaki Shrine, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto)

Precocious double cherry blossoms have begun to flower at Kurumazaki Shrine in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto. Due to the recent cold, they bloomed approximately one week later than usual, but the pretty blossoms herald the arrival of spring for shrine visitors.

Kurumazaki Shrine, referred to as "the cherry blossom shrine" in the Heian Period, has approximately 40 cherry trees of 15 varieties. The highest temperature in Kyoto City on March 12 was 18.5 degrees Celsius, as warm as in early April, and visitors felt the breath of spring while viewing the beautiful blossoms or taking pictures of them.

Weeping cherry blossoms and "Someiyoshino" cherry blossoms will open at the end of this month, and Wataru Takada, a priest at Kurumazaki Shrine, said, "The season when a variety of cherry blossoms are proudly in bloom will arrive soon."