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21:01 GMT, Thursday, 27 March 2008
In pictures: Cherry blossom season
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Japan's Meteorological Agency declared the opening of the "sakura season" on March 22 - that's when more than 80% of a benchmark tree at Yasukuni Shrine came into bloom.
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Holding "hanami", or cherry-blossom parties, is a centuries-old Japanese tradition. These women wearing hakamas have just graduated from university.
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Parks fill up with workers taking time out from the office, students and old people who come out to see the delicate pink blossom.
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The season only lasts about two weeks, so people make the most of it.
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This man is reserving a good spot for a hanami with friends or colleagues later.
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This is university graduation week in Japan, and students come to the park after their graduation ceremonies for parties or to take photos.
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This year's season began six days earlier than average, and one day sooner than had been forecast.
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