Sharjah24 – Reuters: Thousands of Japanese gathered in central Tokyo on Monday (March 28) to enjoy the view of cherry blossoms as COVID-19 restrictions imposed on Tokyo and 17 other prefectures were lifted last week.
People wearing masks were seen strolling around the perimeter of the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo, taking pictures and posing for selfies among the trees.
The flowers, known locally as "sakura", reached full bloom in Tokyo on Sunday (March 27), four days earlier than usual according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The age-old tradition of viewing cherry blossoms typically attracts throngs of people to parks to sit under cherry trees for picnics, singing, and drinking. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the metropolitan government has been asking people to refrain from eating and drinking outdoors to avoid the spread of the disease.
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