The start of Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season was announced in areas across Japan on March 23.
 
In Kyoto, the flowers bloomed three days earlier than average.

In Kumamoto, cherry blossoms bloomed a day later than average.

Cherry trees usually reach full bloom about a week after the first blossoms appear.
 
In Kagoshima, some cherry blossom viewing spots have already reached peak bloom ahead of the official flowering announcement.

 At a shrine in Kirishima City, the Somei-Yoshino cherry trees are now in full bloom.

Kirishima Jingu Shrine worker / There are various varieties of cherry trees here. The weeping cherry trees in front of the main hall in particular are expected to remain in bloom until around April 10.

There are approximately 200 cherry trees at the shrine. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cherry blossoms in full bloom until early April.

Spring is also a season for graduation in Japan. At Kyoto University, one of the most prestigious universities in Japan, students traditionally dress up in unique costumes.

Mixed in with those wearing suits and formal attire, graduates could once again be seen this year dressed in their own unique styles.

Some wore costumes coordinated with their clubmates.

They dressed as characters from Kyoto’s traditional Gozan Okuribi festival.

Graduate / We chose this theme to symbolize fire lighting the way for our bright future.

Some graduates celebrated their new beginnings in costumes filled with personal meaning.

Graduate / My grandfather passed away when I was in middle school, but we were very close. He loved this samurai armor, so I decided to wear it on this special day. I want to tell him proudly that I made it to graduation from Kyoto University.