Tokyo's Cherry Blossom Season Draws Crowds Amid Climate Concerns

Despite a delay due to cold weather, the beloved sakura season sees a surge in tourism and economic impact, with climate change affecting bloom times.

Tokyo's cherry blossom season, a symbol of fresh starts and the impermanence of life, attracts large crowds to the city's top viewing spots.
The bloom arrived later than usual this year due to cold weather, but the Japanese Meteorological Agency notes a long-term trend of earlier blooms due to climate change.
Tourism in Japan has surged, with visitors from around the world, including a New Yorker who planned her trip around the sakura season, enjoying the cherry blossoms.
The economic impact of the cherry blossom season in Japan is estimated at 1.1 trillion yen ($7.3 billion) this year, a significant increase from 2023.
Climate change and the urban heat island effect are contributing to the earlier blooming of cherry blossoms, raising concerns over the long-term effects on this cultural phenomenon.