TOKYO -- As Japan's capital prepares to usher in cherry blossom season, companies and local governments are taking steps to ensure they can handle the influx of foreign visitors coming to Japan to see the trees in full bloom.

According to forecasting company Weathernews Inc., cherry blossoms are expected to bloom in Tokyo on March 24, followed by the cities of Hiroshima on March 25, Fukuoka and Yokohama on March 26, and Osaka and Kyoto on March 27. Tokyo expects to see them in full bloom on March 30.

Japan recorded some 36.87 million inbound visitors in 2024 -- a record high surpassing the level seen in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. This year marks the second cherry blossom season following the Japanese government's downgrading of COVID to the same disease level as seasonal influenza.

Cruise operator Spice Serve Co., based in the capital's Minato Ward, rents out boats for cruises every year along the Meguro River, a famous spot for cherry blossoms in Tokyo. A representative said that English-speaking staff are also available to help passengers enjoy the sights. According to the company, the cruise tours are becoming increasingly popular among foreigners, with inbound visitors accounting for 41% of all passengers in 2024, compared to 7% in 2020. As of March 16 this year the proportion had reached 45%.

At five tourist information centers within metropolitan Tokyo, most of the inquiries from foreign visitors during cherry blossom season are regarding cherry blossom viewing. An official said they are tracking the status of the blossoms, and staying ready to offer info on top viewing spots, times for peak blooms and more.

'Do not touch the cherry blossoms'

Along with the increased numbers of blossom viewers come issues with public manners.

At Ueno Park in Tokyo's Taito Ward, some are worried about branches breaking due to both Japanese and foreign visitors touching the trees while taking photos. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's east district park office, which manages the park, has posted signs in English, Japanese and Chinese advising people not to touch the cherry blossoms.

A temporary information center where volunteers respond to inquiries in English has also resumed operations this cherry blossom season, after being discontinued during the pandemic.

According to the office, littering is a particularly common violation of manners by both Japanese and foreigners, and pictograms are used in the park to communicate warnings such as "no littering" and "no fires" to all visitors. An official said, "I want foreign visitors, too, to enjoy viewing the blossoms while minding their manners."

(Japanese original by Natsumi Hara, Tokyo City News Department)