HIROSAKI, Aomori -- Somei Yoshino cherry trees reached full bloom on the eastern outer moat of Hirosaki Park here April 22, a renowned viewing spot in Japan.

The Aomori Local Meteorological Observatory also announced the full flowering of the Somei Yoshino variety in the city of Aomori on the same day. The cherry trees within Hirosaki Park were expected to reach full bloom by April 23, marking the peak viewing period for cherry blossoms across the prefecture.

The sample cherry tree in the park began blooming on April 18. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, which started at the park April 16, is attracting tourists, and some were seen taking photos of the cherry blossoms while others were seen enjoying food from stalls. The Hirosaki Municipal Government's tourism division said, "We hope many more people will come and visit."

According to the city's park and greenery division, the cherry blossoms at the park are expected to begin falling around April 26. The best time to view the "hana-ikada" -- a phenomenon where fallen petals float on the moat's surface -- is anticipated to be from April 26 to 28.

(Japanese original by Ayano Tanaka, Tokyo City News Department)