Cherry Blossoms Start Blooming in Morioka, 11 Days Earlier Than Average Year

The Yomiuri Shimbun

13:28 JST, April 8, 2026

MORIOKA — Someiyoshino cherry blossoms have begun blooming in Morioka, the Morioka Local Meteorological Office announced Tuesday.

This is 11 days earlier than the average and 9 days earlier than last year, making it the second earliest cherry blossom report on record, after 2023.

A reference cherry tree, about 10 meters tall and 30 years old, grows on the grounds of the meteorological office. At around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, several staff members of the office confirmed visually that five to six flowers had blossomed on the tree, which is considered the threshold for flowering.

Blossoms are expected to reach their peak across the city as early as this weekend.