Cherry blossom season holds cultural significance in Japan and heralds new beginnings. Taking the Somei-Yoshino variety as a benchmark, the Meteorological Agency officially declared Tokyo¡¯s sakura season to have started on Monday. Full bloom is expected this weekend, but it¡¯s forecasted to be cloudy and rainy, interfering with plans for outdoor hanami (flower viewing) picnics.
The blossoms¡¯ ephemeral beauty has been immortalized in art and literature for centuries, so particularly on rainy days, there¡¯s still plenty of sakura (cherry blossom) art to gaze upon inside. Here are a few Tokyo museums that display cherry blossom-themed artworks this spring.
Since early March, the in Taito Ward has been showcasing a variety of artworks in anticipation of the blooms. Most works on view are from the Edo Period (1603-1868) ¡ª including paintings, scrolls, kimono and ceramics featuring cherry blossoms.
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