Japan celebrates cherry blossoms sans Covid restrictions after 2 years | PICS

People across Japan are celebrating the peak cherry blossom viewing season this week without Covid-19 restrictions in place for the first time in two years.

Many are limiting their viewing to strolling under the trees rather than drinking and eating in traditional party style.

Trees are in full bloom this week in many parts of Japan.

In many areas, viewers were requested not to gather under the trees for drinking parties — a traditional way of celebrating the season — as part of continuing anti-virus measures.

Cherry blossoms, or “sakura,” are Japan’s favorite flower and usually reach their peak in late March to early April.

Cherry blossoms peaked in Tokyo on Sunday attracting many people who had avoided participating in the national tradition for two years because of the pandemic.