Many cherry blossom festivals canceled as virus fears grow

What are they gonna do? Cut all the flowers off the trees? I have no doubt this ban will not deter the die-hard hanami viewers. There will still be mass viewings in many parts of Japan regardless of the risk.

If that means I can view the blossom without tripping over people, that's good.

There are plenty of cherry trees all over Japan.

No need to be controlled by fear..

I'd better stay home and watch it on tv.

Pretty sure the cherry trees didn't get the memo.

@Disillusioned:

There will still be mass viewings in many parts of Japan regardless of the risk.

Unfortunately, I guess many people will choose to watch the blossoms in their immediate vicinity this year, from a window.

Have you seen pics of Takeshita Dori (Harajuku) or Shibuya recently? You could go to these places and drop a pin and see and hear it hit the ground (especially Harajuku).

I think I can summon up the common sense to miss it this year.

> There are plenty of cherry trees all over Japan.

No need to be controlled by fear..

Well stated.

There are plenty of cherry trees all over Japan.

No need to be controlled by fear.

As a U.S. citizen that absolutely loves Japan I say Bravo! Enjoy the beautiful weather and the view. I'm looking forward to my trip to Japan later this year.

My wife and I were in Tokyo for 2 weeks last March for the sakura hanami. We were very lucky as the sakura started full blossoming just when we arrived. Therefore, we managed to catch very phrases of the blossoming from initial bloom to sakura snow. We enjoyed every bit of it. Hearing such wonderful events are getting cancelled really saddens me. I wish Japanese can still find some joy when doing the hanami.

So, are they going to prevent people from walking up to the trees?

I wonder if flight to Japan will become cheaper....

What are they gonna do? Cut all the flowers off the trees? I have no doubt this ban will not deter the die-hard hanami viewers. There will still be mass viewings in many parts of Japan regardless of the risk.

True but they won't be any festivities to attract and keep large crowds. People will come and take pictures, maybe eat lunch and then go about thier day.

All the stalls selling fried smoky stuff will be absent. :-( or :-) ???

It's going to be a sad spring in Japan this year.

The trees all over Japan will blossom as usual. With or without the drunken masses.

I'm lucky I have 5 of the trees in my large backyard and they blossom beautifully every year. I built an open deck/cover and very comfortably enjoy. We also don't have to worry about the cars passing by or onlookers thanks to the brand new high wall. The luxury of life. All the early planning and dedicated work payed off.

How dare two people in the picture to not be wearing masks! Have them detained immediately.

Cool, I just got an unlimited flight pass for 1 year. Might as well go Japan to see some Sakura next weekend.

@rgcivilian1

lucky indeed. When did you plant them?

congrats on your new wall.

Basically open spaces under constant air flows are safe. Warmer temperature at the time of full blossom will inhibit the virus from breaking out. What we should now fear is fear itself, and contagion of excessive self-restraints. Remember, there are malicious ones who are trying to exploit such public fear and hysteria for own cause.

@lucky indeed. When did you plant them?

Planted them several years ago and now have grown gorgeous. I had them specially grown and ordered from local nursery. Built the covered deck and added bansai trees plus pond. Had to add the high wall due to traffic and onlookers, sometimes they would just walk into the yard. Today it's all blocked off for privacy. They are great to enjoy and relax. At night, under the lights awesome! Plus because we do have such a big yard its getting closer to have the outdoor movies and overnight backyard camping. The roses will bloom right no time..It cost a bundle but worth every yen, and its all ours paid in cash.

u stii can enjoy sakura via internet"

If my country didn't impose the 14 day self quarantine requirements for anyone flying from Japan, I would love to go for the hanami this year! Viewing sakura blossom with less crowd would be fantastic! And the ticket is cheap.

I live on the bank of the Metro River Canal famous for cherry blossoms, since the Fukushima nuclear disaster the blossoms have shorter lives are not as majestic as before.