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Japan cancels cherry blossom festival — UK parks to see the blooms
Summary
Fujiyoshida, near Mount Fuji, has cancelled its 10-year-old cherry blossom festival after officials said a surge of visitors was creating problems for residents; across the UK, sites from Greenwich Park to the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh and several country estates are noted for their spring cherry blossoms.
Content
Japan has cancelled its annual cherry blossom festival in Fujiyoshida this year. Authorities said the number of visitors during sakura season became difficult for local residents to manage. Local reports cited issues such as littering, trespassing and increased traffic during peak days. In the UK, a number of parks and gardens are highlighted as places where cherry and other spring blossoms can be seen, generally blooming around April.
Key points:
- Fujiyoshida, a town near Mount Fuji, announced the cancellation of its 10-year-old cherry blossom festival, with a statement from mayor Shigeru Horiuchi about protecting residents' living environment.
- Officials reported visitor numbers of about 10,000 daily in the town during sakura season and cited disturbances linked to large crowds.
- UK locations mentioned as notable for cherry blossom displays include Greenwich Park in London and the Sakura Brae at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh.
- Other UK sites named in reports include Doddington Hall (Lincolnshire), The Stray (Harrogate), National Botanic Garden of Wales, Ightham Mote (Kent), Dyffryn Gardens (Wales), Dudmaston (Shropshire), Keele University arboretum and Dunham Massey (Cheshire).
- Some UK venues have entry fees or visitor arrangements noted in public information, while others are free to access or part of managed gardens.
Summary:
The cancellation in Fujiyoshida reflects local authorities' concerns about heavy visitor pressure and its effects on daily life. The story has prompted attention to alternative viewing locations, including several parks and historic gardens across the UK that are known for spring blossom displays. Undetermined at this time.
