Crowds in Tokyo gather for cherry blossom season

Finally, in Japan, Tokyo's cherry blossom season has arrived earlier than usual this year, with full bloom observed over the weekend.

The early arrival drew large crowds to popular "hanami" or "flower viewing" spots across the city on Monday.

Parks and gardens throughout Tokyo are experiencing peak bloom, attracting locals and tourists to the seasonal festivities.

While cherry blossoms usually reach their peak in late March to early April, the early blooming this year is attributed to warmer temperatures.

The country's favorite flower reaching the peak usually signals the start of the new school and business year.