Watch live: Tokyo crowd gathers to see cherry blossoms before full bloom
Watch live as tourists gather in Tokyo to see the Japanese capital's cherry blossoms before full bloom.
The trees, also known as sakura, mark the onset of spring in the Asian country, with the beautiful pink and white flowers adorning the streets of many of its major cities.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed the first blooming of a cherry blossom on Monday, when the specimen tree of the Somei Yoshino at Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine had more than five blossoms flowering on it - the minimum required for declaring the start of the festive season.
According to the JMA, the opening matched the average year, and was five days earlier than the opening in 2024.
The cherry blossoms, which typically reach their peak in late March to early April, regularly appear in Japanese culture, symbolising life, death and rebirth.
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Time Out Dubai
2 hours ago
- Time Out Dubai
Enjoy 25% off on your staycation at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
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Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
I spent a night at the luxury hotel where Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds stay on Wrexham visits
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The minute you drive through the entrance to Carden Park Hotel and Spa you know you're arriving somewhere special. Set in acres of lush grounds, as you wind along the tree-lined driveway with a beautfully manicured golfing green beside you, as well as water features and wildlife (we spotted a swan and her babies), any cares will be relinquished long before you reach the building itself. In fact it's so special that it's a favourite destination for Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively when they visit the football team he co-owns, Wrexham FC - and they can often be seen entertaining their famous friends there too. And why wouldn't they? Carden Park is about nine miles from Wrexham and has 197 stunning bedrooms (currently undergoing a major makeover) including four luxury suites, a newly-refurbished leisure club, two championship golf courses and award-winning restaurants including The Vines which offers a fine-dining tasting menu. There's also a vineyard and a new £10m spa with one of the largest spa gardens in the UK, which wouldn't look out of place in the Maldives or on a Caribbean island. (Image: James Devaney, GC Imagesvia Getty Images) READ MORE:I tried a tiny restaurant overlooking a Welsh beach and discovered the best Asian fusion food for miles After a quick and seemless check-in we took the lift to our room. During our stay the ongoing refurbishment was evident in the upper corridor as one half was light and airy with plush new carpet and contemporary pale wooden doors while the other half was a little dated. Our refurbished room overlooking the sculpture garden at the front was elegant but homely in shades of blue with floor to ceiling curtains and an ensuite featuring a huge walk-in shower. (Image: Carden Park) It's always the little touches that count and as well as the complimentary teas and coffees and luxury toiletries, a little plate had been left on the side with a selection of homemade chocolates and a welcome message. (Image: Karen Price) We decided to explore and our first port of call was Morgan's Bar where you can enjoy a drink and watch sport on the large TVs. There's also a terrance overlooking the front lawn so we took our drinks outside to people watch before having a walk through the grounds, taking in the sculpture garden featuring a diverse collection of artwork from leading sculptors and the vineyard which produces up to 10,000 bottles of Carden Park Estate Reserve sparkling wine each year from the two grape varieties grown. (Image: Karen Price) Back inside we had a quick change before heading to The Vines where we had a reservation. Before their meal, guests can relax in Goldie's cocktail bar opposite the restaurant with a drink and some snacks as they look through the menu. The surroundings are glamorous but not stuffy with comfy chairs and sofas, a beautiful golden ornate ceiling, low lighting, potted plants and large windows opening up onto a terrace. A pianist was playing background music in the corner adding to the chilled vibe. 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Next up was a Crab Tartlet which also featured Japanese seaweed Nori, cucumber, Carden gin, smoked crab emulsion, apple and marigold. As well as being as pretty as a picture, it was really light and refreshing. (Image: Karen Price) Fourth to arrive was Welsh Hogget served rare with with asparagus, baby gem, black garlic puree, hogget belly bacon, crispy sweetbreads, sheep's yoghurt and a light jus. My partner isn't a fan of lamb but he was able to swap for Roasted Monkfish from the fish menu - which he says was his favourite dish of all. Served with seared scallop, togarashi cauliflower and spring onion, the fish was succulent and covered in a delicious creamy sauce. (Image: Karen Price) Why have one dessert when you can have two and that's what you got here. The first offering was Raspberry and Amalfi Lemon which was a lemon iced parfait with raspberry curd, lemon Madeline and raspberry sorbet and every bit as light and refreshing as it sounds. But my favourite was the Dark Chocolate Mousse which had a beetroot sponge, mascarpone, cocoa nib crumb and beetroot sorbet. Yes you read that right - who would have thought the humble earthy vegetable could be the basis of one of the best puddings I've tasted. The combination with the rich dark chocolate was simply delightful. There is also the option of a cheese board for a £5 supplement or as an additional course for £17 featuring a selection of cheeses, grapes and celery with jam. To finish off, you can enjoy a coffee with a selection of petit fours just like the ones that were left in our room, which we just about managed after all those lovely courses. While we dined like kings - or Hollywood royalty - the next morning we were up early ready to sample the hotel's breakfast, which features full English and continental choices, and after a little breather we headed to the spa. 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Leaving the resort after our 24-hour stay we felt relaxed, pampered - and definitely like Hollywood royalty.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
UK's 'most beautiful seaside town' is unsung spot with 'overlooked' beach
Weymouth in Dorset has been named as an "unsung beach town" despite its stunning beach and range of activities on offer, making it a great place to visit this summer As the summer season approaches, many are eager to unwind on a beautiful beach, and the good news is that you don't have to venture far in the UK to find an incredible destination. Weymouth in Dorset, England has previously been hailed by the Guardian as an "unsung beach town" - a hidden gem that's often overshadowed by its more popular neighbouring resorts. The publication claimed: "While its wide, sheltered beach is consistently voted among the nation's favourites, the town itself is often overlooked in favour of its trendier seaside neighbours". Despite not being the trendiest of spots, Weymouth is a haven for beach enthusiasts, boasting crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and proximity to the breathtaking white cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage site. Visitors to Weymouth beach can enjoy an array of activities, from traditional Punch and Judy shows and donkey rides to adrenaline-pumping water sports like jet skiing and paddleboarding, reports the Express. The beach also features a historic promenade, offering stunning coastal views, as well as a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it easy to indulge in a plate of fish and chips after a day soaking up the sun. Throughout August, a funfair will be setting up shop at Weymouth Beach, bringing with it an array of amusement rides, sideshows, and a dazzling firework display. Adjacent to the promenade, you'll find the stunning Greenhill Gardens, boasting spectacular coastal views, vibrant floral displays and a quaint cafe for those seeking a tranquil spot to soak up the sun. Weymouth beach offers something for everyone, but the town is also renowned for its historic harbour. Dating back to the 13th century, it's famed as the original entry point of the Black Death into Britain. The harbour isn't just a must-visit for history buffs; it's also visually striking, surrounded by colourful Victorian buildings and boats. It's an ideal spot for snapping photos or enjoying lunch while taking in the picturesque views. History enthusiasts and fans of stunning vistas should also consider a trip to Nothe Fort in Weymouth. This well-preserved 18th-century fort houses a museum, a nuclear shelter, and a network of underground tunnels. Offering breathtaking views of Weymouth Bay, the fort also hosts guided tours and special events throughout the year, including ghost hunts, making it a fantastic place to visit. Nature lovers will also be drawn to Weymouth's Radipole Lake Nature Reserve. Nestled in the heart of the town, this wildlife sanctuary features nature trails where visitors can spot a variety of bird species, otters, and more. Additionally, the serene Bennetts Water Gardens offers a Japanese-style garden boasting an impressive collection of water lilies scattered across numerous ponds, lakes and streams within the grounds. Visitors can embark on a guided boat tour through the gardens, explore the museum, and even indulge in afternoon tea at a cafe with picturesque views of the gardens for a truly scenic lunch. Regardless of your holiday preferences, Weymouth has something to offer everyone. Despite not being as well-known as other neighbouring towns, it boasts an incredibly beautiful beach, making it an ideal destination for a summer visit.
