People in Tokyo flocked to admire cherry blossoms in full bloom at parks, shrines and rivers on Friday, despite coronavirus warnings against holding traditional parties under the delicate flowers.

Many people decided to make the most of Friday's sunny weather and clear blue skies to snap 'sakura' selfies
Many people decided to make the most of Friday's sunny weather and clear blue skies to snap 'sakura' selfies AFP / Behrouz MEHRI

Annual festivals have been cancelled, fluorescent tape used to cordon off picnic spots, and signs put up urging people to "refrain from gathering to enjoy the cherry blossoms".

The Japanese government this week lifted a virus state of emergency in the Tokyo area
The Japanese government this week lifted a virus state of emergency in the Tokyo area AFP / Behrouz MEHRI

But many people, mostly wearing masks, decided to make the most of Friday's clear blue skies to snap "sakura" selfies, stroll down blossom-lined paths or take boat rides under the pink-and-white blooms.

Cherry blossoms symbolise the fragility of life in Japanese culture
Cherry blossoms symbolise the fragility of life in Japanese culture AFP / Behrouz MEHRI

Despite a third wave of Covid-19 infections over the winter, Japan has had a comparatively small outbreak overall with around 9,000 deaths and has not imposed the blanket lockdowns seen in other countries.

Japan has not imposed a blanket lockdown as seen in other countries
Japan has not imposed a blanket lockdown as seen in other countries AFP / Behrouz MEHRI

The Japanese government this week lifted a virus state of emergency in the Tokyo area but city governor Yuriko Koike has warned residents to "avoid cherry blossom viewing parties" to prevent a resurgence of the disease.

Locals make the most of Tokyo's spring sunshine to enjoy the cherry blossom sweeping across parts of the capital. Fewer people are out in the streets than normal because of the coronavirus.
Locals make the most of Tokyo's spring sunshine to enjoy the cherry blossom sweeping across parts of the capital. Fewer people are out in the streets than normal because of the coronavirus. AUDIO NETWORK / Quentin TYBERGHIEN

The number of coronavirus cases in Tokyo is gradually rising, with 394 new infections recorded on Thursday.

"We fear there may be a sudden spread of infections -- bigger than the third wave -- if the number of people going out increases, as it does each year with cherry blossom viewing, welcome parties (for new employees and students) and graduation trips," said Norio Ohmagari, director of Japan's Disease Control and Prevention Center, on Thursday.

Japan's sakura or cherry blossom season is feverishly anticipated by locals and visitors alike, although this year foreign tourists have been kept away by virus border restrictions.

Cherry blossoms symbolise the fragility of life in Japanese culture as full blooms only last about a week before the petals start falling off trees.

It is traditionally celebrated with hanami, or viewing parties, with picnics -- and sometimes boozy festivities -- organised beneath the trees.

Coronavirus