Occasionally, the branches sway lightly in the quiet precincts as the rain falls. At Takenaka Inari Shrine (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City), a subsidiary shrine of Yoshida Shrine, torii gates and Yoshino cherry trees alternate along the long approach.

A foreign couple takes a photo in kimono with a Japanese umbrella that stands out against the cherry blossoms

Passersby were captivated by the contrast between the bright vermilion and pale red. Visitors admire the flowers that have begun to open.

The approach to Takenaka Inari Shrine, where torii gates and Yoshino cherry trees alternate

On April 3rd, a couple who came from Costa Rica to take wedding photos huddled under a light yellow Japanese umbrella and looked up at the cherry blossoms soaked in the rain. Her husband, Fabian González, 31, smiled and said, ''The combination of the sound of the rain and the cherry blossoms is amazing. It's like the world of anime.'' The flowers that were beginning to open seemed to be celebrating the beginning.

Foreign couple in kimonos taking wedding photos under Somei Yoshino cherry trees

This year's cherry blossoms are in full bloom later than usual, and there are still many buds. As much as I have been looking forward to it, I miss seeing it in full bloom.