Many of Tokyo’s well-known Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees, planted during Japan’s postwar boom in the 1960s, are now showing signs of age and decline.
As these iconic trees grow increasingly fragile, officials are raising safety concerns during the peak season when large crowds gather to admire the blooms.
On Thursday, two cherry blossom trees collapsed in separate locations—one in Kinuta Park in central Tokyo and another along the Chidorigafuchi greenway.
The Kinuta Park tree damaged a nearby fence, while the Chidorigafuchi tree nearly fell into the Imperial Palace moat.
No injuries were reported in either incident.
Authorities said the fallen tree at Kinuta Park stood about 18 meters (59 feet) tall with a trunk measuring 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in diameter. Estimated to be over 60 years old, it was among the park’s oldest trees. Just last month, another aging cherry tree in the same park collapsed, injuring a passerby.
According to Tokyo metropolitan official Masakazu Noguchi, 85 trees fell in city parks last year, leaving three people injured. A significant number of those incidents involved cherry blossom trees.
The collapses have heightened concern as people gather for hanami, the traditional custom of viewing cherry blossoms. Tokyo, considered the birthplace of this particular cherry tree variety, has seen increased scrutiny over tree safety.
Tokyo assembly member Yutaka Kazama expressed concern on social media last month that“cherry blossom trees with their roots partially exposed or obviously rotten seem dangerous,” calling for firm safety measures but without quickly resorting to tree felling.
Experts point to aging and internal fungal decay as primary factors behind the deterioration. Tree specialist Hiroyuki Wada explained that warning signs include severe leaning, blossoms appearing on lower trunks, and mushrooms growing near the base. He added that risks are heightened when trunks retain moisture after rainfall.
“Many trees in our daily lives were planted soon after the war and are now 70-80 years old and getting weaker,” he said, noting that extreme summer heat and prolonged dry seasons further contribute to their decline.
“I hope people think about the climate change through what’s happening to the cherry blossom trees, which is very symbolic,” he said.
In response to recent incidents, officials have carried out inspections across Tokyo’s major parks ahead of the blossom season. At Kinuta Park alone, more than 800 trees underwent preliminary checks. While some were cut down and warning signs placed near others, the tree that fell on Thursday had not been marked.
“At the moment, our measures are mostly temporary, not fundamental steps such as replanting,” Noguchi said. “We call on visitors to use caution because we cannot say it’s safe even after inspection.”
At Inokashira Park, another popular viewing site, authorities have removed dozens of aging cherry trees in recent years as part of a long-term replanting effort. The changes have drawn mixed reactions, with some visitors lamenting the loss of the once continuous canopy of blossoms around the park’s pond.
Despite safety concerns, many visitors continue to flock to the parks to enjoy the brief blooming period.
“I’m a bit worried, but I guess it’s OK if we stay away from tree trunks,” said Lisa Suzuki.
Another visitor Akira Kamiyashiki said he came with his daughter despite the safety concerns because rain is expected over the weekend. “Seeing the keep-off signs, I now feel safe,” he said.
Cherry blossoms, known as “sakura,” remain Japan’s most cherished flower and typically peak between late March and early April, coinciding with the start of the school and business year. During this time, people across the country gather for walks and picnics beneath the flowering trees.
