Plum blossom festival at Kairakuen Garden in Japan

Plum blossom festival began on Tuesday at Kairakuen Garden in Japan. The garden is widely regarded as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, has about 3,000 plum trees featuring around 100 varieties.

Officials said the trees are blooming later than usual due to a cold spell that began last week. But people can still view the pink and white blossoms of the early-blooming types. The festival will be held through March 20 and at the festival dried sweet potatoes and a local specialty, are sold.