Cherry trees attract visitors to seaside Hokoen garden

Visitors are enjoying early-blooming cherry trees in Chiba Prefecture, known for its mild climate and flower production. The Hokoen garden has about 50 Gancho-zakura trees, a cherry variety that usually blossoms in the cold weather before spring.

The garden is near the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, known for its mild climate and flower production. The warm weather on Saturday attracted many visitors to Hokoen. The Minamiboso City Tourism Association said the early variety is nearing full bloom.