During an exceptionally warm March in Japan, the cherry blossoms in Kyoto peaked Friday, the earliest in more than 1,200 years of records. The bloom fits into a long-term pattern toward earlier spring flowering, a compelling indicator of climate change, experts say.

TOKYO - The second cherry blossom season in the coronavirus era has arrived. Last year, many popular venues for viewing the colorful petals simply barred visitors. However, greater efforts are being made in 2021 to accommodate them.