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Japan Weather Association a nonprofit organisation, has announced this week the prediction for sakura blooming time this year. Spring like weather has moved in causing the temperature to rise, resulting in the sakura flower buds to be ripen at a faster pase. Early blooming dates are expected to be observed in many areas, some places as early as 3 days to around week. Once sakura buds open up, they usually become in full bloom within 10 days. The blooming period of sakura is short. It’s about 5-12 days, depending on the kind of cherry trees and the weather condition.

Japan Meteorological Agency selected cherry trees under the close watch, are located all over Japan except for Okinawa, have been used for the purpose of pin-pointing sakura bloom predictions. Data collected have shown that Fukuoka located in the south is expected to be the earliest to bloom on March 19, along with Oita, Saga, Kumamoto and other cities in the Kyushu region to follow suit. Tokyo is forecasted to see the first bloom on March 23, with the Sakura front line moving up across Japan, ending with Nemuro in Hokkaido expected to be the latest to experience the sakura bloom in May, more than a month apart.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has ceased providing forecast, leaving 3 other non-governmental organisations, Weather Map Co., Ltd, Weathernews Inc., and Japan Weather Association to provide the public with updates and forecast. Forecasts are updated every week.

Weathernews Inc., a private weather service, collects information by asking tens of thousands of volunteers to send in photos of sakura buds by e-mail to track its reading. Whereas predictions made by Japan Weather Association, and Japan Meteorological Agency in the past, are largely based on the analysis of past blooming times and temperature patterns.

Prediction for the other cities; Kyoto on Mar.28, Osaka on Mar.29, Nagoya on Mar.26 and Sendai on Apr.11

Nara, only 30 minutes away from the old capital of Kyoto, was where the very first capital of Japan was founded 1300 years ago. Nara was a splendor in its time – a world of silks, Chinese scripts and Buddhist culture set in a sleepy landscape, distinctively different from Zen colored Kyoto. Built by the emperor Shomu, a convert to Buddhism, Nara played an important role in the spread of Buddhism in Japan, as evidenced by the ancient temples that still dot this city.

Following the opening celebration of the 1300th Anniversary on January 1, 2010 with music, dance and theatrical performances, the major event site throughout the year of 2010 will be in Heijokyo Palace, symbolized with a remarkable red-roofed Suzaku-mon Gate. From April 24 through November 7, 2010, the Palace will exhibit the early history and the founding process of Nara capital, as well as the life and culture of the era. The biggest day at the Palace will be April 23, 2010, when they celebrate the completion of the restoration of Daikoku-den, the Former Imperial Audience Hall. Heijokyo Palace will appear with the dignity of the Capital with flowers in spring, then multiple LED lights and candles from August 20 through 27.

Nara is also a live museum for Buddhist art fans: The city houses numerous ancient Buddhist statues, scrolls of prayers and paintings, accommodated in the over 1000 years old wooden architectural structures. The anniversary year introduces the unique historic elements of Nara to today’s global community.

Nara’s historic buildings and art pieces are designated as UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage sites. One of the significant sites is Horyu-ji Temple, the world’s oldest remaining wooden structure to this day, and contains 48 Buddhist monuments, among which the oldest is from the late 7th or early 8th century.

For complete anniversary event information, go visit the official site