In pictures: Japan enjoys peak cherry blossoms, but no party

People across Japan are celebrating the peak cherry blossom viewing season this week without COVID-19 restrictions in place for the first time in two years. But many are limiting their viewing to strolling under the trees rather than drinking and eating in traditional party style. Spotted here, is a Japanese white-eye, also known as Mejiro, drinking the nectar of a cherry blossom in Tokyo, Japan.

Read on to know more about how the Japanese are heralding the season. (Source: AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

Trees are in full bloom this week in many parts of Japan. They peaked in Tokyo on Sunday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, attracting many people who had avoided participating in the national tradition for two years. (Source: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

In many areas, viewers were requested not to gather under the trees for drinking parties — a traditional way of celebrating the season — as part of continuing anti-virus measures. (Source: AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)

People on boat view cherry blossoms in full bloom at the Chidorigafuchi palace moat in Tokyo. (Source: AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)

At Yoyogi and Ueno parks, areas were roped off to prevent people from sitting down and partying. Many parks put up signs forbidding parties with alcohol. (Source: AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)

At Chidorigafuchi Park, a famous “hanami” or cherry blossom viewing spot northwest of the Imperial Palace, thousands of people admired the fluffy pale pink flowers while strolling under rows of trees or from rowboats on the palace moat. (Source: AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)

Cherry blossoms, or “sakura,” are Japan’s favorite flower and usually reach their peak in late March to early April, just as the country celebrates the start of a new school and business year. (Source: AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

People view blooming cherry blossoms from an open tour bus in Tokyo. (Source: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

People wearing face masks view seasonal cherry blossoms at the Sumida Park in Tokyo. (Source: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

People wearing face masks stroll under cherry blossoms in full bloom at the Zojoji Buddhist temple in Tokyo. (Source: AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)