In Tokyo, the "Somei Yoshino" variety at Yasukuni Shrine, where the Japan Meteorological Agency observes, reached full bloom.
This year's bloom in Tokyo was five days behind the average and 15 days later than last year.
Similarly, Kyoto also witnessed its first cherry blossoms of the season, blooming three days later than the average, as reported by the local weather observatory.
The weather service company forecasts cherry blossoms to appear in northeastern regions in early April and in the northern main island of Hokkaido by late April.
Cherry blossom season arrives across Japan
News in Asia
Cherry blossoms blossomed across Japan, including Tokyo and Kyoto, on Friday, a bit later than usual due to lower temperatures experienced in many areas throughout March.