Young and old alike were out in force in Tokyo having their traditional "Hanami" picnics in the park as the cherry blossoms neared full bloom on Wednesday.

This year's revelry was delayed almost a week since the first buds appeared because of an unseasonably wet and cold spell.

An annual tradition, the viewing of cherry blossoms is an age-old past time among the Japanese, occurring for a few weeks at the beginning of spring.

The flowers are considered to be a symbol of the fleeting nature of youth and beauty.

Many people seemed a bit disappointed at the late coming of spring this year, remarking on the unusually cold weather.

A Japanese visitor said, "Yeah, it's really cold. We came out here at 6 in the morning, and it was freezing."

The Japanese Meteorological Agency officially announced the arrival of the cherry blossom to the country's capital on March 22nd.

This year, it has took more than 10 days for the trees to reach near full bloom in Tokyo's parks.

Most of the partying and reveling is expected to come this weekend, as good weather is forecast, and people will feel free to bask in the sunshine.