VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Cherry blossom season is underway as Japan’s official cherry blossom spotters confirmed the first blooms in Tokyo on Monday.

Cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., are also approaching peak bloom, according to the National Park Service. The arrival of puffy white blossoms on March 23 marks the final stage before full bloom.

While predicting peak bloom more than 10 days in advance is difficult, The National Park Service estimates it will occur between March 28 and 31.

Red Wing Park in Virginia Beach is preparing for the return of its annual Cherry Blossom Festival, running March 29 to April 5.

In collaboration with its sister city Miyazaki, Japan, Virginia Beach hosts the weeklong celebration honoring Japanese art and music.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at Red Wing Park, including tea servings in the Miyazaki Japanese Garden, martial arts demonstrations and interactive art stations. The festival also features food trucks and a new vendor market on Sunday, March 30.

Admission is free and open to the public, with free parking available on weekends. For more information, visit the Cherry Blossom Festival webpage.