Japan ‘s official cherry blossom spotters on Monday confirmed the first blooming of the country’s favorite flower, declaring the official start of

The Asahi Shimbun started “Sakura Map,” a special page showing where cherry blossoms are blooming in Japan and photos of pink “sakura” flowers taken by Asahi Shimbun reporters and photographers around the country.

Japan has officially marked the start of the cherry blossom season, with the first blooms appearing in Tokyo. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the blooms were earlier than last year, coinciding with warmer temperatures.