Every spring, “Sakura ‘kaika sengen (lit: opening flower announcement)’” is issued. People start to think where and when they should go to see Sakura.
Next, tea people expect to hear “tea ‘hoga sengen (budding announcement)’”. In Kyoto, the announcement was issued on the 9th of April, 2012.
Usually, about one month after the announcement, tea is ready to be picked. This year, since it is relatively colder in March, tea picking season might be later than usual. But for sure, tea front line is now moving north throughout Japan while chasing Sakura front line.
