Watch: thousands brave chilly winter to witness Tokyo cherry bloom

Thousands of visitors braved the chilly weather to see the cherry blossoms in Tokyo, which bloomed later than expected in the Japanese capital due to recent temperature drops.

Tourists took turns taking photos at popular spots along the capital’s riverside and moat to view the famed blossoms, locally known as "sakura."

Crowds gathered a day after Japan’s Meteorological Agency announced that the sakura trees in Tokyo were in full bloom, 13 days later than last year.

It is the first time in seven years that Tokyo welcomed the sakura full-bloom in April.