A cherry blossom festival is attracting people to a mountain in Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, ahead of other places in the country.

About 7,000 cherry trees of the hikanzakura variety are planted along a 4-kilometer road from the base of Mount Yaedake in the town of Motobu to the 450-meter-high summit.

Pink flowers began to blossom around the end of December.

Holidaymakers and locals enjoyed viewing the blooms and taking pictures of them as the festival began on Saturday.

A woman visiting from Fukuoka Prefecture said she was impressed by the beautiful flowers as she didn't expect to see cherry blossoms in January.

She said she likes the cherry blooms in Okinawa as they have a tropical feel.

The event runs through February 2.