Weather information firms say cherry blossoms are expected to bloom in central Tokyo this Sunday or Monday.

Weathernews released its forecasts for the flowering of the Somei-yoshino cherry trees on Thursday.

It said the trees will bloom in central Tokyo on Sunday, and around the capital in the cities of Yokohama, Kumagaya and Kofu, on Tuesday. Mito and Utsunomiya cities -- north of Tokyo, are set to bloom on Thursday, and Maebashi on Friday.

Forecasters say lower temperatures continued in the region this week, resulting in slow growth of buds. But, they say the trees will come into bloom in many areas of the region next week as temperatures are expected to rise.

Another firm, Weathermap, forecast the cherry trees will bloom in central Tokyo, Yokohama and Kumagaya cities on Monday, and on Tuesday in the cities of Mito, Utsunomiya, Maebashi and Kofu.