Cherry blossoms at most of the major spots in Shiga are now in full bloom, as of April 7-8. Otsu, Hikone, Nagahama, Yasu, etc., are in full bloom. Only the colder areas like Oku-Biwako Parkway, Biwako Valley, and Enryakuji are still not in full bloom yet. Kaizu-Osaki and Hachiman-bori will be in full bloom by this weekend it seems.

Japan is having a really good string of sunny days during the best time of the sakura season. Great for picnicking and for taking pictures.