Cherry blossoms tunnel in Kyoto

The shidarezakura variety of Japanese cherry tree looks like a willow, and it is often used to arrange cherry blossom tunnels, like the one photographed here inside the Higashi Shin'en (East Garden) of Heian Shrine, in Kyoto.

This arrangement, besides being exceptionally beautiful, has the advantage of protecting the older trees which, during the blooming season, can break under the weight of the blossoms...