Photo courtesy of Albert Manangan.

ATOK, Benguet -- Cherry blossoms are now starting to bloom in Atok town, Benguet.

Enthusiasts and travelers won't need to travel far to see these remarkable trees blossom.

These sakura trees came from Japan and were planted in 2016 as a gift from the Japanese prefecture of Kochi during the 40th anniversary of its ties with the province of Benguet.

Atok is a great place to grow sakura trees, according to Edward Haights, caretaker of the sakura park, since the temperature in the municipality is similar to that of Japan during spring.

Sakura only grows in cool weather and Atok is a perfect place to plant these delicate flowers, he said.

Although the trees are still small, Haights said it is a good sign that these trees will survive and grow bigger.

"Pakonti-konti lang siya pero it is a good symbol na talagang hiyang siya dito na namumulaklak siya. Ang goal sana namin lumaki 'yung cherry blossom. In 10 years time, ine-expect namin na malalaki na yung tree," Haights said.

Cherry blossoms normally bloom during April and lasts for only two weeks.