Shizuoka Prefecture, located in the central part of Japan, is a region famous for its picturesque natural scenery, hot springs, and gourmet food. Among its many attractions, the most famous one is the Kawazu Sakura, a unique variety of cherry blossom. In this blog, we will explore everything that this region has to offer, from the stunning cherry blossom viewing spots to the local cuisine.
Welcome to my blog! Today, Let me share with you to the captivating charm of Kawazu Sakura in Izu, located in Shizuoka Prefecture. Although I haven’t had the chance to visit yet, I’ve conducted detailed research on its allure, and I’m delighted to share this information with all of you.
The video I’ve selected from YouTube is right here.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
In Japan, there is a longstanding tradition of enjoying cherry blossoms. In ancient times, it was recorded in books that Emperor Saga held a flower-viewing party in 812. The Somei Yoshino, which blooms from mid-March to April, is a well-known variety of cherry blossom worldwide, but Japan also has unique varieties of cherry blossom that are loved by locals.
Characteristics of Kawazu Cherry Blossoms
One such variety is the Kawazu cherry blossom, found on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. It is one of the early-blooming cherry blossoms that blooms earlier than Somei Yoshino.
It usually begins blooming in early February and reaches full bloom after about a month. Compared to Somei Yoshino, the flowers of the Kawazu cherry blossom are larger and have a characteristic dark pink color.
Enjoying Kawazu Cherry Blossoms
The towns of Kawazu and Minami Izu in the southern part of the Izu Peninsula are known for their cherry blossom avenues. In Kawazu, there are about 850 Kawazu cherry blossom trees blooming for about 4 km along the Kawazu River that runs through the center of the town. Additionally, about 800 Kawazu cherry blossom trees bloom for about 2 km along the Aono River in Shimo-Kamo Onsen in Minami Izu.
Both towns have light-up events between 6 pm and 9 pm in February. If the wind is calm, you can see the beautiful sight of pink cherry blossom trees lit up and reflected on the water’s surface.
The full bloom period is only about 1 week to 10 days, so it is recommended to check the blooming information in advance. You can check the latest blooming information on the website provided by the Minami Izu Town Tourism Association. If you can read Japanese or have a browser with a translation function, you can also refer to the website provided by the Kawazu Town Tourism Association, which shares the blooming status in photos.
Exploring the Surrounding Areas
In addition to cherry blossom viewing, there are various activities and tourist spots in Shizuoka Prefecture. The Izu Peninsula has many hot springs, and you can enjoy a relaxing bath at many hot spring resorts. There are also beautiful beaches and scenic seas in the area. If you want more information, please visit the Shizuoka Prefecture Tourism Association website.
Culture, History, and Traditions
The Discovery of Kawazu Cherry Blossoms
The Kawazu cherry blossom has a fascinating origin story. Around 1955, a resident of Kawazu town happened upon cherry blossom seedlings growing along the Kawazu River and planted them in their garden. It took nearly a decade for the cherry blossoms to finally bloom, and subsequent research revealed that it was actually a new species. In 1974, the Kawazu cherry blossom was officially named after the town. It is believed that the Kawazu cherry blossom is a result of natural hybridization between the Oshima cherry blossom, a native Japanese species found on the Izu Islands, Izu and Miura Peninsulas, and the Kanhi cherry blossom, which was introduced to Japan from Taiwan and southern China during the Edo period.
Places to Learn About the History of This Region
Shizuoka Prefecture is rich in history and cultural heritage. The region boasts numerous historical sites, including the ruins of Sunpu Castle, which was built as the residence for the lords serving as the shogun during the Edo period. In addition, there is the Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art in Shizuoka City, which showcases the works of Utagawa Hiroshige, a world-renowned ukiyo-e artist from the late Edo period. The museum displays a series of prints depicting the landscapes and people of the Tokaido, a road connecting Tokyo and Kyoto, known as the “Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.
Dining Guide
Both Kawazu Town and Minami Izu Town are charming coastal towns where you can experience the local atmosphere in Japanese-style restaurants, rather than the Westernized restaurants found in larger cities.
Located along the Pacific coast, Shizuoka Prefecture enjoys a warm climate and is renowned for its delicious seafood, tea, and fruit. Being close to the sea makes it an ideal destination for fishing and indulging in fresh sushi and sashimi at local eateries. Wasabi, the spicy green paste made from the plant of the same name, is an indispensable condiment for sushi and sashimi, and is one of Shizuoka’s specialties. The region is where wasabi cultivation started 400 years ago and has the highest production in Japan. Shizuoka is also famous for its green tea, and visitors can participate in tea ceremonies at local tea plantations and sample various types of tea.
Accommodation
Both Kawazu Town and Minami Izu Town have a variety of accommodations to offer, ranging from traditional Japanese inns to modern hotels, due to the large number of visitors they attract during the summer beach season. Staying at a traditional inn allows guests to experience Japanese-style hospitality by sleeping on futons and savoring authentic Japanese cuisine. Additionally, there are many accommodations with hot springs where guests can unwind and relax.
Transportation
Kawazu
Shizuoka Prefecture is easily accessible from Tokyo by train. You can take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Atami Station, which takes about an hour, and then transfer to a local line to Kawazu Station, which is about an hour and a half away.
If you can make a train reservation in advance, it is convenient to take the direct limited express train from Tokyo Station to Kawazu Station. It operates about six times a day starting from the first train at Tokyo Station. The fare is around 6,000 yen.
Minami Izu
Minami Izu Town is located even further south than Kawazu Town and is in a warm climate area. It takes about an hour by train or local bus from Kawazu Town to get there.
Weather Guide
When planning a trip to see the Kawazu cherry blossoms in Shizuoka Prefecture, it’s important to consider weather conditions for the best viewing experience.
The Kawazu cherry blossoms usually begin to bloom in early February and continue for about a month. Despite the mild climate of the Izu Peninsula, it can still be chilly at this time, with an average temperature of around 7.5 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature can drop to around 5 degrees Celsius, so visitors are advised to dress warmly and bring appropriate clothing like jackets, hats, and gloves.
In addition, it’s important to check the weather forecast before viewing the cherry blossoms. Rain or cloudy weather can affect the beauty of the blossoms, but sunny weather can enhance their vibrant colors. I recommend checking the forecast and planning your itinerary accordingly.
During peak season, the crowds can become quite dense, so arriving early in the morning or late in the evening is recommended for a quieter viewing experience.
