Unexpectedly, the earliest cherry blossoms in Japan

The cherry blossoms grown in Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture bloom in February, allowing visitors to experience both pink cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers at the same time.

Kawazu sakura is the earliest cherry blossom in Japan, the flowers bloom in early February and bloom in the middle of the month, with a blooming period of about a month depending on the temperature. Meanwhile, other types of cherry blossoms will bloom in March-April every year.

Kawazu also has different characteristics from other cherry blossoms in that the petals are larger and pinker. The bright pink color of the flowers also marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring in the land of the rising sun.

Kawazu Sakura Matsuri is an annual cherry blossom festival held from early February to early March in Kawazu City, Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture.

In February, over 2 Kawazu cherry trees bloom along the nearly 8.000 km long Kawazu River. Visitors can stroll along the clear water, under the pink blooming flowers, and admire the brilliant yellow rapeseed fields.

Kawazu cherry trees have been found in Kawazu City since the 1950s. A flower festival has been held annually since the 1980s during the blooming season to attract tourists. This year the festival runs through February.

During the flower festival, street vendors will sell food and souvenirs to serve tourists. In addition, visitors can experience a rickshaw ride during the day and see the flowers and lights from 18pm to 21pm.