Photo/Illutration Kawazu-zakura in full bloom in Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, on March 1 (Hiroyuki Kobayashi)

Hundreds of early-blooming cherry trees lining the Kawazugawa river in Shizuoka Prefecture have now reached their peak after a cold spell delayed their bloom.

Around 850 Kawazu-zakura cherry trees stretch along four kilometers of the Kawazugawa river in Kawazu, their vivid pink blossoms brightening the walking paths.

In some spots, visitors can enjoy a striking contrast between the brilliant pink cherry blossoms and bright yellow canola flowers.

This year the Kawazu-zakura trees bloomed about two weeks later than they did last year due to a cold spell.

Kenichi Sugita, 41, and his wife, Yuki, 42, who visit every year from Miyamae Ward in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, adjusted their travel plans because of the delayed bloom.

“We had to rebook our express train tickets, but we were able to enjoy the blossoms again this year,” Kenichi said.

Meanwhile, in Osaka, the Japan Mint announced on March 11 that its annual cherry blossom viewing event will be held from April 5 to 11.

Known as “Sakura no Torinuke,” the mint’s 560-meter pathway features 340 cherry trees of 142 varieties.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekends.

Advance reservations are required, and bookings will open at 9 a.m. on March 17 on the official website: https://sakura-ev25.mint.go.jp/

Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for each time slot.

Cherry blossoms are set to begin blooming across Japan from late this month into April.

(This article was written by Hiroyuki Kobayashi and Takashi Ichida.)

Related News