Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

April Dykes
2月11日
読了時間: 3分

While we are all familiar with cherry blossoms, did you know that there are more than 600 varieties (The Gate). There are 10 types of cherry blossom trees that grow naturally in Japan, among them are the Kawazu cherry blossoms. The discovery of these cherry blossoms less than 70 years ago led to the creation of the famous Kawazu cherry blossom festival.

Kawazu cherry blossoms

“Kawazu cherry blossoms are thought to be a natural hybrid between the Kanhi cherry blossom and the early-blooming Oshima cherry blossom. Around 1955, Katsumi Iida of Kawazu Town accidentally discovered a sapling sprouting on the banks of the Kawazu River and planted it in his garden. The tree was subsequently confirmed to be blooming in 1965, and attracted attention for its early blooming and long flowering period. In 1974, it was named ‘Kawazu cherry blossoms,' and the following year it was designated as the town's official tree” (Japan Botanical Culture).

In the Honshu region of Japan, it is said that the Kawazu are the first to bloom, typically　beginning in early February. With their deep pink color that lightens as it matures, it is no wonder that they are so popular against the backdrop of winter that still lingers in the air. “They are in full bloom for about a week to ten days, but are still enjoyable when they are only 50-60% in bloom. They are a deep pink when they first bloom, but turn pink at full bloom and then fade to a lighter color as they fall. They have five petals that bloom slightly downward” (Japan Botanical Culture).

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

After being designated as the tree of Kawazu town in 1975, the city, in an attempt to increase tourism, decided to use its new tree. Led by the Tourism Association, the people of Kawazu Town Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, and residents came together and planted 200 Kawazu cherry trees along the (mouth of the) Kawazu River and near Izukyu Kawazu station. Once the trees had grown and bloomed, the first Kawazu cherry blossom festival was held in 1990. Though the number of tourists wasn’t very large, it gradually grew in popularity. By 1999, the number of tourists surpassed 1 million. Since 1999, the number of tourists has increased, making the Kawazu cherry blossom festival and Kawazu town a tourist destination.

*There are conflicting dates on the exact year that the festival started: 1990, 1991, and 1992. However, the official Kawazu cherry blossom festival website marks this year’s festival as the 36th. Therefore, I will refer to the Kawazu cherry blossom festival beginning in 1990.

This year’s cherry blossom festival will begin on February 7th and end on March 8th. Unsure where to go to see the best cherry blossoms? Please check out the blooming calendar that is frequently updated and separated by regions of popularity.

Kawaku cherry tree logs

Sasahara area

In front of the station

There are also live cameras available for some areas as well.

If you are interested in this festival, please check out the official website here and their guide on how to access the festival locations, as well as parking. As it is February and still a little cold, please dress warmly, check the official websites of events, and prepare your cameras for some breathtaking cherry blossoms 🌸.