By: Alex
According to the lunar calendar, spring officially begins after the Start of Spring (February 4), but this past winter has been so warm that spring has arrived earlier than usual. Japanese media reports indicate that Kawazu cherry blossoms, which typically bloom in mid-to-late February, have already bloomed halfway in some areas. Weather forecasts even predict that around February 14, the Kawazu cherry blossoms will reach their “full bloom” stage—about 10 days earlier than last year. Flower enthusiasts are advised to plan their trips ahead of time.
▲ Shizuoka Prefecture (photo by moon_naonao @IG)
The Kawazu cherry blossom originated in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, and is among the earliest-blooming cherry blossom varieties in Japan. Located on the Izu Peninsula, Kawazu Town is only about 155 kilometers from Tokyo, making it a popular destination for both cherry blossom viewing and tourism. Especially at the mouth of the Kawazu River, the 4-kilometer-long “Kawazu Cherry Blossom Avenue” along both riverbanks is a must-visit photo spot for influencers. As for the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, originally scheduled for February 10 to March 10, authorities recommend that people adjust their plans and visit earlier, or they might miss the most beautiful blooms.
▲ (photo by misahana8787 @IG)
▲ Inomiya, Aichi Prefecture (photo by kuku.papa @IG)
Depending on the region, cherry blossom blooming times vary across Japan, but generally follow a pattern of blooming earlier in the south and later in the north. Due to rising temperatures, meteorological departments predict that cherry blossoms of other varieties and in other regions will also bloom earlier. For details, you can refer to the forecasts on the websites of the Japan Meteorological Corporation and Weather Map.
▲ Kagoshima Prefecture (photo by kirishima.saizensen @IG)
▲ Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City (photo by chiaki_mame @IG)
▲ (photo by knk_nae @IG)
▲ (photo by suikahimawali @twitter)
▲ Shizuoka Prefecture (photo by snow_rose012 @IG)
▲ Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture (photo by suzuki0015 @IG)
Source: SoraNews24, Kawazu Town Tourism Association