By: Alex
Cherry blossoms across Tokyo and its surrounding areas have come into full bloom. Unfortunately, due to Japan’s appeal—citing COVID-19 control measures—for citizens to cancel hanami (cherry blossom viewing) events this year, the scale of cherry blossom festivities has been reduced or even canceled in many places. As a result, there are noticeably fewer crowds compared to previous years, and the more secluded cherry blossom spots in the suburbs are even less frequented. One such hidden gem is the Shin-Kashiwa River in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture.
▲ Shin-Kashiwa River (photo by ttkz_helios @IG)
The Shin-Kashiwa River is located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, just north of Tokyo. The city is renowned for its well-preserved historical, cultural, and traditional elements from Japan’s Edo period (1603–1867), earning it the nickname “Little Edo.” The cherry blossoms along the Shin-Kashiwa River can be found right behind the famous Ichigawa Shrine, stretching along a tree-lined path from Ichigawa Bridge to Tagaya Weir—a section about 400 meters long. The small Shin-Kashiwa River meanders through this area, flanked by lush riverbanks and cherry blossom trees, creating a quaint and romantic scene.
▲ (photo by yurie.0101 @IG)
Even more special is that on designated days, boatmen paddle small wooden boats along the river, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the blossoms from the water. Japanese people believe that when the river is carpeted with fallen pink petals and you glide slowly along in a boat while cherry blossoms drift down with the breeze (known as sakura fubuki, or “cherry blossom snow”), it represents the ultimate hanami experience. Typically, this picturesque scene, called hanaikada (“flower raft”), can be seen around 2 to 7 days after the cherry blossoms reach full bloom.
▲ This year’s night cherry blossom event on the Shin-Kashiwa River has been canceled, with only simple lighting provided in the evenings. (photo by Yuji_48 @twitter)
▲ (photo by Yuji_48 @twitter)
In recent years, evening cherry blossom viewing events have spread across the country, but due to the pandemic, many such events have been canceled this year. However, for photography enthusiasts, although the lighting effects may not be as spectacular as in previous years, the reduced crowds seem to offer a better opportunity to focus and capture beautiful shots more easily.
▲ Fewer crowds have actually been a boon for photographers. (photo by sakika867 @twitter)
▲ (photo by sakika867 @twitter)
▲ (photo by kuuga6107 @IG)
▲ (photo by rnrnrn2615 @IG)
▲ The beauty of the Shin-Kashiwa River cherry blossoms last year. (photo by t.hagi_1013 @IG)
▲ Last year’s night cherry blossoms on the Shin-Kashiwa River were dazzling. (photo by t.hagi_1013 @IG)
Source: Kawagoe Tourism Information – Little Edo Kawagoe