Text by: Alex
Japan’s cherry blossom season begins with the full bloom of the early-flowering Kawazu-zakura. Along both banks of the Kawazu River in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture—the birthplace of the Kawazu-zakura—approximately 850 trees stretch across about 4 kilometers in full bloom. Thanks to the recent fine weather and the simultaneous blooming of rapeseed flowers, a short video from the YouTube channel *Japan BackpackersXpress* captures a vibrant scene of pink, yellow, and blue intermingling, creating an exuberantly beautiful spring spectacle.
In the Kawazu area, it is said that there are over 8,000 Kawazu-zakura trees. This unexpectedly discovered cherry blossom variety is characterized by relatively large petals and a pinker hue. However, due to local COVID-19 prevention measures, this year’s Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival has been canceled, resulting in a more than 50% reduction in visitors to the Kawazu River for cherry blossom viewing. For photography enthusiasts, the absence of crowds makes the blossoms appear even more stunning and delicate. By the way, the Kawazu-zakura not only blooms earlier than Japan’s most common Somei-yoshino and Beni-shidare varieties but also has a slightly longer blooming period, typically lasting until early March.
▲Video screenshot (by Japan BackpackersXpress @YouTube)
▲Video screenshot (by Japan BackpackersXpress @YouTube)
▲Video screenshot (by Japan BackpackersXpress @YouTube)
▲Video screenshot (by Japan BackpackersXpress @YouTube)
▲Video screenshot (by Japan BackpackersXpress @YouTube)
▲Video screenshot (by Japan BackpackersXpress @YouTube)
▲Video screenshot (by Japan BackpackersXpress @YouTube)
▲Video screenshot (by Japan BackpackersXpress @YouTube)
▲Video screenshot (by Japan BackpackersXpress @YouTube)
▲Another YouTube user captured the Kawazu-zakura along the Kawazu River from different angles (e.g., aerial shots).
Source: Japan BackpackersXpress