
We will introduce five places where you can enjoy beautiful Kawazu cherry blossoms.
There is no need to talk about the beauty of cherry blossoms. They are beautiful not only when in full bloom, but also when they fall, and you can't help but be entranced by their beauty.
If you come to Japan to see the cherry blossoms, you definitely want to see the Kawazu cherry blossoms. They are so beautiful that you will feel as if you have entered the world of the gods.
Here we will introduce some recommended spots to see Kawazu cherry blossoms. Please use this as a reference when you visit Japan.
There are various theories, but there are nearly 800 types of cherry blossoms. Kawazu cherry blossoms are one of the nearly 800 types of cherry blossoms.
The cherry blossoms that frequently appear in Japanese movies and anime are a variety called "Somei Yoshino." They flower from March to April. They are a symbol of Japan.
Kawazu-zakura is also a type of cherry blossom. Compared to Somei-Yoshino, it is characterized by a stronger pink color. It blooms from February to March. In some places, it starts blooming as early as late January.
If you want to see Kawazu cherry blossoms, visit the Kawazu River in my hometown. The Kawazu River is located in Kawazu Town, Kamo District, in the eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture.
Kawazu cherry blossoms were discovered in the town of Kawazu in 1955. When a sapling of the Kawazu cherry tree was brought home and grown, it is said that it blossomed into a beautiful cherry tree. In 1975, nearly 200 Kawazu cherry trees were planted along the Kawazu River and around the station. The 200 trees now bear beautiful flowers, and the area has become one of the most popular spots in the country.
The Kawazu Festival is held every year around February. It is a big event that attracts nearly one million people. During the event, the area is lit up, showing a different look from daytime.
Yatsu, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture
Take the Keikyu line from Haneda Airport Terminal 1 or 2 to Shinagawa Station. From Shinagawa Station, change to the Shinkansen Kodama to Atami Station. From Atami Station, change to the JR Saphir Odoriko Limited Express to Kawazu Station. Walk 200m west from Kawazu Station to arrive at Kawazu Station.
Early February to early March
Along the Kawazu River, you will find the Odoriko Onsen Kaikan. The hot springs at the Odoriko Onsen Kaikan will help you recover from the fatigue of your journey. Soaking in the hot springs while watching the cherry blossoms is a luxurious experience that even Japanese people rarely get to experience.
Address: 457-1 Mine, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture
If you want to enjoy the cherry blossoms without buying anything while experiencing the Kyoto atmosphere, we recommend Kacho-dori in front of Chion-in Temple.
Chion-in Temple was used as a filming location for the movie "The Last Samurai" starring Tom Cruise. If you have seen the movie even once, you must have seen the majestic building of Chion-in Temple.
Just past the old gate of Chion-in Temple is Kacho-dori, where Kawazu cherry blossoms are blooming along the roadside. The Kawazu cherry blossoms match perfectly with the Kyoto scenery, creating a very tasteful scene.
Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Higashiyama Ward, Awataguchi Kachocho
Take the Nankai Koya Line from Kansai International Airport to Namba Station. Once you arrive at Namba Station, take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Umeda. Once you arrive at Umeda, transfer to the Hankyu Line to Kyoto Kawaramachi Station. Once you arrive at Kyoto Kawaramachi, take the Kyoto City Bus Route 46 bound for Gion and Heian Jingu. Get off at the Chion-in-mae bus stop.
Early February to late March
Recommended tourist spots around Kacho-dori are Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.
The area around Kacho-dori is packed with famous Kyoto sightseeing spots. Not only Chion-in Temple, but also Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kodai-ji Temple are within walking distance. However, if you want to experience the atmosphere of Kyoto itself, you can't miss Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. There are many shops lined up on the slopes. It's a great place to enjoy delicious food and also a convenient place to buy cute goods.
The recommended spot for Kawazu cherry blossoms is Kongoji Temple in Osaka City. There are temples with the name "Kongo-ji" all over Japan. Please be careful not to get confused.
The temple is known as the "flower temple" because of the colorful flowers that bloom within its grounds. Of course, there are also Kawazu cherry blossoms. The Kawazu cherry blossoms are found near the Ojo Gokurakudo temple. The Kawazu cherry blossoms blooming in this gorgeous location are so majestic that you will find yourself standing there in awe.
Please note that Kongoji Temple closes at 3pm, so if you do visit, please be mindful of the time.
Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, Tsurumi Ward, Midori 3-4-22
From Kansai International Airport, take the Kansai Airport Rapid Service to Kyobashi. From Kyobashi, take the Osaka City Bus Route 31 bound for the Hanahaku Kinen Koen North Exit to the Shin-Mori-Furuichi subway stop. From the Shin-Mori-Furuichi subway stop, walk about 500m east to find Kongoji Temple, the head temple of Nenpo Shinkyo.
Late February to mid-March
Located 200m east of Kongoji Temple, the head temple of the Nenpo Shinkyo sect, is the Flower Expo Memorial Park Tsurumi Ryokuchi. It was the main venue for the World Expo held in 1990. The park is home to a botanical garden, a garden, a ball court, and many other facilities.
Events are also held from time to time. If you're there at the right time, you may be able to have an unexpected experience. There are also performers, limited-time shopping and gourmet food, and a flea market.
Address: 2-163 Ryokuchi Park, Tsurumi-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Yoyogi Park is the fifth largest park operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. There are nearly 600 cherry trees planted in Yoyogi Park, which are a sight to behold in spring.
The Kawazu cherry blossoms are located near the fountain in the central square. Even though it is in the middle of a big city, there are few people around, so you can spend your time relaxing.
If you're lucky, you may be able to see people dressed in cosplay. If you want to enjoy cherry blossoms and Cool Japan, this is a recommended place.
2-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
From Haneda Airport Terminal 1 or 2 Station, take the express train to Shinagawa Station. From Shinagawa Station, take the JR Yamanote Line outer loop and get off at Harajuku Station. Yoyogi Park is located right outside Harajuku Station.
middle of February
To the east of Yoyogi Park is Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, and the best time to see them is around the end of March. If you go to the "Shotoku Memorial Art Gallery", you can also see Kawazu cherry blossoms.
Address: 1-1 Kasumigaokacho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
If you want to enjoy both Tokyo Tower and Kawazu cherry blossoms, you can't miss Shiba Park.
Shiba Park is Japan's first urban park. It is now maintained as a park, and not only cherry trees but also camphor trees and zelkova trees are planted. It is a place like Hyde Park in England. Before it became a park, samurai mansions were lined up in a row.
There are only two Kawazu cherry trees in Shiba Park. If you are visiting for the sake of seeing the cherry blossoms, you may feel a little lonely. However, the park is home to many plants and animals. It is a place where you can make new discoveries every time you visit, 365 days a year.
4-10-17 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo
From Haneda Airport Terminal 1 or 2 Station, take the Keihan Express Airport Line to Mita Station. From Mita Station, transfer to the Toei Mita Line and get off at Shibakoen Station.
Around early March
If you are watching the movie "The Wolverine", you should visit Zojoji Temple near Shiba Park. Zojoji Temple is where the funeral scene was filmed. Don't worry, there are no scary people with guns like in the movie. You won't be chased by ninjas with swords.
The same Kawazu cherry blossoms have different expressions depending on where they bloom. One moment you think they are showing off their gorgeous beauty, the next they are quiet. Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom for a long period of one month, so take your time and enjoy them.