Spring has arrived early in the Eastern Japanese town “cherry blossoms” of Kawazu. The small town, located just outside of Tokyo, is famous for its 8000 cherry blossom trees that bloom early every year. The lush landscapes that greet millions of visitors each February are supremely romantic.
The blossoms, known as sakura in Japanese, typically bloom in late March or early April, but Kawazu’s trees belong to a unique variety that flowers before others. A small locomotive train takes passengers on a journey through fragrant aromas and gradient shades of pink. At night, the trees are illuminated by floodlights, and their reflections dance along the still waters of the Izu peninsula.
Cherry blossoms are highly symbolic and culturally significant in Japan. The transient nature of their beauty is often equated to the brevity of life, so they not only represent the acceptance of karma and destiny but the eventual welcoming of death. For these reasons, they often appear in Japanese art and have become an identifying image of the country itself.
More info: Kawazu Tourism | (H/T)
Spring has arrived early in the Eastern Japanese town of Kawazu, just outside of Tokyo.
Kyodo News
The blossoms, known as sakura in Japanese, typically bloom in late March or early April.
tsumizo
Kawazu’s trees belong to a unique variety that flowers before others, typically in February.
Mika
Every year, millions of tourists flock to the lush, romantic landscapes.
Sankei Photo
Kawazu is located on the Izu peninsula, just 2 hours by train from Tokyo station.
Saya
A small locomotive train takes passengers on a journey through fragrant aromas and gradient shades of pink.
Mika
Japanese white-eye birds can be seen sipping the sweet nectar of the cherry trees all around.
toshizou02
Cherry blossoms are highly symbolic and culturally significant in Japan
yulies12
Cherry Blossoms represent the fleeting beauty of life, the acceptance of karma, and the eventuality of death.
phos1comnet
At night, the trees are illuminated, and their reflections dance along the waters of the Izu peninsula.
irodori
Kochi, a south coast city, is also expected to see an early bloom this year.
Mainichi
