JOURNAL ・ FIELD NOTES
Kawazu Cherry Blossoms — An Early Spring Along the River
While the cold of February still lingers, it is the Kawazu cherry of Izu, Shizuoka, that announces spring first. A short walk from Kawazu Station on the Izukyū Line, a four-kilometre avenue of deep-pink blossom follows the bank of the Kawazu River. These early cherries bloom in a stronger pink than the common Somei-yoshino, and last longer too. Set against the golden rape blossoms along the water and the still-bare mountains behind, a spring of pink and yellow rises here ahead of all the rest.
Spring, a step ahead
The charm of the Kawazu cherry is, above all, how early and how deep it is. While most cherries are still in bud, here the rich pink blossoms have already reached full bloom. Each flower is full and large, and against a blue sky it looks as though spring itself had bloomed early. The blossoms reflect on the river's surface, and with every breeze, petals and the light on the water sway together.
A duet of pink and gold
What I most want to photograph here is the moment the pink of the cherry overlaps the yellow of the rape flowers. Along the embankment the rape blossoms come into full bloom, and between them and the avenue of cherries a two-coloured gradient of spring appears. It is the very opposite of the taut colours of the emergency room — soft and warm. Just looking through the viewfinder, even my own breathing begins to ease.
An early spring on the February river;
pink and gold dissolving in the wind.
Planning your visit — season & festival
A few notes for those hoping to see it in person.
The blossoms are usually at their best from late February to early March. To coincide with the bloom, the "Kawazu Sakura Festival" is held from around early February to early March. During the festival there is also an evening light-up (roughly 18:00–21:00), revealing a more bewitching face of the blossom than by day. Timing shifts with the weather each year, so check the official festival site's bloom updates before you go.
Getting there
The nearest station is Kawazu on the Izukyū Line — only about a 3-minute walk from the station to the riverside avenue, making the train wonderfully convenient. Because the cherries follow the river, you can stroll upstream or down at your own pace, searching for your favourite view. The festival period is busy, so an early morning is best.
Tips for photographers
The deep pink of the Kawazu cherry stands out beautifully against a blue sky. You can also use the river's reflection to mirror the blossom top and bottom. When combining with the rape flowers, compose so that the cherry's pink, the rape's yellow and fresh green all enter the frame for a truly spring-like image. For the evening light-up, use a tripod and capture even the light reflected on the water with care.
While you're in the area
Kawazu sits among the hot-spring resorts of Izu. After the blossoms, warming up in a nearby onsen is a luxury particular to an early-spring trip. Head up the Kawazu River and the Kawazu Nanadaru waterfalls await — gorge scenery that feels quintessentially Izu.
The Kawazu cherry and rape blossoms are available as fine-art silver-halide prints on premium FUJICOLOR paper, hand-printed in Japan and shipped worldwide.
View the print →