Kawazu Sakura (cherry blossom) is the earliest of its kind to blossom in the main island of Japan, reaching full bloom by the beginning of March every year. Though it was unheard of until a few years ago, it has now become one of the well-known kinds, attracting about 2 million visitors.

The best view is the river banks of Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Because it the earliest to blossom, there are many visitors, even on weekdays.

Compared to the Somei Yoshino, the most well-known kind, the Kawazu Sakura begins to bloom annually around mid-February and continues for about a month until it reaches its peak. It is also a kind with one of the longest span during which people can enjoy its beauty.

You can enjoy both the cherry blossoms and the field mustards, a special sight that can be enjoyed only during this season.

■Kawazu Zakura
The original of the Kawazu Zakura was a seedling that was found sprouting during the winter among the withered weeds which was then replanted to its current location. After repeated natural crossbreeding and reproduction, there are now many to be seen in the Izu area today. Because the original breed is in Kawazu-cho, it was named Kawazu Sakura in 1974.
It is assumed to have resulted from a natural crossbreeding of the Oshima Sakura and Kanhi Saura.

Kawazu is the gateway to the Kawazuhama hotsprings; its riverbanks providing a great location for fishing and cycling even during the off seasons of the Kawazu Sakura.

A beautiful view of cherry blossoms in the sunset