Kawazuzakura in February

Along the banks of the Aono River in Minamiizu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, Kawazuzakura trees come into full bloom in February, painting the banks a beautiful pink and announcing the arrival of early spring on the Izu Peninsula.

The original Kawazuzakura trees were discovered in Kawazu Town in 1955, and have since spread to many parts of Honshu and are now planted in many places.

A deeper pink than the Somei Yoshino, the Kawazuzakura cherry tree embodies the culture of appreciating cherry blossoms that has been cherished by the Japanese since ancient times.