Miles from Home

Many of you who stumble upon my posts already know that cherry blossoms are a significant part of Japanese culture, especially around spring. Their delicate beauty and symbolism of rebirth captivate people both in Japan and abroad. But did you know that there’s a variety of cherry blossoms that bloom earlier than the rest? It’s called Kawazu-sakura, and it’s currently in peak bloom just south of my hometown, Yokosuka!

What is Kawazu-sakura?

Kawazu-sakura is an early-blooming cherry blossom variant that typically begins to bloom in mid to late February and lasts into March. Compared to the traditional sakura blossoms that bloom in April, Kawazu-sakura has a lovely, darker blush pink hue. It’s named after the town of Kawazu on the Izu Peninsula, where the variety was first discovered in the 1970s.

The best place to see these vibrant blossoms is in Kawazu and the surrounding area of the Izu Peninsula, but you can also enjoy them just south of my hometown, Yokosuka. If you’re coming from Tokyo, it’s conveniently accessible via Keikyu Line, with Misakiguchi Station being not too far from Haneda Airport, making it easy for visitors to plan a quick day trip to see the blossoms.

My Experience Visiting Kawazu-sakura

This year, I was fortunate enough to be back in Japan during the Kawazu-sakura season. I hopped on the Keikyu Line, traveling south beyond Yokosuka to the neighboring city of Miura. My destination was Misakiguchi Station, where I got off and made my way toward Miurakaigan Station. Along the mile-and-a-half walk, which is the scenic route to the Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival, I was greeted by hundreds of cherry blossom trees lining the street, their vibrant pink flowers in full bloom, creating a breathtaking corridor of color.

Once I arrived at Miurakaigan Station, I found small stalls selling local fish, vegetables, foods, and goods, adding a festive and lively atmosphere to the area. The whole experience was a perfect blend of nature, local culture, and springtime energy. I highly recommend seeing Kawazu-sakura if you’re in Japan during this early bloom and won’t be here for the regular cherry blossom season.

Alternatively, plum blossoms!

If you’re visiting Japan a little earlier in the season and the Kawazu-sakura are before their peak, don’t worry! You can still enjoy the beauty of blossoms with plum blossoms, which bloom around the same time or slightly before the cherry blossoms. These delicate flowers have a sweet, subtle fragrance and are often just as mesmerizing. In fact, many areas around Japan hold plum blossom festivals that are well worth checking out!

Though I didn’t visit a plum blossom festival this year, my friends and I decided to take a trip out to Sankeien in Yokohama to see the plum blossoms in a traditional Japanese garden setting. To say it was breathtaking would be an understatement. The serene atmosphere of the garden, with the delicate white and pink plum flowers in full bloom, created a peaceful and almost ethereal scene. As we strolled through the garden, the fragrance of the blossoms filled the air, adding to the tranquility of the moment. It was a perfect escape from the city, and the combination of history, nature, and beauty made it an unforgettable experience.

In the end…

Even if you miss the plum blossoms and the early-blooming Kawazu-sakura, don’t worry! The upcoming season still brings Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms, as well as peach blossoms, into full bloom. No matter when you visit Japan in the spring, you’ll be greeted by a stunning array of flowering trees that will bring comfort and joy to your heart.

As a gentle reminder: to help everyone enjoy the blossoms, please refrain from breaking or handling branches roughly, and avoid plucking flowers from the trees. Let’s all be kind to nature so these beautiful blooms can be appreciated by all.

Have you had the chance to see the cherry blossoms in Japan? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience and see your photos in the comments below!