Kawazu-zakura trees are a natural hybrid between Oshima cherry and Kanhizakura cherry, first discovered in Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture.
The deep pink hue of the petals is a biological trait that persists longer than the delicate pale petals of the Somei Yoshino variety.
The trees in Yodo are situated along the embankment as part of local efforts to beautify the Yodo River basin.
The blooming period can vary by up to two weeks depending on the temperature fluctuations during the preceding winter months.
The Kawazu-Zakura cherry trees in Yodo are a prominent row of approximately 200 early-blooming cherry trees planted along the Yodo River dike in the Fushimi Ward of Kyoto. These trees belong to the Kawazu-zakura variety, characterized by larger, deeper pink petals compared to the ubiquitous Somei Yoshino cherry trees. The site functions as a community-maintained walking path located on the embankment of the Yodo River. Flowering typically occurs from late February through early March, making it one of the earliest cherry blossom spots in the Kyoto region. The trees were planted by local residents and volunteers, fostering a strong sense of neighborhood stewardship. The path offers an unobstructed view of the river and the surrounding rural-urban landscape of Fushimi. As the blossoms appear significantly earlier than the main season, this site serves as a prelude to the wider spring festivities in Kyoto.
From the lower section of the embankment looking up, to frame the pink blossoms against the blue sky.
Visit during a weekday morning to avoid the crowds that gather from local photography enthusiasts.
Bring a telephoto lens or a camera with a good zoom to capture close-ups of the petals without disturbing the branches.
Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes as the path along the embankment is primarily dirt or gravel.
Do not park vehicles on the narrow embankment roads; utilize designated parking areas further away in the town.
Best viewed annually between late February and mid-March; no formal operational hours as it is an open outdoor public space.
Do not touch or shake the branches to make petals fall, and stay on the designated path to protect the root systems.
