Visiting Tokyo In March? Enjoy Early Cherry Blossom Viewing!

19.March.2017 | SPOT

It may go without saying, but the centerpiece of sightseeing in Japan in the spring is getting to view the cherry blossoms. We introduce here places in Tokyo where you can see types of sakura in bloom earlier than usual!

 

2月・3月でも花見ができる!東京都内の桜スポット

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It may go without saying, but the centerpiece of sightseeing in Japan in the spring is getting to view the cherry blossoms, or as they’re known in Japanese, sakura. This I’m sure we can all agree is Japan’s most beautiful time of the year, when everything seems to be dyed pink by the cherry blossoms.

How many of you think that getting to view the cherry blossoms is an experience that only those who visit Japan from the end of March until around the beginning of April get to experience? It might not be known by many people, but depending on the type, there are some cherry blossoms that will bloom earlier than what’s considered to be the cherry blossom season. We’d like to share with you the types of cherry blossoms that bloom earlier than others, as well as the spots around Tokyo where those of you visiting Japan can enjoy these flowers from around halfway through February to around mid-March.

What are the Cherry Blossoms that Bloom in February and March?

I’m sure many Japanophiles may already know this, but there are various types of cherry blossoms. The well-known cherry blossoms that bloom in the so-called ‘cherry blossom season’ at the end of March until the beginning of April are the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms. I’m sure there are many of you who’ve heard of this type of cherry blossom before. Believe it or not, there are actually cherry blossoms that also bloom from February to March. Out of these cherry blossoms the kawazu-zakura are well known.

The kawazu-zakura that bloom earlier than other cherry blossoms were given their name after being discovered in the city of Kawazu in Shizuoka prefecture. Along with the city of Kawazu in Shizuoka, the southern region of the city of Izu is also famous for having kawazu-zakura. From the beginning of February to the beginning of March there’s even a sakura festival that takes place in this region.

It’s not just Shizuoka prefecture, but there are even spots in Tokyo too where you can view the kawazu-zakura. Of course it all depends on the location and weather, but these flowers bloom a little bit later than they do in the city of Kawazu and in the southern region of the city of Izu. You can enjoy these cherry blossoms in Tokyo for about one month, from about mid-February until about halfway through March.

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