Among the ''Kawazu-zakura'' trees planted around the waterways that flow through the Yodo area of Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, the early-blooming variety ''Shogatsu-zakura'' is at its best. Rapeseed flowers are blooming nearby, and the contrast of pink and yellow flowers swaying in the cold wind is pleasing to the eyes of residents walking around.
The Kawazu cherry trees in the area began in 2002 when the citizen group Yodo Sakura Nurturing Association planted two saplings as part of a town revitalization effort. Currently, about 300 trees are planted in areas such as Yodo Ryokuchi along the waterway and Yodo Castle Ruins Park.
Known for its early blooming, Kawazu-zakura is a natural hybrid of Oshima-zakura and Kanhi-zakura, and is characterized by its deep pink flowers. The blooming period is long, so you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing for a long time. In the same area, there are several trees called ''Shogatsu-zakura'' that bloom even earlier. According to local residents, the trees were already in bloom by mid-January, so the best time to see them has already arrived.
A 68-year-old man from Neyagawa City, Osaka Prefecture, who visited with a friend, said, ''I was surprised that the pink color was darker than I expected. I could hear the birds chirping, and it felt like spring was coming,'' he said, taking photos with his smartphone.
