So, I walked back to the main pathway along the river wondering if I should get back on the same path. I opened the map and found something intriguing beyond the river. I could have reached there across the bridge nearby but I proceeded further to the next bridge. Sakura, the cherry blossoms were exclusively blooming as long as i walked. I thought I could keep walking for good.

English Map (1643KB)

Anyway, I crossed the bridge and strolled back on the other side of the bank. In 30 minutes or so from “Mine Onsen Daifunto Park”, I got to the first and original tree of Kawazu Sakura.

I could find it very easily because the crowds of lookers-on invaded the roadway and security officers looked so busy in making them get in the sideway. The tree is more than 60 years old and 10 meters high. It is said that a man of Iida family found a young sakura tree in the bank in 1955 and planted it at where it is now. It was named “Kawazu Sakura”, usually pronounced “Kawazu Zakura”, in 1974 because it was found and grown in Kawazu Town.

After leaving the First Sakura Tree, I walked back to the main walkway toward the main event site. There, I bought some souvenirs for my family. I here introduce some unique stuff that you can’t taste outside Kawazu Town.

First comes, though almost typical now, “Sakura Manju”. You know Manju, the steamed bean-jam bun, right ? This comes with a salted sakura leave. It has a distinctive flavor which some love very much but others don’t. Me ? Uh-huh.＾＾；

Next one is “Sakura Udon” noodle. The color is pink as sakura and, believe it or not, minced sakura leaves are mixed in. I’ve not tasted it yet but I can imagine. And “Sakura-ba Okowa” sticky rice. Powdered sakura leaves mixed in. A lady of the stall told me that it would taste better if a pinch of salt added.

By the way, on my way back to the station, I found a splendid fresh squeezed juice. I joined the line unhesitatingly. She was entirely absorbed in squeezing Ama-natsu Mikan − literally means “sweet summer orange” − with a big smile.

I counted how many would be used to make a cup of juice. 2 actually. No additives at all. It tasted extremely fresh, making me feel a breeze of summer.

I walked along the Kawazu River more than 3 hours after all. Please see the PDF map. Good exercise to me.＾＾ Anyway, I had the next destination to visit. I headed for the station.

Next time, I’ll make a report from Higashiizu Town.

Have a good day !

(916KB)

“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English blog website for events & sightseeing. Always with you ! ＾＾

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Tags :

• Ashiyu
• Events
• Flowers
• Izu
• Nature
• Sakura