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Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura Road in Matsusaka, Mie, is a scenic spot with 350 Kawazuzakura trees blooming along a 1,500-meter waterway. This article covers detailed info on the peak season (mid-February to mid-March) and popular photography spots.
Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura Road, located in the town of Kasamatsu in Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture, is a scenic spot where around 350 Kawazu-zakura (Kawazu cherry blossom) trees are planted along a 1,500-meter-long agricultural irrigation waterway.
Kawazu-zakura are known for blooming earlier than the more common Somei Yoshino cherry trees - typically from mid-February to mid-March. They also have a deeper pink color compared to Somei Yoshino blossoms.
The Reflection at Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura Road, named for the stunning reflections of the blossoms on the water, has become a trend on social media, making it a famous hanami (flower viewing) spot that attracts many visitors from afar.
In this article, we cover Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura Road’s peak season, crowd conditions, and picturesque photography spots.
1. Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura Road: Features and Highlights
2. Cherry Blossom Peak Season
3. Best Photo Spots for Kasamatsu Kawazuzakura
4. FAQ
Photo by AC
Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura Road is a 1,500-meter-long avenue of Kawazu cherry trees lining an agricultural irrigation waterway in the town of Kasamatsu in Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture.
The locals have been planting seedlings since 2007, and today, about 350 stunning Kawazuzakura trees are in full bloom each year. The large pink flowers evoke the arrival of spring and the arch of trees along the waterway creates a magnificent view reflected on the river’s surface.
The surrounding rural landscapes provide photogenic scenery, with the flowers contrasting beautifully against the blue sky on sunny days. A boat is moored at a viewing point in the waterway and photos taken here have made this spot a highly popular destination that has exploded on social media.
Kawazuzakura are known as an early-blooming variety of cherry blossoms, typically blooming around mid-February.
They are characterized by petals that don’t scatter as easily as those of Yoshino cherries and can be enjoyed for hanami until around mid-March.
Due to the many people visiting from both within and outside the prefecture on weekends, parking lots often become crowded during peak season. Planning to arrive early or visiting on weekdays will allow you to enjoy the cherry blossoms more leisurely while avoiding the crowds.
The blooming period may vary slightly depending on the weather, so it’s advisable to check the Matsusaka City Mikumo Regional Promotion Bureau website before heading out.
During the cherry blossoms’ peak blooming season, Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura Road often sees many visitors with cameras or smartphones in hand taking photos.
The magical sight of pink petals reflected in the water and the photogenic contrast of the blossoms against the rural landscape are especially popular. One of the charms of this spot is the ability to capture various moods depending on the time and weather, with different atmospheres to enjoy in the early morning or on rainy days.
In this section, we’ll introduce three highly recommended photo spots to capture during your visit. Why not use the features and photography tips for each spot to help you capture the beautiful spring scenery with your camera?
Photo by AC
Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura Road features lush green rice fields stretching behind the cherry blossom avenue, creating a picturesque scene that contrasts beautifully with the blue sky on sunny days.
The harmony between the three colors—the deep pink of the cherry blossoms, the vibrant green of the rice fields, and the blue of the sky—creates a beauty unique to this place. When taking pictures, it's easier to create a composition with depth by leaving some space between the cherry blossoms and the rice fields.
Please enjoy taking pictures while being mindful of your footing as the embankment can be slippery. The soft light right after sunrise or during sunset will gently illuminate the cherry blossoms and the rural landscape, allowing you to capture even more magical photos.
Photo by AC
The main highlight of Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura Road is undoubtedly the Reflection—the special sight of the cherry blossoms reflected in the water. On windless days, the waterway becomes as still as a mirror, perfectly reflecting the beauty of the blossoms.
This magical sight enchants many visitors and is the reason this spot is frequented by so many photography enthusiasts. If you’re aiming to capture the Reflection, we recommend visiting early in the morning when the wind is light. Right after sunrise, the light is especially soft, and the reflection of the cherry blossoms in the water is even more prominent.
You can enhance the reflection of the cherry blossoms by using a polarizing filter to make it even clearer. When you visit, be sure to observe proper etiquette and avoid entering restricted areas while capturing wonderful photos.
Photo by AC
If you wish to enjoy the cherry blossoms in a tranquil, mystical atmosphere, we recommend visiting in the early morning. Right after sunrise, there are fewer visitors, allowing you to take your time taking pictures.
As the sun rises, the cherry blossoms take on a faint red tinge from the soft light filtering in, creating a beauty akin to a painting. This is an especially ideal time for portrait photography as you can blend your subject into the contrast between the cherry blossoms and the light, resulting in a natural photo.
It can be dimly lit during your visit, so it’s advisable to be well-prepared by bringing a headlamp and flashlight.
Kasamatsu Kawazuzakura’s blooming period is typically from mid-February to mid-March, but you can confirm the latest updates by contacting the Matsusaka City Mikumo Regional Promotion Bureau (0598-56-7905). Additionally, please be aware that blooming forecasts may vary depending on the weather.
When taking pictures, be careful not to step on the roots of the cherry trees or trample the embankment, and avoid entering restricted areas. Additionally, please be considerate of other visitors by not obstructing popular spots. If you’re aiming to capture the Reflection, we recommend visiting early in the morning or when there’s no wind.
We recommend taking pictures early in the morning. The time right after sunrise is when the winds are particularly calm, creating the perfect environment for the Reflection to beautifully reflect on the water. The morning sun casts a soft light that tinges the cherry blossoms red, making it possible to enjoy a magical atmosphere. Early morning is also the best time to visit if you wish to avoid the crowds.
On Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura Road, there is a magical view aptly named the Reflection, which refers to the cherry blossoms reflected in the water when the waterway is calm. This view is especially beautiful under calm or light wind conditions and is a popular photography spot on social media. The water is the calmest early in the morning or after rain, making these the ideal times to capture the Reflection in a picture.
Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura Road is a renowned spring destination in Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture, carefully protected and nurtured by the locals. The deep pink Kawazuzakura bloom magnificently across 1,500 meters, signaling the arrival of spring to all who visit.
You can enjoy a variety of charming scenes, such as the Reflection in the water, the contrast with the rural landscape, and the cherry blossoms bathed in the soft light of early morning. Different sceneries can be enjoyed depending on the time and weather, attracting a steady stream of visitors with cameras in hand.
The cherry blossoms' blooming period, from mid-February to mid-March, is relatively long, allowing you to enjoy the peak season without the risk of missing it. With facilities such as temporary parking lots and toilets in place, you can enjoy a comfortable hanami experience with the heartfelt hospitality of the locals.
Remember to express your gratitude to the locals who protect this cherry blossom avenue and to observe proper etiquette when visiting. This spring, have a memorable experience on Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura Road that will stay with you.