The Secret Kawazu Zakura Tunnel Even Locals Might Not Know

Located in Onishi-cho, Imabari City, Fujiyamakenkobunka Park（Fujisan Health and Culture Park・藤山健康文化公園） is one of the most frequented parks in Imabari, echoing constantly with the lively sounds of children at play. The park, ideal for family outings, is equipped with a variety of play equipment and facilities.

Visitors can enjoy athletic playground equipment, a relaxing lawn area, and a European-style brick aqueduct within the park. Another highlight is the Fujisan Historical Museum, which displays artifacts excavated from the Myokenzan Kofun, a national historic site.

For the residents of Imabari, Fujisan Health and Culture Park is predominantly associated with the images of “ancient burial mounds” and “a large park.” However, another significant attraction of the park is its cherry blossoms.

In 2003, approximately 40 Kawazu cherry trees were gifted from Kawazu Town in Shizuoka Prefecture and planted in the park. From late February to mid-March, these cherry trees reach full bloom, enveloping the park in a blanket of pink blossoms.

There isn’t a specific map indicating the exact locations of the Kawazu cherry trees within the park, and since the area with the highest concentration of these trees, near the Japanese garden, is situated towards the back of the park, even some locals are unaware of their existence.

First-time visitors might find it slightly challenging to locate them, but a stroll through the park should quickly reveal the presence of the Kawazu cherry trees. The best spot to view the cherry blossoms is near the Japanese garden, along the path leading from the parking area adjacent to the Fujisan Historical Museum towards the Myokenzan Kofun.

In this area, with the arrival of spring, a pink tunnel formed by the Kawazu cherry trees along the walking path emerges. Those who visit can walk through this path, immersing themselves in the enchanting scenery created by the cherry blossoms and feeling the warmth of spring envelop them.

About kawazu zakura

In the serene Shizuoka Prefecture of Japan lies the quaint town of Kawazu, the birthplace of an extraordinary cherry blossom variety known as Kawazu-zakura（河津桜）. This particular cherry blossom stands out in the vast tapestry of Sakura in Japan, thanks to its unique lineage—a natural hybrid between the indigenous Oshima cherry (Cerasus speciosa) and the Kanhi cherry (Cerasus campanulata). What sets the Kawazu cherry blossom apart is its precocious bloom, adorning landscapes with large, deep pink flowers from February to early March, significantly earlier than most other cherry varieties in Japan.

The story of Kawazu-zakura’s discovery unfolds in 1955 when Katsuomi Iida, a local of Kawazu, stumbled upon a cherry sapling growing wild by the Kawazu River. He relocated it to his garden, where, against the odds, it flourished and bloomed in 1966. Initially known as “Komine Sakura,” after the discoverer’s surname, subsequent research unveiled it as an undiscovered hybrid variety. By 1974, this cherry blossom was officially christened Kawazu-zakura, in homage to its hometown, and shortly thereafter, it was adopted as the town’s official tree. Today, the original Kawazu cherry tree is a venerable landmark, celebrated for its beauty and historical significance.

The inception of the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in 1991 marked a pivotal moment, transforming this local curiosity into a global attraction. This annual festival celebrates the early blooming of Kawazu-zakura along the picturesque Kawazu River, with the cherry blossoms illuminated against the night sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle. This event has played a crucial role in spreading the Kawazu-zakura throughout Japan, offering a unique and vibrant vista that diverges from the timing of traditional cherry blossom viewings.

The distinct early blooming and the rich pink hue of Kawazu-zakura’s petals are a testament to its hybrid origins, inheriting the best traits of its parent species. The Oshima cherry lends its large flower size, while the Kanhi cherry imbues the blossoms with their striking color and the propensity for early flowering. This genetic melding has produced a cherry blossom variant that is celebrated not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for its special place in Japan’s cultural and natural heritage.

Exploring the origins and allure of the Kawazu Cherry Blossom underscores its role as not only a precursor to spring but also as a beacon of natural beauty and regional pride. The early bloom of Kawazu-zakura ushers in the cherry blossom season in Japan, inviting onlookers to engage in the joy and reflection that Sakura, the cherry blossom, has inspired for generations. This tale of natural beauty, scientific curiosity, and cultural celebration showcases the enduring allure of cherry blossoms in Japanese culture and the unique charm of Kawazu-zakura.

Access and Surrounding Information
  • Location: 579-1 Miyawaki B, Onishi-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture
  • Parking: Available
    • North Parking Lot: 35 spaces
    • East Parking Lot: 40 spaces (including 2 for disabled persons)
    • West Parking Lot: 111 spaces (including 1 for disabled persons) / 2 spaces for large vehicles
  • Admission: Free
  • Contact: 0898-53-3500
    (Onishi Branch Office, Resident Services Division)
  • Website: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/kouen/fujiyama_koen/