Yodo Suiro Waterway

The first signs of spring in Kyoto appear with the blooming of the early cherry trees planted along the Yodo Suiro Waterway, located in Fushimi ward in the south of the city. If the first trees to bloom, called shogatsu-zakura, that is to say "the New Year’s cherry trees," give their flowers as soon as the end of January and in February, the flowering peak of Yodo’s kawazu-zakura happens in the 1rst half of March on average and depending on the weather conditions.

An approx. 1,3km long walk stretches along the Yodo Ryokuchi Waterway where about 200 Kawazu cherry trees, originating from Izu Peninsula, have been gradually planted by the municipality since 2002. Bridges have been arranged to cross from one side of the water to another and while following the path of the sakura 🌸. The thriving trees embellish the concrete structures creating a pleasant environment for onlookers to take the time to rest on a bench and eat an outdoor lunch under the bright pink petals, in the manner of the neighborhood’s inhabitants.

A hidden sakura blossom spot

The surroundings of Yodo station remain off the usual touristic beaten track in the former imperial capital. The waterway is winding in the heart of residential areas with a quiet atmosphere and without any other attraction than the flowering of the Kawazu cherry trees. This spot has become popular over the recent years thanks to social medias, and the city doesn’t organize any seasonal matsuri; consequently, there is not yatai food stall nor specific event taking place. The only hints are the signs directing to the place where the Kawazu grow by the canal: from the station, follow the 淀の河津桜 (Yodo no kawazu-zakura) signs.

On the daytime, people pause under the trees for pictures with their kids and or pets. The ground is also enlivened by yellow rapeseed flowers, narcissus and daffodils that bloom at the same time as the early cherry blossoms. Since the Kawazu trees are much smaller than the classical somei yoshino it is very easy to come close to the flowery branches, be careful to not damage the trees or the flowers and to make sure to respect the place. The promenade also has a handful of small children playgrounds.

Note that other early-blooming cherry trees have been planted in Yodo’s neighborhood, amounting to a total of about 300 kawazu-zakura. When walking away from the canal and exploring the neighboring streets, you can go to the castle 🏯’s ruins park near the station. Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu shrine, on the same Keihan train 🚅 line and still away from the crowds, is an interesting complement to the discovery of southern of Kyoto.