Border Collie Bliss: Exploring Kawazu River and Cherry Blossoms
Location: Kawazu River, Kawazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Photo 1: Cooling Off in the River
Captured with the Fujifilm X100V equipped with a 5% diffusion filter
- ISO 160, Shutter speed: 1/1400 sec., Aperture: ƒ/4.5
- Astia/Soft film simulation
- Timestamp: 8:38 AM on February 14, 2024
Having chased incoming waves in the captivating light of dawn at Imaihama Beach, Dale-chan and I headed southward, venturing to the quaint town of Kawazu, renowned for its early-blooming cherry blossoms.
In stark contrast to the fleeting beauty of Somei-yoshino cherry trees, the Kawazu cherry trees boast a month-long bloom period, showcasing distinctive features such as sizable petals and a vibrant pink hue. Legend has it that this unique breed originated from a serendipitously discovered sapling nurtured in Kawazu in 1955, thus the name “Kawazu Cherry Trees.”
Dale-chan, drawn to water like a moth to light, delightedly immersed herself in the cool embrace of the river. Whether it was the rhythmic ocean waves caressing the shoreline or the gentle flow of a lazy river meandering towards the sea, her love for playing in the water is never ending.
After splashing about, leaving both me and my camera a bit damp, I called Dale-chan to come ashore. Together, we ascended the riverbank for a well-deserved break, giving Dale-chan the opportunity to air-dry and prevent any unintended water-flinging onto passersby who were taking in the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
Photo 2: Canine Carnival by the Cherry Blossoms
Captured with the Fujifilm X100V equipped with a 5% diffusion filter
- ISO 320, Shutter speed: 1/850 sec., Aperture: ƒ/4.0
- Astia/Soft film simulation
- Timestamp: 8:50 AM on February 14, 2024
Distinct from the bustling city parks of Tokyo or Yokohama, our exploration of Kawazu treated us to a delightful sight—fellow dog enthusiasts with larger breeds like Akitas, Shibas, and Australian Shepherds. Dale-chan, always up for spirited play, engaged in a comical canine rendezvous. Laughter ensued as dogs circled, sniffed, and playfully tangled their leads, turning our outing into a shared joy for both humans and furry companions.
Recalling my first visit to Kawazu two years ago in early March, where the chill lingered, this year's mid-February excursion surprised me (and the locals) with exceptional warmth. The early morning sun had a soft, pleasant glow, accentuated by clear, dark blue skies framing riverbanks adorned with cherry blossoms in full bloom as far as the eye could see.
For those contemplating a visit to the Izu Peninsula, specifically this enchanting part of Kawazu Town, don't forget to download the Kawazu Town Sightseeing Guide, conveniently available in both English and Japanese (see list of resources below). Let the blossoms and the river cast their magic spell on you as you explore this picturesque hamlet of Shizuoka, Japan.
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