SHIZUOKA – NOTE ON LIFE WITH ME 11

Each year during March to April, is the peak season of Japan’s cherry blossom. Many tourist and locals spend their time either to travel out town or in town to appreciate the beauty of the Sakura.

Throw back to my Tokyo business trip last month, I decided to arrive 2 days in advance to Shizuoka due to the blossom Sakura period in Kawazu. I made this last decision only 2 weeks in advance! I finally decided to go without accompany because I have never seen this in real life except in photos from friends. Since I made this decision very late and due to the cherry blossom peak season, there’s not much choice for hotels. Literally almost 98% were fully booked except this one – Imaiso which is quite convenient and only a station to Kawazu. Most of the hot spring hotel offers meals in the package if any of you have experienced, so it is not surprise this hotel do offer the same.

Before introducing this hotel, would like to tell you a bit background of Kawazu, it is a very small town located in the east coast in Japan with only approximately population of 7000 and a couple spot for hot spring. This year, Kawazu is the first place to have Sakura fully blossom in Japan and it is even earlier than last year. When I was there it’s around Feb 18 and it was suppose to be end of Feb! So guess what, I’m just on the right time and this is not really plan at the beginning! yea Bingo!

In terms of transportation to Kawazu, it takes approximately 2-3 hours by high speed train (Shinkasen) from Tokyo. I would highly recommend those who plan to visit this little city shall check the time table of the high speed train and buy the ticket in advance especially in a peak season like this! As the last train to there was 15:00 which was out of my expectation! I was supposed to take the high speed train to Kawazu however due to the delay of my baggage I had missed it!!! It finally took me 4 hours to arrive at 07:00 p.m at night (1.5 hours later than original time). Anyways, thanks God I was just on the right time to catch the night view of Sakura.