In the center of the beautiful Bikan Historical Area, with its willow-lined streets and white-walled buildings, flows the Kurashiki River.
The Kurashiki River is a second-class river approximately 14 km long that flows from the Bikan Historical Area to Kojima Lake in the Minami Ward of Okayama City.
In the riverside area of about 3 km from the waterfront plaza downstream of Irifune Bridge at the southern end of the Bikan Historical Area to the turf plaza at Tsuburura, about 1,000 Kawazu cherry trees reach their best viewing period from February to March.
Kurashiki, which prospered as a distribution center utilizing water transport, will be introduced through a stroll along the Kurashiki River on February 2023 and February 27, 2024.
Kurashiki River and Kurashiki River Senbonzakura
The Kurashiki River Senbonzakura was planted by the citizens' group "Kurashiki River Senbonzakura Association," which is working to make the area a "cherry blossom viewing spot," between 2006 (Heisei 18) and 2008 (Heisei 20).
Along the approximately 3 km riverside from Kurashiki River Waterfront Park (Funakuracho) to Fukuhara Green Space (Arishiro), about 1,000 Kawazu cherry trees reach their best viewing period around March each year.
Unlike the commonly known Somei Yoshino cherry trees, Kawazu cherry trees are characterized by their gradual blooming process, allowing for a longer enjoyment of the flowers.
When the flowers are in bud, they are a deep red color, and when they bloom, they turn a light pink.
The Kurashiki River, which was once bustling with boat traffic.
In the Bikan Historical Area, you can also enjoy "Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River," where you can experience the feeling of being a merchant from the Edo period.
Irifune no Michi Course - Northern Kurashiki River Waterfront Park
First, I headed to Kurashiki River Waterfront Park, located on the southern side of the Bikan Historical Area.
Kurashiki River Waterfront Park has about seven free parking spaces, but if they are full, it might be a good idea to park at the paid parking lot of Geibunkan Hall nearby.
The parking lot of Geibunkan Hall is underground, and the operating hours (entry and exit times) are from 7 AM to 11 PM.
▼ The parking fees for Geibunkan Hall are as follows:
| Time, etc. | Fee |
|---|---|
| Hourly | 100 yen/30 minutes |
| From 8 AM to 8 PM | Maximum 830 yen |
| From 8 PM to 8 AM | Maximum 520 yen |
After parking the car, I take a leisurely walk along the Kurashiki River.
To the north of Geibunkan Hall, you can see the entrance to the Bikan Historical Area.
It is also recommended to take a break at "Cafe Kurashiki Geibunkan" located inside Geibunkan Hall during your stroll.
![[Closed] Cafe Kurashiki Geibunkan - Recommended for Keema Curry and Sweets using Shirobara Milk! Operated by a long-established milk vendor](https://media.kuratoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/23054026/cafe-geibunkan-7.jpg)
I head straight south along the Kurashiki River from the Bikan Historical Area.
I also saw ducks swimming comfortably.
After about a 5-minute walk from Geibunkan Hall, I arrived at Kurashiki River Waterfront Park.
It seems that a place that was once a boat dock has been transformed into a waterfront park with wisteria trellises and benches.
The Irifune no Michi Course allows you to walk along the embankment from the waterfront plaza downstream of Irifune Bridge in Funakuracho to the turf plaza at Tsuburura, covering about 4 km.
The dirt path is gentle on the feet, allowing you to stroll while touching the familiar nature and history of your hometown.
Let's start walking to search for spring.
The Kawazu cherry trees, which are a deeper pink than Somei Yoshino, were blooming abundantly along the river.
I saw people with cameras, those enjoying a walk, and students passing by on bicycles.
The pink flowers stand out against the blue sky. The author, holding a camera, can't help but take many photos. Although the gallery ends up filled with similar pictures, that doesn't bother me at all.
Please take a close look at the photo above. Did you notice anything?
I discovered a Japanese white-eye attracted by the sweet scent of the Kawazu cherry blossoms!
The Japanese white-eye has a white ring around its eyes and a yellow-green body. I was able to capture a spring-like shot of the Kawazu cherry blossoms and the Japanese white-eye.
Children walking along the river exclaimed, "There’s so much pink!!" and were having a great time.
The state of Kurashiki River Shinsui Park on February 27, 2024
I visited Kurashiki River Shinsui Park on February 27, 2024. The cherry blossoms were about 50% in bloom. It was a scene that made me feel the arrival of spring.
Unfortunately, it was cloudy, but seeing the cherry blossoms was soothing. I wonder if they will be in full bloom by the weekend (March 2nd and 3rd).
The cherry blossoms along the road were blooming more than those in other areas.
To Fukuhara Green Space on the South Side of Irifune Road Course
Next, I headed south for about 3 km from Kurashiki River Shinsui Park to Fukuhara Green Space.
Fukuhara Green Space is located north of the Sanyo Marunaka Amagi store in Kurashiki City, Yushiro.
The "Kurashiki City Ground Golf Course," which opened on October 1, 2019, is located within Fukuhara Green Space, and the grounds were bustling with activity.
There is parking available for about 130 passenger cars and 2 buses.
There were also people energetically doing stretching exercises with radio calisthenics.
I also saw people enjoying running and cycling.
The pink Kawazu cherry blossoms stand out against the clear blue sky in early March.
Birds and bees were also buzzing around energetically to sip the sweet nectar of the cherry blossoms.
The reflection of the Kawazu cherry blossoms in Kurashiki River is so beautiful that it takes your breath away.
The well-maintained flat paths make it easy to walk, making it a great spot for a stroll.
There were also people stopping to take photos.
The state of Fukuhara Green Space on February 27, 2024
When I visited on February 27, 2024, compared to Kurashiki River Shinsui Park closer to the Bikan Historical Area, the flowers were still in the early stages of blooming. There were a few trees that were partially blooming or not blooming at all.
I feel that Fukuhara Green Space will be at its best around next weekend (March 9th and 10th).
In Conclusion
In March, the bright yellow-green Japanese white-eyes and the pink Kawazu cherry blossoms color the banks of Kurashiki River, heralding the beginning of spring.
This was my first time walking the "Irifune Road Course," and I was able to leisurely enjoy the Kawazu cherry blossoms, losing track of time.
During my approximately 2-hour stroll, I realized I had taken over 200 photos.
Why not take a slow stroll along Kurashiki River and feel the arrival of spring a little earlier?
Look, spring is already on its way.
Data on Kurashiki River Senbonzakura
| Name | Kurashiki River Senbonzakura |
|---|---|
| Dates | Late February to early March |
| Location | Along Kurashiki River (from Kurashiki Shinsui Park to Fukuhara Green Space) |
