KAWAZU, Shizuoka Prefecture--Hundreds of cherry blossom trees that line the Kawazugawa river here get a head start on other varieties by blooming early each year, and now is the time to see them.

Hundreds of early-blooming cherry trees lining the Kawazugawa river in Shizuoka Prefecture have now reached their peak after a cold spell delayed their bloom. Around 850 Kawazu-zakura cherry trees ...