Thousands flock to the town of Kawazu to see early-blooming cherry blossoms. Unlike those found in Tokyo and Kyoto, Kawazu's sakura trees bloom in early February -- offering some of the first blossoms in the country. Located around 175 kilometres south of Tokyo, Kawazu boasts over 800 cherry blossom trees that stretch for about 4 kilometres along the local river. "It feels like I’m inside a postcard," says a tourist from the US. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES