[Saitama Prefecture, Fukaya City] Once More, Full Bloom Cherry Blossoms! ~Fukaya, the Hometown of Eiichi Shibusawa~ "Fukaya Cherry Blossom Revival Project" Launched.

Fukaya City (Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture, Mayor: Susumu Kojima) is seeking donations with a target amount of 30 million yen, utilizing "Furusato Nozei-type Crowdfunding (GCF)" to pass on the beautiful cherry blossom scenery, long cherished by the community, to the future.

See Details

<Contact Information>

Fukaya City Hall, Planning and Finance Department, Planning Division

Phone: 048-574-8096

E-mail: [email protected]

What is Happening to Fukaya's Cherry Blossoms Now?

In Fukaya City, cherry trees are rapidly declining in health and dying due to aging and damage from the Japanese oak borer (Anoplophora glabripennis). There is a risk of falling trees and broken branches, requiring urgent action.

Furthermore, the beautiful cherry blossom scenery, long cherished by the community, has been damaged, and many people have expressed their desire for the cherry blossoms to be revived.

What is the "Fukaya Cherry Blossom Revival Project"?

Project Details: This project aims to revive the cherry blossom scenery by felling and removing dead cherry trees in various locations within Fukaya City and planting new ones.

Target Locations: [Phase 1] 1 Karasawa Tsutsumi Cherry Blossom Scenic Section: Approx. 180 trees

2 38 Parks within Fukaya City: Approx. 230 trees

[Phase 2] 1 Public kindergartens, elementary and junior high schools, community centers, etc., within Fukaya City.

Implementation Period: Planting scheduled for completion by March 2027.

"Karasawa Tsutsumi Cherry Blossoms," Inherited and Loved by the Community

The cherry blossoms along the upper Karasawa River are located in the central part of Fukaya City and have been loved by the local community for many years as the "Karasawa Tsutsumi Cherry Blossoms." Its history is old, with records indicating that planting began in 1931 to commemorate the renovation of the Karasawa River, with part of the cost covered by donations from local residents. At that time, over 500 cherry trees lined both sides of the river, creating a scene described as a tunnel of flowers, making it one of the premier cherry blossom viewing spots in the Kanto region. In spring, numerous cherry blossoms bloomed in full glory, serving as a valuable tourist resource that enhanced Fukaya City's appeal, and the nearby cherry blossom festival attracted many visitors for hanami (flower viewing). However, over time, the trees have weakened due to aging and damage from the Japanese oak borer, and the beautiful cherry blossom scenery has been compromised. We have received many opinions from local residents requesting the revival of the cherry blossoms.

Cherry blossoms at Karasawa Tsutsumi 10 years ago Cherry blossoms at Karasawa Tsutsumi recently

Overview of Furusato Nozei-type Crowdfunding

Donations collected will be used for planting new cherry trees. ●Target Locations 1 Cherry blossoms along the upper Karasawa River (Karasawa Tsutsumi Cherry Blossoms) 2 Cherry blossoms in parks within Fukaya City 3 Cherry blossoms at public kindergartens, elementary and junior high schools, community centers, etc., within Fukaya City.

"Fukaya Cherry Blossom Revival Project"

Project Name

~Fukaya, the Hometown of Eiichi Shibusawa~ "Fukaya Cherry Blossom Revival Project"

Implementation Period

July 1, 2026 (Wed) - August 31, 2026 (Mon)

Target Amount

30 million yen

URL

https://www.furusato-tax.jp/gcf/5515

*Please note that there are no special benefits or return gifts for this donation.

*If the target amount is exceeded, the funds will be used for projects related to the revival of cherry blossoms.

Comment from Fukaya Mayor

When I use Fukaya Station myself, I walk from the parking lot to Karasawa Tsutsumi. In spring, the cherry blossoms along the river overlap, creating a scenery like a tunnel of flowers. There are many famous cherry blossom spots, but I believe the cherry blossoms at Karasawa Tsutsumi are the best. However, in recent years, broken branches and damaged trees have become noticeable due to aging and damage from the Japanese oak borer, which deeply pains me. I want to leave this beautiful cherry blossom scenery for the children of the future. To achieve this, I believe that our generation, living now, must take action. I sincerely ask for your warm support.

About Fukaya City

Fukaya City is located in northwestern Saitama Prefecture, about 1.5 hours from Tokyo by train. Upon alighting, visitors are greeted by the red-brick-style Fukaya Station and Fukka-chan's karakuri clock. Eiichi Shibusawa, known as the "Father of Modern Japanese Economy" and whose portrait appeared on the 10,000 yen bill, was also born and raised in Fukaya City. The city is home to many historically valuable buildings, including the Eiichi Shibusawa Memorial Museum, the former Shibusawa residence "Nakanoya," and Seizodo and Seifukutei, allowing visitors to trace the footsteps of Eiichi Shibusawa. Fukaya City is also the largest producer of "Fukaya Negi" (Fukaya green onions) and ranks first in Japan for broccoli cultivation area, which became a designated vegetable in fiscal year 2026. In addition, the production of agricultural and livestock products such as "Fukaya Beef" is thriving, as is the cultivation of flowers such as lilies and tulips. Furthermore, the city has many attractive tourist resources, including "Fukka-chan" and "Nibo-to," a stewed dish that Eiichi Shibusawa favored.

Fukaya City HP:

https://www.city.fukaya.saitama.jp/index.html

Fukaya City Attraction Promotion Portal Site:

https://www.fukkachan.com/