Are you headed to Japan this year, but want to avoid the record crowds as much as possible? Then consider visiting Kii Peninsula, Honshu island’s largest peninsula and Japan’s spiritual heartland.

Cherry blossoms are forecast to bloom earlier than usual in Japan this year, mainly in the northern part of the country. The Japan Weather Association announced its forecast on Wednesday.

Japanese weather officials say heavy snow will likely fall again in mountainous areas of the Kanto-Koshin region from Tuesday evening.