Located in the town of Kawazu on the Izu Peninsula, the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival is a must-visit destination for those eager to witness Japan’s early blooming cherry trees. The kawazu sakura, known for their vibrant pink petals and long blooming period from February to early March, make for a stunning contrast against the winter landscape. Visitors can stroll along the scenic Kawazu River, enjoy festival food, and experience the mesmerizing nighttime illuminations that enhance the beauty of the blossoms.

Why Kawazu is Worth Visiting

• Early Blooming Cherry Blossoms
  Kawazu sakura bloom a month before other varieties, offering a rare chance to experience hanami in February.
• Scenic River Walk
  The 4-kilometer-long stretch along the Kawazu River is lined with 800 cherry trees, forming a picturesque pink tunnel.
• Festival Atmosphere
  The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival features food stalls, local specialties, and vibrant decorations, adding to the festive ambiance.
• Evening Illuminations
  The festival transforms after sunset with beautifully lit cherry trees reflecting on the river, creating a magical nighttime experience.
• Nearby Hot Springs
  Visitors can relax in traditional onsen baths while enjoying views of the cherry blossoms.

Kawazu Cherry Blossoms

Kawazu sakura are a unique variety of cherry blossoms, distinguished by their deep pink color and larger petals that last longer than most sakura species. The town of Kawazu is where this variety was first discovered in 1955, and it has since become a symbol of the region. Unlike Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, which bloom briefly and scatter quickly, kawazu sakura stay in bloom for longer, making them easier to plan a visit around.

Prime Blossom Viewing Locations

• Kawazu Sakura Avenue
  The festival’s main attraction, this 4-kilometer path along the river features hundreds of cherry trees forming a breathtaking corridor of pink.
• Kawazu Sakura Original Tree
  The first-ever kawazu sakura tree, planted in 1955, still stands 1.4 kilometers from Kawazu Station, serving as a historic landmark.
• Imaihama Beach
  For a scenic and less crowded view, visitors can enjoy the contrast between the pink cherry blossoms and the deep blue ocean.
• Odoriko Onsen Kaikan
  This hot spring facility allows guests to soak in an outdoor bath while admiring the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Kawazu Facilities & Amenities

The festival area is well-equipped to accommodate visitors. The Kawazu Tourism Exchange Center provides travel information and offers local delicacies like kinmedai no nitsuke (boiled splendid alfonsino). Numerous festival stalls line the walking path, selling freshly cooked food, citrus fruits, and small kawazu sakura saplings. Additionally, a free hot spring foot bath is available for guests to relax while taking in the beautiful scenery. Parking is available but can be limited, so public transportation is recommended during the festival period.

Dining Options

Visitors will find a variety of delicious treats at the festival’s food stalls, including fish cakes, unagi rice balls, dried fruits, and the internet-famous sakura taiyaki—a pink fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet bean paste. For a sit-down meal, local restaurants offer specialties like kinmedai (golden eye snapper) sashimi and Shizuoka-style oden. The area’s seaside location also means fresh seafood is a highlight on many menus.

Travel Tips

• Book Accommodations Early
  Hotels and ryokan in Kawazu fill up quickly due to the festival’s popularity.
• Visit on Weekdays
  To avoid crowds, plan your visit on a weekday rather than a weekend.
• Take a Guided Bus Tour
  Consider a one-day bus tour from Tokyo for a hassle-free experience.
• Explore the Less Crowded Riverbanks
  The opposite side of the main festival path offers quieter views and better photo opportunities.
• Check the Blooming Status Online
  Live camera streams on Kawazu Town’s website provide real-time updates on the cherry blossoms.
• Dress Warmly
  February evenings can be chilly, so layering is recommended.
• Respect the Environment
  Stay on designated paths and do not enter the rapeseed fields to help preserve the area’s natural beauty.

Video

Kawazu is feature in this video about the Best Places to See Kawazu Sakura. The segment starts at 00:30.

How to Get to Kawazu

Kawazu is easily accessible from Tokyo, making it a popular day-trip destination.

• JR Saphir Odoriko Limited Express
  A luxurious train ride from Tokyo Station to Kawazu takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, offering scenic coastal views.
• Shinkansen + Local Train
  Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Atami (45 minutes), then transfer to the Izukyu Line to Kawazu (1 hour 20 minutes).
• By Car
  Driving from Tokyo takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, though traffic may affect travel time.
• Local Transport
  Once in Kawazu, the festival area is a short 5-minute walk from Kawazu Station. Buses are available for visiting nearby attractions.

Nearby Attractions

• Nanadaru Waterfalls
  A scenic spot featuring seven waterfalls in a lush forested area, perfect for a refreshing nature walk.
• Shimoda
  A historic coastal town known for its black-sand beaches, Perry Road, and ties to Japan’s opening to the West.
• Mount Omuro
  An extinct volcano offering a panoramic view of the Izu Peninsula, accessible via a short cable car ride.

Nearby Cherry Blossom Spots

• Minami Izu Cherry Blossom Festival
  Held in mid-February, this festival in Minami Izu features kawazu sakura along the Aono River with a more tranquil atmosphere than Kawazu.
• Atami Plum Garden
  Located in Atami, this garden showcases early-blooming plum blossoms that peak around the same time as kawazu sakura.
• Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival
  This festival in Kanagawa offers a hillside view of pink cherry blossoms with Mount Fuji in the background.

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