The allure of the early-blooming kawazu sakura has increasingly captivated visitors in recent years. As February arrives, enthusiasts gather in Kawazu, the namesake city of this cherished cherry blossom. What visitors seem to not realize just yet is that if they venture further south, just an hour away from Kawazu, they’d find the idyllic onsen town of Shimogamo where the annual Minami Izu Cherry Blossom and Nanohana Festival is held. This festival celebrates the unique blend of these vibrant cherry blossoms with the golden hues of canola flowers, offering a spectacular springtime experience.
Highlights
- Vibrant Display of Kawazu Sakura: Admire the stunning deep pink Kawazu cherry blossoms, known for their early bloom, along a 2km stretch beside the Aono River in Shimogamo.
- Canola Flowers in Full Bloom: Experience the striking contrast of the golden yellow canola fields and the pink cherry blossoms, adding to the festival’s unique charm.
- Nighttime Sakura Illumination: Enjoy the enchanting beauty of cherry blossoms under the stars with the nighttime sakura light-up event, held daily from 6 PM to 9 PM during the festival.
- Less Crowded Experience: The festival remains a lesser-known gem, making it an ideal spot for those looking to avoid the larger crowds typically found at more famous cherry blossom festivals.
- Rickshaw Rides: Experience the cherry blossoms from a unique perspective by taking a rickshaw ride during the festival. Listen to the engaging stories of local guides as you explore the scenic beauty of Shimogamo.
Minami Izu Cherry Blossom & Nanohana Festival 2024
The Minami Izu Cherry Blossom & Nanohana Festival is set to take place in the charming onsen town of Shimogamo, located in the southern Izu Peninsula. In 2024, the festival is scheduled to take place from Feb 1st to Mar 10th.
Festival Dates and Locations:
- Cherry Blossom Viewing: The prime location for viewing the Kawazu cherry blossoms is along a 2km stretch beside the Aono River, where approximately 800 trees create a breathtaking pink canopy.
- Canola Flower Fields: The radiant canola flowers can be found adorning the riverbanks and in the sprawling fields of Shimogamo, offering a picturesque contrast to the cherry blossoms. The Hino Canola Flower Fields of Cheerful Farmers is also a 20-minute walk from the festival site.
Events:
- Opening Ceremony: The festival traditionally begins with a Shinto ritual held in early February, invoking blessings for a successful and safe event.
- Nighttime Sakura Illumination: From February 1st to March 10th, the cherry blossoms along the Aono River are beautifully illuminated every evening from 6 PM to 9 PM, creating a magical nighttime experience.
- Ise-Ebi Miso Soup Service: On specific weekends in February, visitors can enjoy complimentary servings of miso soup made with the local delicacy, Ise-ebi (spiny lobster), in the Shimogamo shopping district.
- Rickshaw Rides: Available from early February to late February, these guided rides offer a unique way to view the cherry blossoms and learn about the area’s history and culture.
- Canola Flower Weddings: A unique event where couples can celebrate their nuptials amidst the stunning canola fields, symbolizing prosperity and happiness.
The Minami Izu Cherry Blossom & Nanohana Festival 2024 promises to be a delightful celebration of spring, combining the natural beauty of cherry blossoms and canola flowers with cultural events and local flavors. It’s a perfect opportunity for visitors to experience the tranquility and charm of rural Japan during one of its most picturesque seasons.
Cherry Blossoms and Quiet Moments: My Personal Experience
In 2023, I set out on a journey to create content about the “Best Places to See Kawazu Sakura in Japan.” My itinerary included a day trip to Shizuoka from Tokyo, visiting Kawazu in the morning and Shimogamo in the afternoon. The contrast between these two places was striking. Kawazu was bustling with tourists, but Shimogamo was a world apart – quiet, serene, and pleasantly uncrowded. On my bus ride to the festival site in Shimogamo, I caught a glimpse of the Hino Canola Flower Fields of Cheerful Farmers, a sight so captivating that I made a mental note to visit it later.
Arriving at Shimogamo, the rows of Kawazu cherry blossom trees immediately caught my attention. Their vivid colors stood out beautifully against the golden canola flowers. The fewer crowds meant it felt like the trees enveloped me in their beauty. I seized the opportunity to take a rickshaw ride. At the time, they were offering a shorter version of the 20-minute course, one that’s only ¥500 for five minutes. I opted for this because I was pressed for time. During the ride, the guide regaled me with stories and encouraged me to gently touch the cherry blossom branches as we passed by, making the experience even more tactile and memorable. At the turnaround point, he parked the rickshaw under a cherry blossom tree in full bloom, and then offered to take my photos with my camera. He took several shots, all of them Insta-worthy. The guides here have clearly practiced the best angles to take photos of their guests.
After the rickshaw ride, I thanked the guide and proceeded to walk along the Aono River towards the Hino Canola Flower Fields. Along the way, I discovered several lesser-known photo spots for kawazu sakura that were even more serene, as they were away from the main festival site. The Hino Canola Flower Fields were a breathtaking sight – an open field right in the middle of the road, freely accessible to all, with designated spots for photo opportunities.
Overall, my visit to the Minami Izu Cherry Blossom & Nanohana Festival was a delightful experience. The tranquility of Shimogamo and its stunning natural beauty left a lasting impression on me. I am already contemplating a return trip, this time planning to stay in one of the traditional ryokans in the area for a weekend, to fully immerse myself in the serene and beautiful surroundings.
Video
The Minami Izu Cherry Blossom & Nanohana Festival is featured in this video about the Best Places to See Kawazu Sakura in Japan. The segment starts at 1:05.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit the Minami Izu Cherry Blossom & Nanohana Festival is from mid-February to early March. This period typically aligns with the peak bloom of the Kawazu cherry blossoms.
The festival is held in Shimogamo, in the southern Izu Peninsula. You can reach Shimogamo by train or bus from Tokyo, with the nearest major station being Izukyu-Shimoda Station. From there, local buses or taxis can take you to Shimogamo.
No, there are no entry fees for the festival. Visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms and canola fields for free. However, some specific events or activities, like rickshaw rides, may have separate charges.
The festival’s main attractions include the vibrant Kawazu cherry blossoms, the golden canola flower fields, nighttime sakura illumination, and cultural events such as the opening Shinto ceremony and canola flower weddings. Additionally, visitors can enjoy local culinary delights and interactive activities like rickshaw rides.
Yes, there are several accommodation options in Shimogamo and the surrounding areas, including traditional ryokans, hotels, and guesthouses. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during the festival period, as places can fill up quickly.
As the festival takes place in early spring, the weather can be cool. It’s advisable to wear layers and comfortable walking shoes. Also, consider bringing an umbrella as spring weather can be unpredictable.
How to Get to the Minami Izu Cherry Blossom & Nanohana Festival
By Train: The most scenic and relaxing way to reach the festival is by train. From Tokyo, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station. From Atami, transfer to the Izukyu Line and travel to Izukyu-Shimoda Station. The journey offers beautiful views of the countryside and coastline. Once at Izukyu-Shimoda Station, you can catch a local bus to Shimogamo, where the festival takes place.
By Bus: For those who prefer direct travel, buses run from Tokyo to Shimoda. You can board a bus from Tokyo Station or Yokohama Station, which will take you directly to Shimoda. From Shimoda, local buses are available to Shimogamo. This option is often more economical than the train and offers a straightforward route to the festival.
By Car: If you’re up for a road trip, driving to the festival allows for flexibility and the opportunity to explore the picturesque Izu Peninsula at your own pace. The drive from Tokyo takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic. You can rent a car in Tokyo and enjoy the scenic drive, which takes you through coastal roads and mountainous terrain. Parking is available in Shimogamo, but it’s advisable to arrive early during the festival period as spaces can fill up quickly.
Combination of Train and Car: For those who want the best of both worlds, consider taking the train to Atami or Izukyu-Shimoda and then renting a car from there. This combination reduces the driving time and still provides the freedom to explore the area around Shimogamo and other parts of the Izu Peninsula.
