The Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival is annual event in Kanagawa Preferecture, famed for its stunning display of kawazu sakura cherry blossoms, which bloom in vibrant shades of pink well before the rest of Japan’s sakura. Spanning from early February to March, the festival not only captivates with its beauty but also with its picturesque setting along the railroad from Miura Kaigan Station to Komatsugaike Park, promising an unforgettable early spring adventure.
Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival 2024
In 2024, the festival is scheduled to take place from Feb 5th to Mar 5th.
| Event | Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival, 三浦海岸桜まつり |
|---|---|
| Dates | Feb 5th to Mar 5th, 2024 |
| Venue | Miurakaigan Station to Komatsugaike Park |
| Light-up | Around Miurakaigan Station, Feb 5th to Mar 3rd, 2024, 5 to 8 PM |
| Admission | Free |
| Related Website | Official Website Keikyu Line Event Website |
Why Go to the Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival
- Early Blooming Sakura: Experience the beauty of over 1,000 Kawazu-zakura cherry trees, known for their early bloom and vibrant pink flowers, offering a unique spectacle before the typical cherry blossom season starts in Japan.
- Stunning Night Illuminations: The festival transforms at night with spectacular light-ups along the railroad track from Miura Kaigan Station to Komatsugaike Park, creating a magical atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the day’s natural charm.
- Local Delicacies and Sakura Goods: Indulge in local cuisine and shop for unique sakura-themed goods at stalls around the festival area, providing a taste of local culture alongside the visual feast.
- Floral Diversity: In addition to cherry blossoms, enjoy the colorful array of nanohana (rapeseed flowers), adding a vibrant yellow contrast to the pink sakura, enriching the festival’s visual appeal. You can also catch plum blossoms in certain areas.
Exploring the Charm of the Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival
Winter in Tokyo and its neighboring prefectures can be dreary because they lack the abundant snow that falls in colder regions of Japan. As such, the blooming of kawazu sakura is a much-anticipated event, with the flowers heralding the coming of spring. With the easy access that Miura Kaigan provides, the festival is among the best places to see kawazu sakura in Japan, especially if you’re in the Kanto region.
A Pleasant Stroll Amidst Cherry Blossoms
As the Kawazu sakura trees burst into vivid pink life from early February to March, they form a breathtaking corridor from Miura-kaigan Station to Komatsugaike Park. Along this route, visitors are treated to a serene amble under a blanket of blossoms, with the journey culminating in a culinary adventure at the food stalls near the park. The combination of sunshine and the soft hues of cherry blossoms creates a blissful atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely walk or a memorable photo session.
Magical Night Illumination
As the sun sets, the Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival transforms into an enchanting nighttime spectacle. The approximately 1-kilometer stretch of cherry trees along the railroad from Miura Kaigan Station to Komatsugaike Park is lit up with delicate lights, creating a magical atmosphere that offers a different experience from the daytime viewing. This illuminated cherry blossom path provides a serene and romantic setting, perfect for evening strolls under the canopy of glowing pink blossoms.
Using the Misaki Maguro Pass
One of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to explore Kanagawa, especially during the cherry blossom season, is by utilizing the Misaki Maguro Pass. This special ticket, offered by the Keikyu Railway, is not only an economical choice but also an inclusive pass that significantly enhances the visitor experience to this coastal region. Designed with the traveler in mind, the pass provides round-trip transportation from Shinagawa Station in Tokyo to the Miura Peninsula, along with unlimited access to local buses within the area.
The Misaki Maguro Pass stands out for its exceptional value, offering not just travel convenience but also an array of benefits that cater to the adventurous spirit of explorers. Among its perks are vouchers for a complimentary meal at select restaurants, where you can savor the local specialty – Misaki tuna, renowned for its freshness and quality. Moreover, the pass includes options for sightseeing activities, such as boat cruises, which allow visitors to soak in the scenic beauty of the peninsula from a unique vantage point.
You can find my recommended itineraries for this pass here.
Video
The Miurai Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival is featured in this video about the Best Places to See Kawazu Sakura. The segment starts at 2:07
FAQ
The exact dates change each year, but the festival typically takes place from early February to early March. While the festival starts early, the peak blooming season of kawazu sakura can be observed around mid-February to mid-March.
The most recommended way to reach the festival is by taking public transportation due to limited parking. You can take the Keikyu Line to Miurakaigan Station, which is directly accessible from Shinagawa Station in Tokyo.
No, the Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival is free to attend. Visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms and the festival atmosphere without any admission charge. The organizers, however, welcome donations via the official website.
Yes, there are various food stalls near Miurakaigan Station and at Komatsugaike Park, offering local delicacies, sakura-themed goods, and traditional Japanese festival foods.
The Miura Peninsula offers a variety of attractions, including beautiful coastal walks, fresh seafood markets, and historical sites. Using the Misaki Maguro Pass, you can explore more of the area’s offerings at a discounted rate.
How to Get to the Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival
By Train:
From Tokyo: Take the Keikyu Line directly from Shinagawa Station to Miura-Kaigan Station. The journey typically lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, directly connecting you to the festival’s location.
From Yokohama: Use the JR Yokosuka Line to get to Yokosuke Station, then switch to the Keikyu Line to reach Miura-Kaigan Station. This route combines urban and coastal views, adding to the anticipation of the festival.
For added convenience and savings, consider the Misaki Maguro Pass. It covers round-trip travel from Shinagawa and unlimited local bus rides, perfect for exploring more of the area.
By Car
Although driving to the festival is possible, it’s less recommended due to potential traffic and scarce parking. If you choose to drive, aim to arrive early to find parking. From Tokyo, take the Yokohama-Yokosuka Road to the Miura Peninsula. Be prepared for congestion, especially during peak bloom.
