Located in the town of Kawazu in the Izu Peninsula, the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival showcases early-blooming cherry trees known as kawazu sakura. Unlike other cherry blossoms that usually bloom in late March or early April, the kawazu sakura trees usually start blooming from early February and last until early March, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to witness the bright pink blossoms in full bloom. Here’s what you need to know to plan your trip.
What is Kawazu Sakura?
When people think of cherry blossoms, the image of Somei Yoshino sakura usually come to mind; the pale pink variety that graces Japan from late March to May. Kawazu Sakura is an early blooming variety, named after the town of Kawazu where it was first discovered. Unlike the Somei Yoshino variety, kawazu cherry blossoms are a brighter pink with bigger petals that do not scatter when they fall. Because of its earlier blooming dates, kawazu sakura are easier to catch with nanohana or canola blooms. The bright pink and yellow blooms create a cheerful atmosphere—a welcome change after the somber colors of winter.
Read more: 10 Best Places to See Kawazu Sakura in Japan
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Background
The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival has a rich history that dates back to the 1955 when a local found a sakura seedling growing among the weeds. He transplanted it to its current location that is still marked in Kawazu today. The tree began flowering 11 years later in 1966 and started attracting the attention of the neighborhood. Since then, another resident took upon breeding the variety. With the blossoms gaining popularity in the community, local bodies studied the plant and its characteristics. In 1974, it was named “kawazu sakura,” and subsequently became one of the symbols of the town.
The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival began as a small community event, but it has since grown into a popular attraction. Kawazu is located in the Izu Peninsula, a scenic coastal area that is famous for its hot springs, beautiful beaches, and natural landscapes. It’s a popular tourist destination all year round, with the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival adding to its charms.
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival 2024
In 2024, the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from February 1-29, with light-up hours taking place from 6 PM to ９ PM. Food stalls are available in the area, including the internet-viral sakura taiyaki.
What to Expect
Perfectly Pleasant Stroll
The recommended walking route starts at Kawazu Station, and as soon as you exit, you will see the row of trees on the other side. There are pamphlets in the station that show a recommended route, but you won’t get lost without one either.
On a weekend, the footpath along the river can get crowded, but not to the point of discomfort. Compared to Tokyo’s cherry blossom festivals, the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival has a more laid-back atmosphere. When I visited in 2019, I spent 3 hours just enjoying the atmosphere, taking plenty of photos as I walked.
Festival Food
There are plenty of delicious and eye-catching treats to choose from: fish cakes on sticks, unagi rice balls, nuts, dried fruits, and so on. Among these, the sakura taiyaki is undoubtedly a crowd favorite with many people taking photos of the pink-colored fish-shaped snack among the flowers.
Photo Gallery
How to Get to Kawazu from Tokyo
Fast Option
From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen and get off at Atami Station. Change to JR Odoriko Superview and get off at Kawazu Station.
Travel Time: 2 hours
One-Way Cost: JPY 7,030 yen
Comfortable Option
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Odoriko 107 all the way to Kawazu Station.
Travel Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes
One-Way Cost: JPY 6,006
Cheap Option
From Tokyo Station, ride the Tokaido Line bound for Atami. Change to JR Odoriko Line and ride all the way to Kawazu Station.
Travel Time: 2 hours and 35 minutes
One-Way Cost: JPY 3,466
More Places to See Kawazu Cherry Blossoms
Kawazu cherry blossoms can be seen in other places in Japan. For more information, I’ve rounded up the 10 best places to see Kawazu Cherry Blossoms in this post.
