Cherry Blossom In Kawazu: Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots, Kawazu Sakura Festival, & More

As the cherry blossom season approaches in Japan, the earliest blooming cherry blossoms near Tokyo is undoubtedly the Kawazu Sakura, originating from the Kawazu area in the Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture. 

We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about the Kawazu Sakura season, including Kawazu Sakura Festival details, cherry blossom spots, and recommended flower viewing itineraries for everyone to experience and enjoy!

Kawazu Sakura is a natural hybrid of the Kanhizakura and Oshima Zakura varieties of cherry blossoms. Its most notable feature is the large, pink blossoms that start blooming in early February, about a month earlier than other cherry blossom varieties in Japan. The blooming period lasts for about a month, allowing visitors to avoid the peak cherry blossom season. 🌸

The Kawazu region boasts approximately 8,000 Kawazu Sakura trees. During the Kawazu Sakura season, the entire area turns into a vibrant pink spectacle, accompanied by the grand Kawazu Sakura Festival.

The "Kawazu Sakura Festival 2024" dates and details have been announced, taking place from 1-29 February 2024. Illumination will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily, with numerous food and souvenir stalls along the way, providing travelers with the lively atmosphere of a Japanese spring festival.

1. Depart from Tokyo and take the Tokkyu (Express) train directly to Kawazu (Approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes).

2. Depart from Tokyo, head to Atami Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen, then transfer to JR Ito Line and Izu Kyuko Line to Kawazu (Total travel time: Approx. 2 hours and 10 minutes).

3. Depart from Tokyo city center and book a car charter for a direct journey to Kawazu. Customize a one-day tour based on your preferences and enjoy the Kawazu Sakura! (Car charter duration: 10 hours)

Kawazu Sakura Avenue is an excellent cherry blossom viewing spot, with Kawazu Sakura lining the 4-kilometer-long riverbank. During the Kawazu Sakura season, the cherry blossoms form a magnificent tunnel along the riverbank. Due to the extended length of the tunnel, there's no need to worry about overcrowding. There are also plenty of shops and snacks along the way, so you can fully immerse yourself in the Kawazu Sakura Festival atmosphere.

Located approximately 1.4 kilometers from Izu Kyuko Line, Kawazu Station is the "Kawazu Sakura Original Tree." This tree, planted by Mr. Katsumi Iida in 1955, is the world's first Kawazu Sakura. Officially named Kawazu Sakura in 1974, it has nearly 70 years of history. All Kawazu Sakura trees in Japan originate from this original tree, making it a must-visit during your Kawazu Sakura viewing!

Before reaching Kawazu Station, you may consider getting off at the previous station, Imaihama Kaigan. This less crowded area, located by the sea, is home to several Kawazu Sakura trees. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful contrast between the deep blue sea and the vibrant pink cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque scene worth the train ticket.

To witness the beauty of Kawazu Sakura in full bloom, why not plan a day trip to explore the surrounding attractions? Klook has curated Kawazu Sakura itinerary options for an easy and enjoyable Tokyo suburban experience! 😊

Depart in the morning to the largest fruit farm in Shizuoka, the Izu Fruit Park, where you can personally pick and taste locally-grown Japanese strawberries. Then, immerse yourself in nature by visiting the Clear Lotus Waterfall before heading to Kawazu Sakura Avenue for the renowned Kawazu Sakura Festival. Return to Shinjuku by 6:00 PM and explore local delicacies in the bustling city, concluding a fulfilling day.

Start your day from Tokyo or Shinjuku station, heading to the Kawazu region to admire Japan's unique Kawazu Sakura. Visit the world-famous "Kawazu Sakura Original Tree," followed by a visit to the Izu Shuzenji Taki-tei Onsen Hotel for a hot spring bath and a traditional Japanese lunch. Explore the tranquil scenery of Shuzenji in the afternoon, take a romantic stroll on the Lovers' Bridge, said to bring good luck if you cross all five bridges. Before returning to the Tokyo city center, don't forget to enjoy the picturesque bamboo forest path.

Before you head on to Japan, make sure to book your Klook Attraction Pass to save more during your trip! You can choose 2-7 popular attractions out of the 38 choices provided, like Tokyo Skytree, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo, teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM, and more. With a single ticket, you can enjoy these attractions and save up to 48% on the cost!