Best place to catch the early cherry blossoms in Japan!
As the cherry blossom season approaches in Japan, the earliest blooming cherry blossom near Tokyo is undoubtedly the Kawazu Sakura. These beautiful pink blooms originate from the Kawazu area in the Izu Peninsula of 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!
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What is Kawazu Sakura?
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 about a month, allowing you to avoid the peak cherry blossom season crowds later in March and April. 🌸
Klook Tip: Check out Kawazu Town's live camera stream here to check out when the sakuras are blooming!
All you need to know about the Kawazu Sakura Festival
The Kawazu region boasts approximately 8,000 Kawazu Sakura trees. During the Kawazu Sakura season, the entire area becomes a vibrant pink spectacle, accompanied by the grand Kawazu Sakura Festival.
The Kawazu Sakura Festival 2025 will take place from 1 to 28 February 2025, with the night illuminations from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily.
You can look forward to numerous food and souvenir stalls along the way, as well as the lively atmosphere of a Japanese spring festival.
How to get to Kawazu from Tokyo
You can easily get to Kawazu from Tokyo in about two hours, making it one of the best day trips from Tokyo. Here are our best picks on how you can get to Kawazu for a day or two with ease!
1. JR Saphir Odoriko Limited Express Train
Credit: JR East
Departing from Tokyo Station, the JR Saphir Odoriko train will take you directly to Kawazu in about 2 hours and 30 minutes. This luxurious limited express train is a popular choice, boasting panoramic windows that provide stunning views of the coastline as you travel south.
You can choose from 3 premium seating options — Green Cars, Green Car Private Compartments, and Premium Green Cars. There are plenty of amenities onboard, including a cafeteria. Prices start at ¥9,810 per person.
Photo courtesy of JR East
For those looking for a slightly more affordable option, you can also take the JR Odoriko limited express that takes the same route. While the experience may not be as luxurious, you can still soak in the views from your reserved seats in comfort. Prices for an Ordinary Car seat start at ¥5,930
Klook Tip: The Saphir Odoriko and Odoriko trains operate only a few times daily, with additional train services scheduled during busy seasons. So do book your tickets ahead of time on Klook to avoid disappointment!
2. Shinkansen to Atami Station then change to the Izukyu Line
Photo courtesy of Izukyu
If you're unable to secure a seat on the Odoriko trains, don't worry. An alternative route that may be faster would see you taking the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Atami Station, which takes 45 minutes and costs ¥3,740.
At Atami Station, you can then transfer to the JR Ito Line or Izu Kyuko Line to Kawazu, which takes another 1 hour and 20 minutes. You can consider getting the Izukyu Rail Pass for 1 to 3 days of unlimited train travel around the region, and a free ride on the Shimoda Ropeway.
3. Rent or Charter a car
If rushing for trains isn't your thing, then renting a car for a road trip to Kawazu might just be the thing for you! The journey will take a leisurely 2 hours and 30 minutes drive, depending on traffic conditions.
For your ultimate comfort, you can also consider booking a car charter for a direct journey to Kawazu instead. You'll be able to customize your very own day tour based on your preferences and enjoy the Kawazu Sakura!
Popular Kawazu Sakura Spots
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Spot 1: Kawazu Sakura Avenue
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.
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Spot 2: Kawazu Sakura Original Tree
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!
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Spot 3: Imaihama-Kaigan (Imaihama Beach)
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.
Recommended Kawazu Cherry Blossom Itineraries
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! 😊
1. Kawazu Sakura Day Tour! Strawberry Picking at a Fruit Farm + Admiring the Clear Lotus Waterfall
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.
2. Kawazu Sakura Day Tour! Relaxing Onsen Experience + Leisurely Stroll in Izu
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.
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