![[en] Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/q_85/c_fill,w_1360/v1769750121/t2u5xn0ibqdno3zdy7gx.jpg)
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!
If you’re still deciding where to catch cherry blossoms in Tokyo and nearby regions, this cherry blossom guide offers a helpful overview of peak bloom timings and alternative sakura spots around the city.
All you need to know about the Kawazu Cherry Blossom/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 Cherry Blossom Festival.
The Kawazu Sakura Festival 2026 (also sometimes spelled as Kawazu Zakura Festival) will take place from 7 February to 8 March 2026.
If you prefer a fuss-free visit, guided day tours to the Kawazu Sakura Festival are a popular choice — especially during peak bloom weeks when transport fills up quickly.
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 early-spring 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.
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 USD 44.60 per person.
Photo courtesy of JR East
Klook Tip: The Saphir Odoriko and Odoriko trains operate only a few times daily, with additional train services scheduled during busy seasons. So secure your Saphir Odoriko tickets 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 USD 27.20.
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 a Tokyo car rental 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 Sakura Avenue
Kawazu Sakura Avenue is an excellent cherry blossom viewing spot, with Kawazu Sakura lining the 4-kilometer-long riverbank. If you’re visiting only one sakura viewing place, this should be at the top of your list!
Because the tunnel is so long, it rarely feels crowded. There are also plenty of shops and snacks along the way, so you can fully immerse yourself in the Kawazu Sakura Festival atmosphere.
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!
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.
This cherry blossom viewing experience by the sea is definitely one for the books (and the ‘gram!)
Recommended Kawazu Cherry Blossom Itineraries
To see the beauty of Kawazu Sakura in full bloom, why not plan a day trip to explore the surrounding attractions? We’ve gathered our top picks below, so keep reading for more! 😊
1. Kawazu Sakura Day Tour! Strawberry Picking at a Fruit Farm
Spend the morning at the largest fruit farm in Shizuoka, the Izu Fruit Park, where you can personally pick and taste locally-grown Japanese strawberries on this Tokyo Kawazu Cherry Blossom Tour.
Afterwards, you’ll head to Little Kyoto Shuzenji, a quaint onsen town, before heading to Kawazu Sakura Avenue for the renowned Kawazu Sakura Festival.
2. Kawazu Sakura Day Tour with Relaxing Onsen Experience + Leisurely Stroll in Izu
Start your day from Tokyo or Shinjuku and head down to the Kawazu region to see Japan’s early-blooming Kawazu Sakura, including a stop at the famous original tree.
From there, slow things down in Shuzenji with a relaxing dip at the onsen and a traditional Japanese lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy an easy stroll around town — cross the Lovers’ Bridge, wander through the bamboo forest path, and enjoy the calm before heading back to Tokyo.
3. Izu & Shizuoka Sakura Scenic Tour with Mount Fuji Views
If you’re after a broader scenic experience, this Shizuoka Cherry Blossom Day Trip gives you sakura views, Mount Fuji, and sightseeing in the wider Shizuoka region. This option is ideal for those who want to make the most out of their trip and hit multiple nature spots in one day.
Other Cherry Blossom Trips Near Tokyo
Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival
If you’ve already seen Kawazu Sakura or are visiting later in February, another early-blooming option near Tokyo is the Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival. This Miura Coast Kawazu Cherry Blossom Day Trip takes you along the coast where Kawazu cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers bloom.
You’ll also visit Misaki Fishing Port to try fresh tuna sashimi and seafood bowls, and stop at Jogashima Park to walk along the coast and enjoy the ocean views before returning to Tokyo.
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FAQs about Kawazu Cherry Blossoms
What are Kawazu cherry blossoms?
Kawazu cherry blossoms are an early-blooming variety from the Izu Peninsula, known for their large, pink flowers that start blooming in February.
How long does Kawazu sakura last?
The Kawazu Sakura season typically lasts about a month, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the blooms before the main cherry blossom season in March and April.
Are the cherry blossoms in Kawazu in February?
Yes! Kawazu Sakura usually starts blooming in early February, making it one of the earliest spots to see cherry blossoms near Tokyo.
Can I grow a Kawazu sakura tree at home?
Yes, with the right climate and care, you can grow a Kawazu Sakura tree, but keep in mind it may take several years to bloom like the original trees in Kawazu.
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