The Ultimate Guide to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Can’t wait until late March to see the cherry blossoms? Good news! You don’t have to wait that long to see Japan turn into a pink wonderland.

Also read: Where to Catch Japan's Early Winter Cherry Blossoms Before April

Meet the Kawazu Sakura—a unique type of cherry blossom that blooms much earlier than the famous Somei Yoshino variety. They are known for their vibrant, deep pink petals and stunning longevity. If you’re planning a trip to Japan in February, this guide is exactly what you need!

What exactly is Kawazu Sakura?

Kawazu Sakura is a natural hybrid that is a bit of a "rebel" in the flower world. While most sakura wait for the warmth of spring, these beauties start blooming as early as the beginning of February.

The best part? Unlike typical cherry blossoms that fall off after just a week, Kawazu Sakura stays in bloom for nearly a month. This means you have plenty of time to snap those perfect photos without the massive crowds of peak season in April.

Kawazu Sakura Festival 2025

In the town of Kawazu, there are about 8,000 trees that transform the entire area into a sea of pink. The annual festival is a must-visit:

• Dates: February 1 – February 28, 2025.

• Night Illuminations: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Super romantic vibes!).

• What to Expect: Plenty of local food stalls selling "Sakura Taiyaki" (fish-shaped cakes), traditional crafts, and pink-themed souvenirs.

How to get to Kawazu from Tokyo

The trip takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Here are your best transport options:

1. The Luxury Route (JR Saphir Odoriko): If you want to travel in style, this is it. It has massive panoramic windows so you can enjoy the beautiful coastline. Tickets start at ¥9,810. For a more budget-friendly option, take the regular Odoriko train starting at ¥5,930.

2. Shinkansen + Izukyu Line: If the direct trains are full, take the Shinkansen to Atami Station (45 mins), then transfer to the JR Ito or Izu Kyuko Line heading to Kawazu (80 mins).

3. Car Rental or Private Charter: Want more flexibility? Renting a car is great for families. It’s a scenic 2.5-hour drive that lets you stop whenever you see a pretty view.

The Best Viewing Spots in Kawazu

• Kawazu Sakura Avenue: A 4-km path along the riverbank. The trees here form a magnificent "pink tunnel." Don’t forget to grab some snacks from the stalls while you walk!

• The Original Kawazu Sakura Tree: About 1.4 km from the station, you can find the "Mother Tree" planted in 1955. Every other Kawazu Sakura tree in Japan originated from this single tree.

• Imaihama Beach (Imaihama-Kaigan): For a different vibe, get off one station before Kawazu. You’ll get a stunning contrast of deep blue sea and vibrant pink flowers. It's much quieter and totally underrated!

Recommended Day Trip Itineraries

If you’d rather let someone else handle the navigation, joining a day tour from Tokyo is a great idea. Here are two favorites:

• Option 1: Strawberries & Waterfalls Start your morning picking and eating all the sweet Japanese strawberries you can at Izu Fruit Park. Then, visit the refreshing Jodren Waterfall before heading to the Sakura Festival for a photo spree. You’ll be back in Shinjuku by dinner time!

• Option 2: Onsen Relaxation & Shuzenji Stroll After enjoying the blossoms at Kawazu, head to the Shuzenji area for a traditional Japanese lunch and a soak in a hot spring (onsen). End the day with a romantic walk across the "Lovers' Bridge" and through a serene bamboo forest.

Also read: 8 Types of Sakura in Japan & Where to See Them

So, are you ready to add Kawazu Sakura to your travel bucket list? Just remember to bring your camera and some warm clothes, as February in Japan is still quite chilly. Enjoy the earliest spring vibes in the country!