Near Tokyo! 3 Early Cherry Blossom Festivals in February 2024

Spring is just around the corner! Japan boasts an array of different cherry blossom trees, with the earliest ones starting to bloom in February, displaying beautiful, vivid pink flowers!

In this article, we introduce three early cherry blossom spots to visit on a short day trip from Tokyo.

3 Early Cherry Blossom Festivals near Tokyo

1. Minami Cherry Blossom and Canola Flower Festival (Izu)
2. Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival (Izu)
3. Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival (Kanagawa)

1. Minami Cherry Blossom and Nanohana Festival (Izu)

The early blooming cherry blossoms in the Izu Peninsula make for the perfect day trip from Tokyo! Visitors can enjoy vibrant deep pink cherry blossoms alongside vast fields of adorable yellow canola flowers!

Kawazu-zakura is a type of cherry blossom that blooms earlier than its famous counterpart, the Somei Yoshino blossoms. Originating from Kawazu, a city in Shizuoka Prefecture, these flowers have a rich, deep pink hue that makes them stand out and pop against the blue sky and stunning landscapes, rendering them a popular attraction in February!

The Minami Cherry Blossom and Canola Flower Festival started on February 1 and lasts until March 10, 2024.

Stretching along the glistening waters of Aono River approximately 800 Kawazu cherry trees come to life, adorning a breathtaking 4.2 km riverpath brimming with vibrant yellow rapeseed flowers. Visitors can unwind and take a stroll surrounded by fleeting beauty and enjoy these one-of-a-kind blooms.

Set against the captivating backdrop of Minamiizu Town's splendid cherry blossom trees, the festival offers a truly unique experience: traditional rickshaw rides, a delightful way to immerse oneself in the natural wonders that define this scenic paradise.

Moreover, the row of cherry blossom trees from Maehara Bridge and Kujo Bridge is illuminated in the evenings from 18:00 to 21:00 on festival days!

Minami Cherry Blossom and Canola Flower Festival
Dates: February 1 - March 10, 2024
Location: Shizuoka, Kamo district, Minamiizu, Shimogamo, Road Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana MAP
Website: Minami Cherry Blossoms and Canola Flower Festival 2024 (Japanese)

Information and photo source: PR Times

2. Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival (Izu)

Flourishing in the eastern region of the Izu Peninsula is the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, a beautiful natural phenomenon that spreads joy through the town of Kawazu, splashing yellow and pink hues across the landscape from its cherry blossom trees and rapeseed flowers.

The festival features approximately 850 Kawazu cherry trees lining the serene banks of the Kawazu River, the birthplace of the illustrious Kawazu Cherry Tree.

The vibrant pink flowers from the cherry blossoms combined with the glistening river waters create a sight to behold. Travelers can enjoy blissful walks amidst this peaceful scenery, taking in all the sights and sounds.

The cherry blossoms near Kawazu Station are lit up at night from 18:00 to 21:00.

The cherry blossoms in Kawazu are located near Kawazu Station on the Izu Kyuko Line and it takes around two to two and a half hours to reach from Tokyo.

The fastest route is taking the Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train) to Atami, and then transferring to the Odoriko, a train that follows the coastline, providing a scenic view to its riders. This route takes around two hours.

Those visiting Izu in February can have a day or weekend full of adventures, exploring the beautiful scenery and ocean views from the peninsula's rocky shores.

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Dates: February 1 - 29, 2024
Location: Shizuoka, Kamo district, Kawazu, Hama MAP
Website: Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival (Japanese)

Information and photo source: PR Times

3. The Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival (Kanagawa)

Photo by Pixta
Just a stone's throw away from Tokyo, the Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival adorns Matsuda city's hills in pink each year with its 360 Kawazu cherry trees!

Held atop a hill in Nishihirabatake Park, the festival offers visitors a chance to stroll amidst early cherry blossoms and soak in stunning views of Matsuda city and Japan's iconic Mount Fuji!

Photo by Pixta
The park blooms with beautiful bright yellow rapeseed flowers that adorn pathways up the hill. Visitors can relish the contrast of pink and yellow blooms against the backdrop of the blue sky and the city, as well as explore the Matsudayama Herb Garden and sample delights from food stalls.

Photo by Pixta
Slide down a tunnel of cherry blossoms! The slide inside the park offers a delightful way to immerse yourself in the beauty of cherry blossoms while enjoying views of the city and its surroundings. Nearby, you'll find an observatory deck and a picturesque swing at the summit for the perfect photo op. Entry to the park requires a modest fee of 300 yen.

Conveniently located, the Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival is easily reachable via train from Shinjuku Station to Shin Matsuda, a journey of about 15 minutes. From Shin Matsuda, it's just a 15-minute stroll to reach the park.

Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival
Dates: February 3 - March 3, 2024
Location: Nishihirabatake Park (Kanagawa, Ashigarakami District, Matsuda, Matsudasoryo 2951) MAP
Website: Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 (Japanese)

Enjoy Japan's Early Cherry Blossoms!

Photo by Pixta
Enjoy the early cherry blossoms in Japan and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery where flowers harmoniously blend with nature. During this season, watch mejiro (warbling white) birds gracefully flit from tree to tree, gathering pollen from the cherry blossoms. Stay attentive and keep a lookout for these delightful sights!