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In Atami, a popular hot spring resort near Tokyo, you can enjoy some of the earliest cherry blossom viewing and get a head start on spring. This article highlights the best viewing times for cherry blossoms in Atami, annual blooming data, and information about local festivals.
Atami is a famous hot spring resort near Tokyo, in Shizuoka. Visitors can enjoy here the Atami Cherry Blossom, which is the earliest blooming cherry blossoms in the country.
These flowers are single-petaled and transition from a pale pink to a deeper shade, eventually transforming into a vibrant deep pink when in full bloom. Each flower is large, and the deep pink color of the Atami cherry blossoms evokes a sense of the early arrival of spring.
The Atami Cherry Blossom is a type of early-flowering cherry that blooms from early January to February each year. It is indigenous to India and was brought to Atami around the 4th year of the Meiji era (1871) by Italians along with lemons and date palms. It was named the Atami Cherry Blossom in 1965 and designated as the tree of Atami City on April 10, 1977.
It blooms about a month earlier than the famous Kawazu cherry blossoms and is beloved as Japan’s earliest blooming cherry blossom alongside Okinawa's Kanhi-zakura cherry blossoms.
Additionally, there are many cherry blossom viewing spots around Atami. You can enjoy not only Atami cherry blossoms but also Somei Yoshino and Oshima cherry blossoms, making it an exclusive feature of Atami to enjoy hanami from winter to early spring.
1. The Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms in Atami
2. 3 Scenic Cherry Blossom Spots in Atami
3. Atami Cherry Blossom Festivals in 2025
4. Access to Atami's Cherry Blossoms
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo by Pixta
In Atami, the cherry blossoms reach their best viewing period during the cold winds of early spring.
The blooming period for Atami cherry blossoms typically spans from January to mid-February. Due to the presence of early-blooming flower buds along with buds that bloom later on the same branch, the blooming period is exceptionally long, which is a characteristic of Atami cherry blossoms.
While typical cherry blossoms may bloom within 1 to 2 weeks, Atami cherry blossoms can continue to bloom for over a month. This allows a longer enjoyment of this seasonal beauty.
Photo by Pixta
The Itogawa River Promenade, which runs through the center of Atami City, is lined with approximately 60 Atami cherry trees. Visitors can enjoy an early hanami while taking a stroll.
Every year, the Atami Cherry Blossom Itogawa River Festival is held along the promenade, where the Atami cherry blossoms are illuminated at night during the event. It showcases a completely different charm from the daytime views. The sight of cherry blossom petals floating down into the Ito River is also beautiful, making it one of Atami's top cherry blossom viewing spots.
Surrounding the area are traditional dried fish shops, delicious seafood restaurants, nostalgic wagashi (Japanese sweets) shops, and retro Showa-era coffee houses. It's the perfect spot to embark on a food tour as well.
Photo by Pixta
Atami Castle, which towers over the beautiful scenery of the Nishikigaura Mountain, is a fantastic viewpoint overlooking Sagami Bay and the cityscape of Atami.
Known as a cherry blossom viewing spot, the venue features not only early-blooming Atami cherry blossoms but also Somei Yoshino cherry trees.
Typically, the vivid deep pink Atami cherry blossoms bloom in January while the Somei Yoshino reaches its best viewing time in March. Visitors can enjoy the cherry blossom viewing season twice from winter to early spring at Atami Castle.
Around Atami Castle, approximately 200 cherry trees bloom, attracting many tourists and hanami enthusiasts. During the cherry blossom season, the collaboration of the soft pink blossoms with the white castle walls is stunning, making it a must-visit spot to experience the quintessential beauty of cherry blossoms in Japan.
Event Information: Atami Castle Sakura Festival
Each year, Atami Castle hosts a cherry blossom event featuring performances and food stalls from late March to early April. The area attracts many visitors since it coincides with the spring break period.
Additionally, there are light-ups at night when the Somei Yoshino reaches about 50% bloom. You can enjoy a magical nighttime cherry blossom view enhanced by the majestic atmosphere of Atami Castle and the soft pink blossoms.
Picture courtesy of © Atami City Official Website
Atami Seaside Park, which features Marine Spa Atami, is another famous cherry blossom spot where you can enjoy cherry blossoms while walking along the seaside park.
In addition to the Atami cherry blossoms, Oshima cherry blossoms, Kanhi cherry blossoms, and Okan-zakura cherry blossoms are also planted in Atami Seaside Park.
The typical viewing periods are: Oshima cherry blossoms from mid-March to early April, Kanhi cherry blossoms from early March to late March, and Okan-zakura cherry blossoms from mid-March to late March.
You can enjoy the simultaneous blooming of Atami cherry trees and these three types of cherry blossoms, experiencing a beautiful contrast of the white Oshima cherry trees and the deep pink Kanhi cherry trees over an extended period.
At Marine Spa Atami, you can find a spa area requiring swimwear. There are also heated pools, slides, and large public baths, making it a great option to warm your chilled body in the hot springs after enjoying the cherry blossoms.
Basic Information: Atami Seaside Park
Address: 1350-14 Wadahama Minamicho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Access: 7-minute bus ride from JR Atami Station; about 60 minutes from Atsugi IC on the Tomei Expressway; about 40 minutes from Numazu IC on the Tomei Expressway
Parking: None, so please use nearby paid parking lots.
Photo by Pixta
In conjunction with the Atami cherry blossoms blooming, the Atami Cherry Blossom Ito River Festival is held along the promenade by the Ito River, which flows through the center of Atami City. This festival attracts many locals and tourists each year, creating a lively atmosphere.
During the cherry blossom festival period, activities such as cherry blossom tea and tea services, street performances, sword dances, and band performances are planned. Food stalls will also be set up, allowing for a relaxing day out.
Moreover, the cherry blossoms along the Itogawa River Promenade will be illuminated from 16:00 to 23:00. This creates a magical evening with nighttime cherry blossoms appearing completely different from the daytime.
Reference: 2024 Blooming Forecast of Atami Cherry Blossoms around the Itogawa River Promenade
- December 17, 2023: Bloom confirmed on standard tree
- January 16, 2024: 10% bloom
- January 19, 2024: 30-40% bloom
- January 23, 2024: 60-70% bloom (beginning of peak bloom)
- February 3, 2024: Full bloom
- February 13, 2024: Peak falling petals
Period | January 11, 2025 (Sat)–February 9, 2025 (Sun) |
Location | Along the Itogawa River Promenade: MAP |
Access | On Foot: Approximately 15 minutes from JR Atami Station By Bus: About 10 minutes on a bus from JR Atami Station (via Omiya no Matsu, going to Atami Port or Momijigaoka, etc.), get off at Ginza By Car: No parking available. Please use the nearby paid parking lots. Additionally, please note that from 9:30 to 15:30 on weekends and holidays during the event period, vehicles are prohibited on the road between Onaribashi and Sakurabashi. |
Official Website | Atami City Tourism Association Official Site |
Picture courtesy of © Atami City Official Website
Atami Station is served by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen, Tokaido Line, and Ito Line. From Tokyo to Atami, you can take the Tokaido Shinkansen Kodama, the limited express train Odoriko, or a local train on the Tokaido Line. The Shinkansen is convenient for travelers coming from Osaka or Kyoto.
Reference:
From Tokyo Station to Atami Station: (Shinkansen) approx. 50 minutes, one way about 4500 yen; (local train) approx. 2 hours, one way about 2000 yen.
From Shin-Osaka Station to Atami Station: (Shinkansen) approx. 3 hours, one way about 13000 yen.
From Kyoto Station to Atami Station: (Shinkansen) approx. 2 hours, one way about 12000 yen.
Traffic congestion is common around Atami during holidays and long weekends. There are also few parking lots near Atami Station, often leading to lines of cars waiting to enter parking areas. We recommend using public transportation.
Reference: Map of Public and Private Parking in the Atami Area (Japanese)
We have introduced information about the best viewing times and blooming conditions of the cherry blossoms in Atami.
In addition to the cherry blossoms, Atami is a city filled with many attractions. In 2025, why not enjoy walks to see the blossoms, hot-spring hopping, or other relaxing moments at your own pace?