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Near Tokyo! Early Cherry Blossoms in Izu: 7 Beautiful Locations 2025
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The Izu Peninsula is famous for its hot springs and scenic ocean views. It also boasts splendid locations with early cherry blossoms of the Kawaza-zakura type, which can be enjoyed in February. We introduce seven beautiful spots and their early cherry blossom events.
Written by
Worked as a freelance web writer since June 2023. I am mainly in charge of SEO articles, disseminating information on local spots and tourist destinations, and interviewing shops and managers.
Early Cherry Blossom Spots in Izu
Kawazu cherry blossoms are among the earliest blooming cherry trees in Japan, with their blossoms lasting for about a month.
In the Izu region of Shizuoka Prefecture, there are many famous spots and hidden gems for early-blooming cherry blossoms, particularly in Kawazu Town, known for its beautiful cherry blossoms.
This time, we will introduce seven early cherry blossom spots in Izu.
Please note that the early-blooming cherry blossoms in the Izu Peninsula typically bloom from early February to early March, with full blooms visible for about a week to ten days.
Early Cherry Blossoms in the Izu Peninsula
1. Kawazu River in Kawazu
2. Shimogamo Onsen in Minamiizu
3. Kawachi Suwa in Shimoda
4. Sakura no Sato in Ito
5. Kano River Embankment in Izu no Kuni
6. Shuzenji Onsen and Shuzenji Temple
7. Toi Gold Mine and Matsubara Park in Izu City
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Kawazu River in Kawazu
Photo by Pixta
If you're looking to enjoy Kawazu cherry blossoms, you must check out Kawazu, the birthplace of these beautiful trees.
Approximately 8,000 Kawazu cherry trees bloom throughout the town, with around 800 trees lining the 4-kilometer stretch along the Kawazu River being the main attraction.
Typically, the best viewing period is from early to late February. The buds start to open in late January, showcasing vibrant pink flowers until early March.
In addition, the annual Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival features numerous stalls and a beautiful night illumination, drawing many tourists to the area.
The festival will be held from February 1 (Saturday) to February 28 (Friday) in 2025.
Kawazu River
413-0505 Sawada, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture
Kawazu River is a river that flows through the Higashi Izu region of Shizuoka Prefecture. It is famous for the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, which is held along the river every spring. Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom earlier than Someiyoshino cherry trees and are characterized by deep pink flowers. During the season, cherry blossom trees line the Kawazu River, attracting many tourists. There are also hot springs around the Kawazu River, which is a well-known tourist destination.
Photo by Pixta
Hotels near Kawazu River
2. Shimogamo Onsen in Minamiizu
Photo by Pixta
Located at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula in Minamiizu, Shimogamo Onsen features about 800 Kawazu cherry trees lining a 2-kilometer stretch along the Aoyagawa River.
In addition to the stunning Kawazu cherry blossoms, fields of nanohana (rapeseed flowers) bloom at the base of the cherry trees, making it a popular photo spot where you can enjoy the combination of pink cherry blossoms and yellow rapeseed flowers.
Furthermore, the annual Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival is held here, featuring events such as rickshaw rides, illuminations, and lively stalls with food trucks. This year's festival dates are February 1 to March 10 in 2025.
Typically, the best viewing period for Kawazu cherry blossoms is from mid-February to early March.
Shimogamo Onsen
Shimogamo, Minamiizu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture 415-0303
Shimogamo Onsen is the southernmost hot spring area of the Izu Peninsula, located in Minamiizu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture. It is located in a place rich in nature, surrounded by low mountains and along the flow of the Aono River.
Additionally, the Minami Cherry Blossom and Nanohana Festival is held every March, where you can enjoy hot springs along with the cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers.
Photo by Pixta
Hotels near Shimogamo Onsen
3. Kawachi Suwa in Shimoda
Kawachi Suwa, a famous Kawazu cherry blossom spot in Shimoda, is located at the foothills of Takane Mountain in a picturesque rural area. Here, you can admire the pink cherry blossoms set against a backdrop of evergreen trees.
These cherry blossoms bloom behind the residence of Harushige Murata, who played a significant role in popularizing Kawazu cherry blossoms. The area has been certified under the Shimoda Town Heritage registration system.
It is situated to the east of the Rendaiji Station (Izu Kyuko Line), making it accessible for viewing even from the platform.
There are numerous ryokans (Japanese inns) and day-use hot spring facilities nearby, along with foot baths, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms during your sightseeing.
The typical blooming period is from early February to early March.
- Address
- Business Hours
- Official HP
| Kawachi Suwa's Kawazu Cherry Blossoms | |
| Kawachi Suwa, Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture | |
| Anytime | |
| Shimoda Town Heritage: Kawazu Cherry Blossoms of Kawachi Suwa |
4. Sakura no Sato (Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture)
Photo by Pixta
Sakura no Sato, located at the foothills of Mount Omuro in Ito City, is renowned as one of the top cherry blossom spots in the Izu Peninsula.
Over a sprawling area of approximately 40,000 square meters, more than 1,000 cherry trees of about 40 different varieties are planted. Due to this variety, visitors can enjoy various types of cherry blossoms from September to May, providing a long blooming season.
Typically, the Kawazu cherry blossoms and early blooming Kkanzakura begin to bloom around mid-February, followed by early-blooming Oshima cherry blossoms, Jogasaki cherry blossoms, and Ito cherry blossoms in March, with Somei Yoshino blossoms enjoyed in April.
Ample free parking is available, and many people enjoy hanami (flower viewing) in the large grassy area!
The surrounding area also features tourist attractions in the Ito region, such as Jogasaki Coast, Mount Omuro, and Izu Granpal Park, making it an ideal spot to enjoy cherry blossoms along with your trip to Izu.
Sakura no Sato
1317-4 Futo, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0231
Sakura no Sato is a park located at the foot of Mt. Omuro in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It is known as a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing, with more than 1,000 cherry blossoms of 40 different varieties planted on a vast site of approximately 40,000 square meters.
You can enjoy cherry blossoms not only in spring but also for a long period from September to May. It has been certified as one of the ``100 Cherry Blossom Spots''.
Photo by Pixta
Hotels near Sakura no Sato
5. Kano River Embankment in Izu no Kuni
Photo by Pixta
In addition to Kawazu cherry blossoms, the Izu Peninsula is home to other famous spots for early-blooming cherry blossoms.
In Izu no Kuni City, the early-blooming cherry tree known as Jogayama Sakura is famous for blooming along the Kano River embankment. About 140 cherry trees line approximately 400 meters of the embankment near the opposite bank of Jogayama. The typical viewing period is from mid-February to early March.
The path along the embankment is well-maintained, attracting visitors who enjoy walking or cycling while admiring the cherry blossoms.
It’s an easily accessible spot for those unable to travel to Kawazu Town to see the Kawazu cherry blossoms and can be enjoyed alongside visits to Izu Nagaoka Onsen and Shuzenji Onsen.
Kano river embankment
Kamishima, Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture 410-2325
The Kano River Embankment is an embankment built along the Kano River that flows through the Izu region of Shizuoka Prefecture. It is especially famous as a spot where you can see Shiroyama cherry blossoms, which are known for their early blooming. Approximately 140 cherry trees are lined up for 400 meters.
There are walking courses, so you can enjoy walking and cycling.
Photo by Pixta
Hotels near Kano river embankment
6. Shuzenji Onsen and Shuzenji Temple
In the hot spring area of Shuzenji Onsen in Izu City, you can see the Shuzenji Kanzakura, which can only be found here. There are six large trees within the temple grounds, and several others can be admired along the promenade in the hot spring area.
The best viewing period is around mid-March. Compared to other famous spots, the Shuzenji Kanzakura is less known as an early-blooming cherry blossom site, making it a hidden gem where you can enjoy the blossoms while avoiding crowds.
You can enjoy the cherry blossoms along with your hot spring trip, including a visit to Shuzenji Temple.
Fukuchizan Shuzenji Temple
964 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture 410-2416
Shuzenji is a Soto sect temple located in Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
It was founded in the second year of Daido (807) by Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of the Shingon sect.
It became the Rinzai sect during the Kencho era (1249-1255), and its temple was destroyed by fire during the war in 1409, but it was later rebuilt by Hojo Soun, who ruled Izu Province, and became the current Soto sect.
Shuzenji Temple is located in the center of the Shuzenji hot spring town and is one of the most representative sightseeing spots on the Izu Peninsula.
Hotels near Fukuchizan Shuzenji Temple
7. Toi Gold Mine and Matsubara Park in Izu City
The Toi Sakura, a variety that can only be seen in the Toi Onsen area of Izu City, features large petals with a deep reddish color and also pale pink hues. This cherry blossom blooms in January and is said to be the earliest blooming variety in Japan. The typical viewing period is from mid-January to early February.
Approximately 400 of these trees are planted throughout Izu City, and you can enjoy them at locations such as Toi Gold Mine, Matsubara Park, Maruyama Sports Park, and Lovers Cape.
There are also plenty of events, including the Toi Sakura Festival at Matsubara Park and illuminations at Toi Gold Mine.
In 2025, the Toi Sakura Festival will be held from January 18 to February 5.
The Toi Sakura Light-up will take place at Matsubara Park from January 18 (Saturday) to February 5 (Sunday), and at Toi Gold Mine from January 17 (Friday) to January 19 (Sunday), January 24 (Friday) to January 26 (Sunday), and January 31 (Friday) to February 2 (Sunday).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best viewing period for Kawazu cherry blossoms?
The typical blooming period is from early February to early March.
What is the predicted peak bloom for Kawazu cherry blossoms in 2025?
They typically bloom from early February to early March, with the peak bloom lasting about one week to ten days. Even if they are not fully bloomed, around 50-60% bloom is still quite beautiful, and you can enjoy the flowers for about a month from the start of blooming.
What are the dates for the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in 2025?
The festival will be held from February 1 (Saturday) to February 28 (Friday), 2025.
What are the parking hours for the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival?
The parking for the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 will be open from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM. It takes about a 10-minute walk from the parking area to the festival site.
What is the nearest station to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival?
The nearest station for the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is "Kawazu Station" on the Izu Kyuko Line. The festival site is just a short walk from the station.
Enjoy Early Spring in Izu
In Shizuoka Prefecture's Izu Peninsula, there are many spots to enjoy early-blooming cherry blossoms, including the birthplace of Kawazu cherry blossoms along the Kawazu River.
If you are considering a trip to the Izu area from winter to spring, why not enjoy the cherry blossoms along with the natural landscapes and hot spring attractions?
Read also
Main Photo by Pixta
Written by
Worked as a freelance web writer since June 2023. I am mainly in charge of SEO articles, disseminating information on local spots and tourist destinations, and interviewing shops and managers.
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