Early Cherry Blossoms South of Tokyo: 9 Splendid Spots in Kanagawa

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Kawazu-zakura is a cherry blossom variety that blooms in February. Kanagawa, Tokyo's neighbor to the south, is home to many locations to enjoy these blooms on a day trip such as Hakone, Fujisawa, and Yokosuka. Read on to learn the best places for cherry blossom festivals in February.

Written by

mamo

Gunma,Japan

Lives and works in Gunma Prefecture. Moved to Gunma Prefecture right after graduating from high school to train as a sports trainer. He trained athletes and other athletes in training, stretching, form coaching and checking, and dietary management. After moving to Shizuoka Prefecture, he opened a clinic in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture in 2013, and started working as a writer around 2022. I mainly write blog posts in the health and outdoor genres, as well as sports-related YouTube scenarios.

Early Blooming Cherry Blossoms near Tokyo

Kanagawa, the prefecture neighboring Tokyo to the south, is home to many locations famous for the Kawazu-zakura, a cherry blossom variety that blooms as early as February and has deep pink hues.

The Matsuda Sakura Festival or the cherry tree-lined roads in Sagamihara allow visitors to admire the cherry blossoms alongside yellow fields of rapeseed and views of Mt. Fuji. Some venues illuminate the cherry trees at night, creating a magical experience.

Kawazu-zakura Spots near Tokyo

1. 1. Nishi-Hirahata Park/Ashigara-kami District, Matsuda Town
2. 2. Aguri Park Sagayama-en/Ashigara-kami District, Matsuda Town
3. 3. Oi Yume no Sato/Ashigara-kami District, Oi Town
4. 4. Kawazu Zakura-Ajisai Line/Sagamihara City
5. 5. Hakone Gora Park/Ashigara-shimo District, Hakone Town
6. 6. Hikiji River Water Park/Fujisawa City
7. 7. Komatsugaike Park/Miura City
8. 8. Kannonzaki Prefectural Park/Yokosuka City
9. 9. Sagamiko Mori Mori/Sagamihara City

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1. Nishi-Hirahata Park in Matsuda

Nishi-Hirahata Park, home to the Matsudayama Herb Garden, is a popular spot featuring approximately 360 Kawazu-zakura trees and fields of rapeseed, offering stunning views.

The Matsuda Sakura Festival, held annually from early February to early March, showcases local products such as oranges and vegetables from Matsuda Town. During the event, a mini-train will also be in operation.

Situated along a steep slope, the park provides breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and Mt. Hakone, and is well-known as a prime photography location.

While it is a 25-minute walk from Shin-Matsuda Station on the Odakyu Line, shuttle bus services are available during the festival. It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing for easy movement.

Nishihirahata Park

2951 Matsuda Soryo, Matsuda-machi, Ashigarakami-gun, Kanagawa 258-0003

Nishihirahata Park, located in Matsuda-cho, Kanagawa Prefecture, is an attractive spot with a location rich in nature and great views. The park has facilities such as the Children's Hall and the Herb Hall, and is designed to be enjoyed by the whole family. Located on the middle slope of Mount Matsuda, it offers a spectacular view of Mount Fuji on a clear day. Flowers bloom in every season, and the Kawazu cherry blossoms in early spring and cosmos in autumn are particularly famous. There are also hiking trails, making it the perfect place to spend a relaxing time interacting with nature. Picture courtesy of AC

2. Aguri Park Sagayama-en in Matsuda

Picture courtesy of Aguri Park Sagayama-en Official Site

The Rapeseed Festival, which signals the arrival of spring, is held at Naito-en and Aguri Park Sagayama-en, both located in Matsudayama. This event showcases Kawazu-zakura, rapeseed, plum blossoms (both red and white), and narcissus.

Situated at an elevation of 230 to 250 meters above sea level, the site offers panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay.

Visitors have the opportunity to pick organic rapeseed, which is also edible. It is recommended that guests walk to the facility, as the view from the top is well worth the effort.

Aguri Park Saga Sanen

2853 Matsuda Soryo, Matsuda-machi, Ashigarakami-gun, Kanagawa 258-0004

At Aguri Park Saga Sanen, the Nanohana Festival is held from February to March every year, with six types of cherry blossoms, including Kawazuzakura, and rape blossoms. The park, which is at an altitude of 230 to 285 meters, offers a spectacular panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay. The experience of picking edible greens is popular, and you can enjoy fresh greens grown without pesticides. Access on foot is recommended, and the views as you climb the slopes within the park are exceptional. It is a spot where you can fully enjoy spring nature. (Photo by AC)

3. Oi Yume no Sato in Oi

This spacious park features around 170 Kawazu-zakura trees, which are typically in full bloom from mid-February to early March, offering a stunning display against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji and Ashigara Plain.

The park includes a promenade lined with forsythia and crape myrtle, which bloom in spring. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes, as some areas of the park can be steep.

A nearby parking lot makes this facility a popular destination for families and amateur photographers.

Ooi Yume no Sato

274 Yanagi, Oimachi, Ashigarakami-gun, Kanagawa 258-0015

``Ooi Yume no Sato'' is a park rich in nature that spreads over approximately 19 hectares, and is a spot where approximately 170 Kawazu cherry trees herald the arrival of spring. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is from mid-February to early March, when you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom scenery with Mt. Fuji and the Ashigara Plain in the background. There are walking paths within the park, and seasonal plants such as forsythia and crape myrtles are also a highlight. There are also events such as nature observation sessions and agricultural harvest experiences, making it popular with families and nature lovers. There are some steep slopes, so we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. (Photo by AC)

4. Kawazu Zakura-Ajisai Line in Sagamihara City

This location, situated along an embankment by the Sagami River and extending for 200 meters, has become renowned as a street lined with Kawazu-zakura. Every year, from late February to early March, the area transforms into a beautiful scene of light pink blossoms.

Since the trees are primarily planted on one side of the street, it is best to use the sky as a backdrop for photographs. The site is a 10-minute walk from Sobudai-shita Station on the JR Sagami Line, making it an ideal spot for those who wish to enjoy the flowers without the crowds.

Kawazu Zakura-Ajisai Line
Address: Kanagawa, Sagamihara, Minami, Shindo 650
The street is open 24 hours a day.

5. Hakone Gora Park in Hakone

This park is the oldest French-style park in Japan, featuring 10 different cultivars of cherry blossoms. In spring, visitors can enjoy the blooms of Kawazu-zakura, Somei-Yoshino, and the rare Yaeno-mamezakura.

Situated at an elevation of 550 meters, the park offers a stunning view of Mt. Hakone. It also includes pottery and glassblowing workshops, allowing participants to appreciate the beautiful scenery while they create.

The park is just a 5-minute walk from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway, and it can also be accessed via the cable car.

Hakone Gora Park

1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa

6. Hikiji River Water Park in Fujisawa

The park, located along the Hikiji River, is known for its Kawazu-zakura and Somei-Yoshino trees. There is an open space and a dog park on the right bank, along with a wetland botanical garden and a wisteria trellis on the left bank. The site is popular to family groups and people bringing pets.

There are multiple walkways in the park, and visitors can enjoy viewing various plants and birds during their stroll. The park can be accessed by bus from Tsujido or Fujisawa Station.

Yinji River Water Park

6510 Oba, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture 251-0861

Hikijigawa Water Park is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot where you can enjoy Kawazuzakura and Someiyoshino cherry blossoms. This park, which stretches along the Hikiji River, has a plaza and dog park on the right bank, and a wet botanical garden and wisteria trellis on the left bank, making it the perfect environment for walks and picnics. The best time to see it is from mid-March to early April, and it is crowded with people visiting with their families and pets. In addition to being easily accessible using public transportation, there is also a free parking lot, making it a popular spot for a wide range of people. (Photo by AC)

7. Komatsugaike Park in Miura

The Miura Coast Sakura Festival takes place in this park, famous for its Kawazu-zakura. The 1-kilometer street from Miura-kaigan Station to the park is lined with around 1,000 Kawazu-zakura trees and fields of rapeseed, creating a vibrant springtime landscape.

The cherry blossoms typically begin blooming from mid-February to mid-March, drawing large crowds. Event organizers encourage visitors to use public transport, as the park is easily accessible by train or bus and is a popular spot to enjoy the beautiful views.

Komatsugaike Park

2518 Kamimiyata, Minamishimoura-cho, Miura-shi, Kanagawa 238-0101

Komatsugaike Park is a famous spot for Kawazu cherry blossoms and is known as the venue for the Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival. Approximately 1,000 Kawazu cherry blossoms and rape blossoms are planted along the railway line from Miura Kaigan Station to the park, allowing you to enjoy the early spring scenery. The best time to see it is from mid-February to mid-March, and it is a popular spot visited by many tourists. There are walking trails and bird watching points within the park, making it ideal for observing nature. It is easily accessible by public transportation and is a recommended spot for families and camera enthusiasts. (Photo by AC)

8. Kannonzaki Prefectural Park in Yokosuka

Picture courtesy of Kannonzaki Prefectural Park Official Site

Visitors can enjoy a variety of cherry blossom cultivars at this park, which provides a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay. Kawazu-zakura begins to bloom in mid-February, followed by Harumeki-zakura and Yae-zakura.

Spanning an area equivalent to 15 Tokyo Domes, the park features a walkway, a lighthouse, and a Nature Museum. It can be accessed by bus from Mabori-kaigan Station on the Keikyu Line.

Kanagawa Prefectural Kannonzaki Park

4-1262 Kamoi, Yokosuka City, 239-0813, Japan

Kannonzaki Park is a vast park rich in nature facing Tokyo Bay, where the approximately 120 Kawazu cherry trees reach their peak viewing season from mid-February. After that, a wide variety of cherry blossoms, including Harumekizakura and Yaezakura, will bloom one after another, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms until around mid-April. The park is packed with attractions, including the Kannonzaki Lighthouse, the Natural History Museum, and the Art Museum, and you can enjoy nature walks and historical explorations. In particular, the contrast between the cherry blossoms in full bloom and the rape blossoms at Flower Square is beautiful, captivating all visitors. (Photo by AC)

Isoryori Ryokan Yamani

Kanagawa Prefecture > Yokosuka

4.0 /5

Very Good

$227～

La vista Yokosuka Kannonzaki Terrace

Kanagawa Prefecture > Yokosuka

Kannonzaki Keikyu Hotel

Kanagawa Prefecture > Yokosuka

9. Sagamiko Mori Mori in Sagamihara

The Sagamiko Sakura Festival will take place at this facility, home to 2,500 Kawazu-zakura trees. Visitors can enjoy the blossoms from the two-seater ski lifts or explore various attractions.

Another highlight of the facility is the Yozakura Illumillion, where the trees are beautifully illuminated at night. The site is just a 10-minute drive from the Sagamiko Interchange on the Chuo Expressway. For those taking the bus from JR Sagamiko Station, the appropriate stop is Sagamiko Mori Mori-mae.

Sagamiko Mori Mori
Address: Sagamihara, Midori, Wakayanagi 1634
Business Hours:
Weekdays 10:00 - 20:00, Holidays 9:30 - 20:30 (The time varies by the season)
Official Site: Sagamiko Mori Mori

Enjoy Early Spring near Tokyo

Various cherry blossom cultivars will bloom in succession from early February to April in Kanagawa Prefecture. The early-blooming Kawazu-zakura is ideal for those eager to experience the spring atmosphere.

Viewing spots are available in a variety of settings, including highlands, seaside areas, and woodlands. Use this article as a guide to explore the Kawazu-zakura locations throughout Kanagawa.

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Written by

mamo

Gunma,Japan

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