Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

The pink cherry blossoms are very popular! Enjoy the earliest cherry blossom viewing in Japan
One of the specialties of Kawazu Town, located in Higashi Izu, is the early-blooming “Kawazu-zakura” cherry trees, which start blooming in early February every year. The flowers are characterized by their large size and deep pink color, and due to Izu’s mild climate, it takes about a month from the time of blooming until they are in full bloom.

Cherry Blossom Road and Sightseeing Spots

The Cherry Blossom Road along the Kawazu River is a 4-kilometer stretch of cherry trees that attracts visitors to the area.

It is known as a spot where visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery such as cherry blossom tunnels and rape blossom road.

In addition, there are local specialty foods, souvenir stalls, and one-day hot spring facilities in the surrounding area, offering a wide variety of enjoyment.

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Attractions and Origins

Kawazu-zakura is known as the earliest blooming cherry tree in Japan. Its origin can be traced back to a single original tree that was accidentally discovered in 1955 along the Kawazu River in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture.

When it was planted in a garden, it began to bloom in 1966, and subsequent academic research revealed that it was a cultivar of hybrid origin, which had never existed before, and it was named Kawazu-zakura (Kawazu cherry).

It is a tall, sub-tall tree with an umbrella-like form and large pink flowers.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Kawazu-cho holds the “Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival” from early February to early March every year to celebrate the blooming of the cherry trees.

The festival features hanami lunch boxes and food stalls under the cherry blossoms, stage performances of local traditional performing arts and folk songs, a market of handmade goods, stalls, and displays and sales of local specialties.

Visitors can also take a stroll through the cherry blossom tunnels and rape blossom fields, or stroll along the riverside promenade.

Illuminated rows of cherry trees

During the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, the rows of cherry trees are lit up after 18:00. The cherry blossoms are enveloped in light, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

In particular, the famous cherry trees called “Ondezo no Sakura” and “Nirvana no Sakura” shine beautifully and enhance the atmosphere.

Visitors can feel the arrival of spring and experience the beauty of Japanese tradition and nature while surrounded by beautiful cherry blossoms. Since the blooming time varies from year to year, it is recommended to check the blooming status before visiting.