For first-time visitors to Japan, seeing full cherry blossoms in February or March is actually quite rare. The famous cherry trees in Tokyo (Somei Yoshino variety) are still in bud at this time, but in Kawazu Town on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, the “Kawazu Sakura” (an early-blooming cherry variety with vivid pink petals) is already in full bloom. Walking along the riverside path feels like stepping into a tunnel of bright pink blossoms.
The annual Kawazu Sakura Festival (official website: https://kawazuzakura.jp/) is currently underway, running until March 8, 2026, with nighttime illuminations and food stalls on selected dates.
This Viator tour offers a hassle-free day trip from Tokyo by bus, combining Kawazu Sakura viewing with fresh strawberry picking. A guide provides support throughout, making it ideal and stress-free for first-time visitors.
“Book this hassle-free Kawazu Sakura & Strawberry Picking Tour on Viator”
Contents
Highlights of This Tour
- Riverside stroll during the Kawazu Sakura Festival (walk slowly under pink cherry blossom tunnels; some dates include nighttime illuminations)
- All-you-can-eat strawberry picking (easy high-bed cultivation, unlimited condensed milk available)
- Lunch included (mini bento or local specialties)
- Round-trip bus from convenient meeting points such as Tokyo Station or Shinjuku
- English support (guide uses translation apps to explain everything)
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Sample Itinerary (Approximate Schedule)
Actual times may vary. Please confirm upon booking. Schedule can be adjusted based on bloom conditions or weather.
Morning Meet at Tokyo Station or Shinjuku → Bus to the Izu area (about 2–3 hours) You may see Mount Fuji from the bus window.
Mid-Morning Strawberry picking at Izu Fruit Park (Izu Fruit Park) (about 30 minutes, admission included)
Enjoy all-you-can-eat strawberries grown using high-bed cultivation.
Condensed milk is free to add as much as you like.
Picked strawberries are available for take-home at an additional fee, making them perfect souvenirs.
The activity usually runs even on rainy days—bringing a raincoat is recommended.
Next Stop Mentai Park Izu (about 30 minutes, free admission) This facility specializes in mentaiko (spicy cod roe, a popular Japanese processed food that is starting to gain recognition overseas as “mentaiko”). Free samples, factory-style exhibits, and souvenir shopping are available.
Lunch Lunch break in the Kawazu area (mini bento or local dishes)
Afternoon Riverside walk at Kawazu Sakura viewing area (about 30 minutes to 1 hour, free admission) This is the main venue of the Kawazu Sakura Festival (until March 8). Enjoy the pink cherry blossom tunnel and festival atmosphere. Nighttime illuminations (on selected dates) create a magical scene perfect for photos.
Want more details on the best viewing spots and bloom forecast? See our full Kawazu Sakura Festival Guide
Late Afternoon Ryugukaisen Market (about 30 minutes, free admission) A large seafood and souvenir market in Numazu City, offering around 2,000 items of Shizuoka and Izu specialties. Fresh dried fish, seafood, snacks, mentaiko products, and more are available.
Evening Return to Tokyo (arrival in the evening)
What Real Participants Say (Review-Style Feedback)
“I was visiting Japan for the first time and really wanted to see Kawazu Sakura, but going on my own seemed complicated, so I chose this tour. The bus ride was comfortable, and the guide explained everything in English, so I felt completely at ease. The strawberry picking was more fun than expected—I ate so many right there! The bright pink scenery of the cherry blossoms was stunning, and I took tons of photos. The mentaiko samples at Mentai Park were surprisingly delicious, so I bought some as souvenirs. The whole day was relaxing and very fulfilling—no exhaustion at all.”
Who This Tour Is Especially Recommended For
- First-time visitors to Japan who find trip planning overwhelming
- People worried about language barriers but wanting to experience cherry blossoms and fruit picking in one day
- Group travelers who prefer easy transportation
- Travelers staying mostly in Tokyo who want to add a taste of countryside scenery
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Alternatives If You Prefer to Plan on Your Own
- By Train: From Tokyo Station, take the Izu Kyuko Line to Kawazu Station (about 2.5 hours using the Limited Express Odoriko). The festival venue is about 15 minutes on foot from the station. Strawberry picking requires separate reservations at nearby farms.
- By Car: Via Tomei Expressway (about 2–3 hours). Parking is available, but expect crowds during festival season.
- Comparison with Other Tours: This bus tour includes strawberry picking for convenience. If onsen (hot spring) bathing is more important, consider a separate tour with Shuzenji Onsen access.
If you’re particularly interested in onsen (hot spring) experiences, check out this Kawazu Sakura + Shuzenji Onsen Day Trip Tour
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
- The Kawazu Sakura Festival runs until March 8. Check the official website or live cameras for the latest bloom updates.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for strawberry picking. High-bed cultivation means no bending over.
- Mentaiko samples are plentiful at Mentai Park—go easy if you don’t like spicy food.
- Ryugukaisen Market has a huge selection, so decide what souvenirs you want before time runs out.
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, rain gear (foldable umbrella or raincoat), camera or smartphone.
- Language Concerns: The guide uses translation apps, so basic communication is no problem.
- Budget Estimate: Tour fee (approximately 10,000–20,000 JPY) + on-site extras (drinks and souvenirs: 1,000–3,000 JPY)
- Allergy Note: If you have allergies to strawberries or mentaiko, contact the tour operator in advance.
- Manners During Crowds: The festival venue gets busy, so please be considerate and give way to others.
This tour lets you enjoy early-blooming Kawazu Sakura and fresh strawberries in a single day. Perfect for first-time visitors to Japan who want to see cherry blossoms while venturing beyond Tokyo.
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