【2026 Updated】Kawazu SAKURA Cherry Blossom Festival: Full Guide to Bloom Forecast, Best Viewing Spots & Access

Kawazu SAKURA Cherry Blossom (Kawazu-zakura) is one of the earliest blooming cherry trees in mainland Japan.
The town of Kawazu in Shizuoka Prefecture, where this cherry tree was first discovered, will host the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival 2026.

Festival Dates: February 7 (Sat) – March 8 (Sun), 2026
This guide covers:
・What is Kawazu SAKURA Cherry Blossom? Key features explained
・2026 bloom and full-bloom forecast
・Best viewing periods
・Addresses of main cherry blossom spots
・Access, parking, and congestion tips
・Everything is explained clearly for first-time visitors.

---

What is Kawazu Cherry Blossom? Key Features

Kawazu Cherry Blossom was discovered around 1955 in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture.
It became recognized as a new cherry blossom variety and has now spread across Japan.

Main Features of Kawazu Cherry Blossom

1. Early Blooming
   • Unlike Somei Yoshino (common cherry trees) that bloom in late March to early April, Kawazu Cherry Blossom blooms from late January to February.
2. Long Bloom Period (About 1 Month)
   • Somei Yoshino flowers fall within about a week of full bloom, but Kawazu Cherry Blossom can be enjoyed for around one month due to its cold tolerance.
3. Large Flowers with Deep Pink Color
   • The petals are slightly rounded, and the color is vibrant pink, making them noticeable from a distance.
4. Contrast with Rapeseed Flowers (Nanohana)
   • Along the Kawazu River, bright yellow rapeseed flowers bloom under the pink cherry trees, creating a colorful spring landscape.

---

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 Overview

• Dates: February 7 (Sat) – March 8 (Sun), 2026
• Venue: Along Kawazu River and other areas in town
• Address: 72-12 Sasahara, Kawazu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture
• Access: [Train] Kawazu Station (Izu Kyūkō Line), [Car] From Numazu IC via Tomei Expressway or Nagakazu-Numazu IC via Shin-Tomei Expressway (~1h20min)
• Parking: Available (paid)

During the festival, food and local product stalls are set up along the river. Evening light-ups highlight the cherry trees.

Evening Cherry Blossom Light-Up

• Time: 18:00–21:00
• Location: Along the Kawazu River

The illuminated cherry blossoms create a different, magical atmosphere compared to daytime.

---

2026 Bloom and Full-Bloom Forecast

Note: Timing may vary depending on weather.

• 2026 bloom is expected to be on time or slightly earlier than usual.
• Best viewing period: mid to late February
• Photo tip: Six to eight-tenths bloom (partial to near full bloom) is often the most visually appealing.

Check live bloom updates – Weather Navigator, Japan Meteorological Corporation

---

Main Cherry Blossom Spots and Addresses

• Original Kawazu Cherry Tree
  Address: 154-1 Tanaka, Kawazu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture
  The first discovered tree, about 70 years old.
  → Full bloom expected: Mid February
• Tatehashi Downstream Cherry Tree Lane (Light-Up Area)
  Address: Around 72-12 Sasahara, Kawazu Town (Riverside Area)
  → Full bloom expected: Mid to late February
• Sasahara Park Area
  Address: 72-12 Sasahara, Kawazu Town (Main Event Area)
  Food stalls and festival hub.
  → Full bloom expected: Mid to late February
• Kawazu Station Front Cherry Tree Lane
  Address: 155-2 Hama, Kawazu Town (Near Kawazu Station)
  Cherry trees right outside the station.
  → Full bloom expected: Mid February
• Kawazu Nanadaru Loop Bridge Area
  Address: 379-13 Nashimoto, Kawazu Town (Mountain Scenic Spot)
  → Full bloom expected: Late February

---

Kawazu River Cherry Blossom Lane (~4km)

• Length: ~4 km
• Number of Trees: ~850
• Walking Time: ~45 minutes

This pink cherry tunnel along the river is popular for photography and leisurely strolls.

---

Access to Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

By Train

Train travel is the easiest and most reliable, especially for international visitors or day-trips from Tokyo.

• From Tokyo Station:
  1. Limited Express “Odoriko” – Direct to Kawazu Station in ~2h40min
  2. Limited Express “Saphir Odoriko” – Direct to Kawazu Station in ~2h30–2h40min, all-green-car seats for a comfortable ride along the Izu coastline. Early reservations recommended during peak bloom.
  3. Shinkansen + Izu Kyūkō Line – Tokyo Station → Shinkansen to Atami Station (~40–50min), transfer to JR Ito Line / Izu Kyūkō Line (~1h30min) → Kawazu Station

Tip: Using the Shinkansen saves travel time to Atami and is good for travelers prioritizing speed.

• Nearest Station: Kawazu Station (Izu Kyūkō Line)
  From the station, the cherry blossom lanes and main festival area are only a few minutes’ walk. No traffic concerns.

Note: During mid to late February, trains and reserved seats can be busy. Advance booking is recommended.

By Car

• From Numazu IC (Tomei Expressway): ~80 km (~1h30–2h)
• From Atsugi IC (Tomei Expressway): ~113 km (~2h30–3h)

The roads near Kawazu Town have narrow, mountain routes, and congestion is likely on weekends during peak bloom. Using public transport is recommended for convenience.

---

Parking

Several paid parking lots are available in town.

• Standard car: ~1,000 JPY (varies by location)
• On peak weekends, lots can fill early in the morning.

---

Tips to Avoid Crowds

• Visit on weekday mornings
• Go early in the bloom period
• Use public transportation

---

Who Will Enjoy Kawazu Cherry Blossoms

• Travelers who want to feel spring early
• Photography enthusiasts
• People wanting long bloom periods
• Visitors combining cherry blossoms with a hot spring (onsen) trip

Izu has many hot springs, so staying overnight can enhance the experience.

---

Summary | Kawazu Cherry Blossoms: Long-Lasting Early Spring Beauty

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Highlights:

• Blooms from late January
• Enjoyable for about one month
• Vibrant deep pink flowers
• Beautiful contrast with rapeseed flowers

The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 runs February 7 – March 8.
Best viewing period is mid to late February.

Experience the early arrival of spring in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture.