The Kawazu cherry blossoms in Izu have bloomed early, and this is the true way to welcome spring in Japan!
We always thought cherry blossoms wouldn’t show up until the end of March, until we accidentally wandered to the banks of the Kawazu River on the Izu Peninsula and discovered that spring can arrive this early and so suddenly—the Kawazu cherry blossoms in early February have gathered all their strength, dyeing the entire river valley in rosy clouds, with even the breeze carrying a sweet fragrance, announcing the grand opening of "Japan’s earliest cherry blossom season."
Unlike the slender Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, Kawazu cherry blossoms have rounder, fuller petals and a gentle light pink color. In the still chilly early spring, they look like clusters of sun-warmed cotton candy or the cheeks of a girl without makeup, softening the very air with their pink hue. Strolling along the Kawazu River, 8,000 cherry trees bloom in succession on both banks, their shadows falling into the flowing water, rippling into a moving sea of flowers. Occasionally, a white egret flies by, stirring a pool of rosy ripples.
Here, there are no crowded crowds like Tokyo’s Ueno Park, only the babbling stream and birdsong, and even time seems to slow down. Locals set up stalls selling freshly baked sakura mochi—pink glutinous rice cakes wrapped in red bean paste, bursting with the fresh aroma of cherry leaves. An elderly man plays the shamisen by the riverbank, the strings blending with the floral scent, creating a rhythm of spring more authentic than any background music.
📅 Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival Dates: February 7 - March 8 (Golden period for early cherry blossoms, miss it and wait another year!)
📍 Prime Viewing Spots: Along the Kawazu River, Kawazu Seven Waterfalls, Mine Onsen Village
🚄 Transportation Guide:
- From Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen to Atami Station (about 50 minutes), transfer to the Izu Kyuko Line to Kawazu Station (about 1 hour), then a 10-minute walk to the riverbank
- From Osaka/Kyoto: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shizuoka Station, transfer to the JR Tokaido Main Line to Numazu Station, then switch to the Izu Hakone Railway to Kawazu Station
🌸 Cherry Blossom Festival Exclusive Activities:
✅ "Night Sakura Light Show": Every night from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the riverside cherry trees are draped in warm yellow lights, reflecting on the water like a starry river falling (recommended photo spot: Horai Bridge, a classic vantage point!)
✅ "Sakura Market": Taste sakura ice cream, sakura mochi, sakura leaf tea, and shop for handmade sakura accessories
✅ "Onsen Cherry Blossom Viewing": Stay at Mine Onsen Ryokan, soak in the open-air hot springs while watching cherry blossoms fall outside the window—this is the pinnacle of Japanese-style romance
💡 Insider Tips:
1. Dress Code: Early spring has big temperature differences between morning/evening and daytime. Wear a light jacket during the day, and bring a shawl for the cool riverside breeze; choose lightweight, slip-resistant shoes as some stone paths can be slippery.
2. Photography Tips: Early morning from 7 to 9 AM has fewer people and soft light; backlighting the petals creates a beautiful translucent effect; note that drones are prohibited in certain areas—please observe signs.
3. Avoid Crowds: Weekends are busier; if your schedule is flexible, visit on weekdays to enjoy the entire sea of blossoms alone.
4. Food Bonus: Near Kawazu Station, the "Yabukin" diner’s signature sakura taiyaki is crispy outside, soft inside, with red bean paste carrying a faint cherry blossom fragrance.
While other cities are still waiting for the snow to melt, the Kawazu River in Izu has already written a love letter to spring with cherry blossoms. No need to fight the crowds for the popular bloom period—here, the early cherry blossoms are telling you with the most passionate display: spring has truly arrived.