The 2026 edition! Doi Cherry Blossom Festival in Izu, Shizuoka: The Earliest Blooming Cherry Blossom in Japan!

  • Shizuoka
  • Sightseeing
Dohi Cherry Blossom Festival and Manpukuji Temple
Doi Onsen is located in Izu City, which is blessed with abundant nature and a tranquil landscape. The "Doi Cherry Blossoms" in Doi Onsen are said to be the earliest blooming cherry trees in Japan, and are rare in that they are at their best during the extremely cold season. Toi Onsen holds the "Doi Cherry Blossom Festival" when the "Doi Cherry Blossoms" are at their best. This year's festival will be held from January 17 (Sat) to February 11 (Wed), 2026!
Doi Cherry Blossoms, the earliest blooming cherry trees in Japan

The best time to view the "Doi Cherry Blossoms" is from late January to mid-February!

The "Doi Cherry Blossoms" bloom in late December, are at their best in late January, and continue to bloom until mid-February. It is characterized by its large petals and long stems, with 6 to 7 flowers per branch. There are two types of color: red (deep pink) and white (white with light reddish tints). When the cherry trees are in full bloom, the entire tree is colored a gorgeous pink, reminding us that spring is just around the corner. About 500 cherry trees are planted in the Doi Hot Spring Resort area. In the Doi area, cherry trees can be seen at Maruyama Sports Park, Koibito Misaki, Manpukuji Temple, Doi Kinzan, Okubo Satoyama, Matsubara Park, along Wangan Road, and Minami Elementary School Memorial Square.
Dohi Cherry Blossoms" and White-eye

The "Doi Cherry Blossom Festival" has a lot to offer!

During the "Doi Cherry Blossom Festival," there will be many limited-edition events. In addition to direct sales of local products and the "Doi Cherry Blossom Photo Contest," there will be many events such as Japanese drum performances and live music to make the cherry blossom festival even more exciting.

In the "Doi Cherry Blossom Viewing Stamp Rally," visitors will receive a "Doi Onsen-no-Moto" bath additive for completing three stamps at Matsubara Park, along the harbor road, Doi Shrine, Doi Kinzan, Maruyama Sports Park, and Koibito Misaki (Lovers' Cape). The hand towel is available only during the festival period. Complete all six locations and you will receive a "Doi Sakura Original Hand Towel" as a free gift.
Scenes from the festival events

Limited-edition red seals are designed as paper cutouts!

During the Dohi Cherry Blossom Festival, visitors can receive a red seal with a paper cutout design. This red seal was created by Chiharu Mizuguchi, a paper cut artist born in Izu City. She created these seals by directly asking the priests and chief priests of each temple and shrine about their stories, and wishing for the happiness of the people. Five locations (Saifukuji Temple, Dohi Shrine, Seiunji Temple, Anrakuji Temple, and Myozoji Temple) and "Nakahama Tennoji Shrine" were newly added this year, bringing the total to six types. The motifs of the red seals are said to be a mikoshi (portable shrine), tengu masks, and other heroic motifs.

The symbols of each temple and shrine are represented by cutouts, and the six red seals can be seen as a single picture when placed side by side. If you are interested, please get a red seal at each temple or shrine.
Doi Cherry Blossom Festival" flyer for 2026
Introducing the "Doi Cherry Blossom Festival" Exclusive Programs

Enjoy the "Doi Cherry Blossom Tour" on a retro bonnet bus!

During the "Doi Cherry Blossom Festival," a tour of Doi cherry blossom viewing spots on the bonnet bus "Odoriko-go" will also be offered. The bonnet bus "Odoriko-go" once dominated the world as "Izu no Odoriko-go," a route bus that crossed the Amagi Pass, and is a 1964 model made in Japan with manual doors and wooden floors, retro in the Showa era! On the day of the tour, a guide dressed in a dancer's costume will be on board. During the non-touring hours, visitors can take commemorative photos and test drive the car in the parking lot.

Dates: Sunday, January 25, 2026, Sunday, February 1, 2026
Departure time: ①11:00 departure ②13:00 departure (twice a day)
Duration: about 75 minutes
Course: Matsubara Park→Dohi Shrine (car window)→Lovers' Cape→Maruyama Sports Park→Matsubara Park
Meeting place: Matsubara Park (near bonnet bus)
Capacity: 25 persons (application is for 1 pair and 2 persons) (up to 2 people per group)
Fee: 2,000 yen per person (this will be the Doi Cherry Blossom Growing Fund)
Reservations: Call the Doi Branch of the Izu City Tourist Association for reservations (TEL: 0558-98-1212 Hours: 9:00-17:00)
*Only one reservation per person
Doi Cherry Blossoms" and Bonnet Bus "Odoriko-go

Cherry blossoms illuminated at night

During the Doi Cherry Blossom Festival, Doi Kanayama and Matsubara Park will be illuminated at night. This year's version has been upgraded and will be more gorgeous♪ You can enjoy the nighttime cherry blossoms at Doi Kanayama from 17:00 to 20:30 (last admission 20:00) on weekends during the festival period and at Matsubara Park from 17:00 to 21:00 during the festival period. Why not enjoy the different look of the cherry blossoms from the bright daytime? Admission is free! Take warm clothes and enjoy "Dohi Cherry Blossoms" at night as well.
Doi Cherry Blossoms" lit up

Get a head start on spring with Japan's earliest cherry blossom viewing!

We introduced the "Doi Sakura Festival," which is full of fun activities such as a photo contest, stamp rally, and bonnet bus tours. It is still cold in winter, but why don't you feel spring early by viewing "Doi Sakura" blossoms? After walking a lot, please take a hot spring bath in Doi Onsen and rest your body.

Combine your favorite train with lodging or a day trip plan for a great travel experience!

You can make your own original trip!

JR East View Dynamic Rail Package is a variable price individual travel product available only on the web. Depending on the timing and conditions of your application, you may be able to get a discount as early as the day of departure. We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.
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