This event has ended] Latest edition for 2026! Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in Izu, Shizuoka is at its best in February!

  • Shizuoka
  • Sightseeing
Kawazu Cherry Tunnel
The 36th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from February 7 (Sat) to March 8 (Sun), 2026 in Kawazu Town, Izu.

Kawazu-zakura are early-blooming cherry trees that begin to bloom in early February. About 850 Kawazu cherry trees will be in full bloom along the Kawazu River in Kawazu Town, and about 8,000 cherry trees will be in full bloom in Kawazu Town as a whole. During the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, a variety of events will be held, including food stalls and lighting up of the Kawazu cherry blossoms at night. Here are some highlights of the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, a popular cherry blossom viewing event in recent years not only for domestic visitors but also for visitors from overseas.

The 36th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival will be held in 2026!

Kawazu Town is located in the southeastern part of the Izu Peninsula. In this town, the Kawazu cherry trees, characterized by their deep pink color, begin to bloom in early February. The "Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival" is usually held in February, when the Kawazu cherry blossoms are at their best, and the 36th festival in 2026 is scheduled to last one month, from Saturday, February 7 to Sunday, March 8. In recent years, tourists from overseas have visited this town for the Kawazu cherry blossoms, making it a very popular event for many people regardless of nationality.
The 36th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival" pamphlet for 2026
The 36th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival" pamphlet for 2026 is here

Kawazu cherry blossoms are characterized by their deep pink color.

Kawazu-zakura are early-blooming cherry trees that begin to bloom in early February and are in full bloom about a month later. It is said that there are about 8,000 cherry trees in the entire town of Kawazu, and beautiful Kawazu-zakura can be seen throughout the town. Kawazu-zakura are characterized by their large petals and deep pink color compared to other cherry trees. The vivid pink color looks great both in person and in photographs.
Kawazu Cherry Blossoms

History of Kawazu Cherry Blossoms

Today, Kawazu-zakura trees are planted all over Japan. During the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, many tourists gather in Kawazu-cho to see these cherry trees. Did you know that the Kawazu cherry trees that attract so many people were discovered by a man?

In the winter around 1955, Katsumi Iida, a resident of Tanaka, Kawazu Town, happened to find a seedling in bud along the Kawazu River and planted it in his yard. Ten years after planting it, it finally began to bloom, and at that time it was called "Komine cherry" after the trade name of the discoverer, Mr. Iida. Subsequent research revealed that it was a new species, and since the original tree was located in Kawazu Town, it was named Kawazu-zakura (Kawazu cherry).

The original tree, which stands on the Iida family's property, is located about a 1-minute walk from the Kawazu Town Hall and a 15-minute walk from Kawazu Station. The tree is estimated to be over 70 years old. The tree is so large that it covers the road.
Kawazu cherry tree

Cherry blossoms illuminated at night

During the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, the cherry blossoms are lit up at night downstream from the Tate Bridge in front of Kawazu Station and behind the Odoriko Onsen Kaikan. During the daytime, the deep pink color of the Kawazu-zakura is beautiful in the sunlight, but it is also very magical when they float in the night sky and reflect on the surface of the river. If you can spare the time, please enjoy both daytime and nighttime Kawazu-zakura viewing.
Light-up of Kawazu Cherry Blossoms

"Night Cherry Blossom Light-up" Overview

Period: February 7 (Sat.) to March 8 (Sun.), 2026
Time: 18:00 to 21:00
Venue: Two cherry tree-lined areas (Tate Bridge downstream and Mine Onsen Sakura Tunnel)

For an elegant hanami experience, enjoy a "Hanami Bento" (cherry blossom viewing bento) 3-hour relaxing plan with hot spring bath!

The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival "Ohanami Bento" 3-hour relaxing plan with hot springs is recommended for those who want to enjoy the full bloom of the Kawazu cherry trees to the fullest. Enjoy a window seat facing the rows of Kawazu cherry trees at the Odoriko Onsen Kaikan and dine while admiring the spring scenery for a truly elegant hanami experience. The bento box lunch is an o-hanami bento (cherry blossom viewing lunch box) of nine different kinds of tamadebako, beautifully filled with seasonal ingredients, supervised by Yoshihisa Fukasawa, the representative of "Sakura no Yado Issen". You can enjoy the colors and flavors of spring a little earlier than usual. The plan also includes a bath at the Odoriko Onsen Kaikan. After the meal, soak in the open-air bath and enjoy the view of the Kawazu cherry blossoms for a luxurious time that will heal both body and soul. This is a special course that allows you to fully enjoy the charm of Kawazu cherry blossoms.
3 hours rental of large window seats facing the rows of Kawazu cherry trees

Details of "Hanami Bento (Cherry Blossom Viewing Lunchbox) 3-hour Plan with Onsen (hot spring)

Fee: 11,000 yen per person (2-4 persons per couple)
1 table: 2-4 persons (max. 16 persons)
Location: Odoriko Onsen Kaikan
Period: February 7 (Sat.) to March 8 (Sun.), 2026
Private time: 3 hours (11:00-14:00)
Contents: Facility fee Hanami lunch, Odoriko Onsen Kaikan bathing, face towel, parking Parking fee
* Information as of January 2026.
Hanami lunch box *Reservations required
- "Hanami Bento" relaxing 3-hour plan with hot spring spa - Click here to make a reservation

Feel spring in Kawazu one step ahead!

The 36th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival will not only showcase the blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms, but also offer a variety of local events and local delicacies that were not fully introduced in this article. The official Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival website provides real-time updates on the blooming status of the cherry trees, so be sure to visit when they are in full bloom!
Kawazu-zakura in full bloom
[Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival official website] is here

Use the package tour booking site of JR East View Tourism & Sales to see the famous "Kawazu Cherry Blossoms" in Izu!

Enjoy the early spring with the "Kawazu Cherry Blossoms" and "Minami no Sakura to Nanohana (Cherry Blossoms and Rape Blossoms)" courses on the "Saphir Odoriko" train, which offers green seats for all passengers! We hope you will enjoy this gastronomic and scenic journey!

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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