Shizuoka｜A step ahead cherry blossom feast: Kawazu-cho cherry blossoms in the hot spring village

Excluding Okinawa, the cherry blossoms that bloom most eagerly in Japan are the Kawazu cherry blossoms. This city on the southern edge of the Izu Peninsula holds a cherry blossom festival every February. Because of their different varieties, not only do they bloom the earliest, their colors are also slightly redder than Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, and their flowering period is also longer. It is said that Kawazu cherry is a variety that was transplanted from Taiwan mountain cherry in the early days and naturally reproduced with native Oshima cherry. Take the Odori train from Tokyo, pass through Atami, and arrive at Kawazu Station in two and a half hours. There are more than 8,000 Kawazu cherry trees planted along both sides of the river, which are in harmony with the blooming golden rapeseed flowers, creating a dreamy scene. There are also stalls on the bathing road selling seafood from the Izu Peninsula, and there are free foot baths to enjoy. You can also arrange to visit Kawazu Sakura together with hot spring resorts such as Atami, Ito, or Shimoda to enjoy the beautiful scenery of early spring. The Kawazu cherry blossoms are still in bud, so if you are planning to travel to Kanto soon, don’t miss it. 📍Address: 79-4 Kawazu-chohama, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture, 413-0513 #Good Places to Go in January 2025