Updated on 30/11/2025 ｜ Published on 14/01/2025
Kawazu sakura blooms earlier than most cherry blossoms in Japan, usually from February, which makes it especially convenient for Hong Kong and Taiwanese people living in the UK, Europe or North America. Many will fly back to Hong Kong or Taiwan for Lunar New Year, then add a short side trip to Tokyo to turn that break into an early-spring hanami getaway. This guide combines my own visit to Kawazu with up-to-date information on blooming season, transport and on-site flow, for anyone planning an early sakura trip.
What is Kawazu Sakura?
Kawazu sakura (カワヅザクラ Kawazu-zakura) is one of Japan’s most iconic early-blooming cherry varieties, originating from Kawazu in Shizuoka Prefecture. It is known for its vivid pink petals and relatively long blooming period. The flowers usually start to open in early February and can last for about a month, with full bloom typically holding for around a week to ten days.
- Blooming Period：February to early March
- Kawazu Sakura Festival：Held every year. During the festival, the riverside sakura tunnel is illuminated from 18:00 to 21:00, and food stalls line the path selling local snacks and regional specialities.
- Information for 2026：
- Kawazu Sakura Festival：7 February – 8 March 2026
- Bloom Forecast & Live Updates：Kawazu Sakura Official Website
- Day Trips from Tokyo to Kawazu：Get Your Guide｜Klook
Why Is Kawazu Sakura Especially Good for People Living Overseas?
For Hong Kong and Taiwanese people who are based long-term in the UK, Europe or North America, the main advantage of Kawazu sakura is timing.
If your annual leave has to cover family visits, catch-ups with friends and a bit of travelling, this “Lunar New Year in Asia + side trip to Japan” window is extremely practical. You can:
- Return to Hong Kong or Taiwan for Lunar New Year
- Then fly directly from Hong Kong/Taipei to Tokyo
- Avoid the peak crowds of the late-March to April sakura season
- Enjoy an early-spring hanami trip with a more reasonable budget and a calmer pace
How to Get to Kawazu Sakura
Travelling by train from Tokyo to Kawazu is a scenic and convenient option, with two main choices: local trains and express trains:
- Local Trains：Take the Ueno-Tokyo Line (Tokaido Line) from Tokyo Station to Atami, then transfer to the Izu Kyuko Line to Kawazu Station. A one-way ticket costs approximately ¥3,750, and the journey takes around 3.5 hours.
- Limited Express “Odoriko” Train：This direct service runs from Tokyo Station to Kawazu Station, taking about 2.5 hours one way. The fare is approximately ¥5,930, and it includes reserved seating. This is the most comfortable and convenient option, though it is more expensive.
Kawazu Sakura Pink Tunnel: A Dreamy Cherry Blossom Experience
Upon arriving at Kawazu Station, follow the crowd towards the river, where you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking cherry blossom tunnel. The dense rows of Kawazu Sakura create a pink corridor of flowers. As you stroll through, sunlight filters through the branches, casting beautiful shadows, and petals fall gently in the breeze, adding a touch of romance.
Sakura and the River: A Beautiful Landscape on the Kawazu River
The Kawazu River is another highlight of the journey. The cherry trees lining both sides of the river, forming a harmonious scene with the bright blue sky.
Pink Taiyaki: A Sweet Taste of Spring
Pink Taiyaki is a must-try seasonal treat during the cherry blossom festival, with its adorable shape and delicate flavours. Holding this sweet delicacy under the cherry trees, you’ll feel like you’re reliving the excitement of first love (laughs).
A Symphony of Colours: Cherry Blossoms and Rapeseed Flowers
Kawazu is not only home to the romantic pink blossoms but also bursts with the lively golden hues of rapeseed flowers. The contrast of cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers creates a vibrant, colourful field, adding extra cheer to the spring festival.
Local Stalls at the Kawazu Sakura Festival
As a new Brit, when travelling in Japan, indulging in local delicacies during the cherry blossom festival was a must—especially the freshly grilled seafood! (A small chuckle for my fellow island dwellers!)
On my own trip, this was primarily a family visit, and I did not have much spare time. Most of my Tokyo schedule was spent meeting friends, so I only stayed in Kawazu for half a day. If you have a fuller schedule, you can easily extend the day with strawberry picking, hot springs or a stop at nearby temples. If you are planning a spring trip to Tokyo, you can use the information above as a starting point, or join one of the day tours listed.
- Day Trips from Tokyo to Kawazu：Get Your Guide｜Klook
