Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

What to know

The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival (河津桜祭り, Kawazuzakura Matsuri) takes place annually from early February to early March in the city of Kawazu on the Izu Peninsula.

This popular event celebrates the blooming of Kawazu cherry trees (Kawazuzakura) and draws nearly two million visitors each year, offering one of the earliest chances near Tokyo to see cherry blossoms in large numbers.

Kawazuzakura are an early-flowering cherry variety. The trees typically start blooming around early February, but at a slower pace than most other cherry trees, giving visitors about a month to enjoy the blossoms. The peak viewing period usually lasts about two weeks from late February to early March, though it can vary with temperatures.

First discovered in Kawazu in the 1950s, these trees were planted systematically along the Kawazu River west of Kawazu Station. The original Kawazuzakura tree, now over 60 years old, stands in a residential area a short walk from the river and can be seen up close.

The festival is held along the banks of the Kawazu River, lined with seemingly endless rows of Kawazu cherry trees stretching about four kilometers. Trees in the town center usually bloom first, with the season gradually moving upriver toward the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls.

Numerous festival stalls line the riverside path, offering cooked food, dried goods, local citrus fruits, souvenirs, and small Kawazuzakura trees for planting. Yellow rape blossoms, blooming at the same time, add to the scenery. Night illuminations run from 18:00 to 21:00 during the festival.