Discover Izu: A Cherry Blossom Seeker's Paradise
Japan is renowned for its cherry blossoms, but Izu Peninsula offers a truly unique experience with a sakura season that spans several months—from October to April. Thanks to Izu’s mild climate and diverse varieties of cherry trees, you can enjoy these beautiful blossoms longer than in many parts of Japan. If you’re looking to avoid the the staggering crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto during peak season and see cherry blossoms that are equal or better, Izu is the place to be.
Let’s take a tour of the incredible variety of cherry blossoms across Izu, starting with the Toizakura in January, and moving through the famous Kawazuzakura and beyond.
Note: ‘Hanami’ means cherry blossom viewing in Japanese.
Toizakura: Late January
In Toi, a charming coastal town on the western side of the peninsula, the Toizakura begin to bloom as early as late January. These early blossoms kick off the Toi Sakura Festival bringing a festive atmosphere to the town famous for Japan’s second largest gold mine. The festival offers a great chance to enjoy hanami (flower-viewing) with local food, crafts, and entertainment as the delicate pink petals contrast with Toi’s coastal views. This unique combination of winter sakura and ocean breeze makes it an unforgettable start to the cherry blossom season. Take the Shimizu-Toi Ferry across the Suruga Bay to see the classic view of Mt. Fuji rising up from the Suruga Bay.
Kawazuzakura: February
Next in line is Kawazuzakura, known for its vibrant pink flowers that bloom from mid-February. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Japan’s earliest and most famous, attracting visitors from across the country. A walk along the Kawazu River, under a tunnel of blossoms stretching for kilometers, is a truly breathtaking experience. The festival atmosphere, complete with food stalls and local crafts, adds even more charm to this picturesque setting. You can combine this with a trip up the mountains to the famous Nanadaru (Seven Waterfalls) where a 1 kilometer walk takes about an hour and passes seven different falls.
Izu Kogen: March-April
Early cherry blossoms are not the only reason to visit Izu. During the traditional cherry blossom season from late March through early April, Izu has hanami spots that attract thousands of visitors from Tokyo and Yokohama. Having lived in Tokyo and seen most of the big hanami spots, I can say with some authority that I’ve never seen anything like these hanami spots in Tokyo.
Sakura no Sato, located at the foot of Mt. Omuro, has over 1,500 trees and 40 different species to offer a diverse and stunning hanami experience. There is always something in bloom here from October to April. The peak is in late March when the park is filled with blossoms and includes illuminated hanami at night. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a tranquil escape into nature, surrounded by delicate blossoms.
In Izu Kogen, cherry trees line the streets and trails, transforming the area into a pastel wonderland that pairs beautifully with Izu’s rugged coastal scenery. Izu Kogen Sakura Namiki is a street that runs almost 2 kilometers uphill toward Mt. Omuro. Somei-Yoshino cherry trees line both sides of the street and their branches reach out over the road, forming an overhead tunnel. During hanafubuki, when the cherry blossom petals fall from the trees, it’s like a delicate snowfall. The combination of sakura and ocean views makes Izu Kogen a must-see for both nature lovers and photographers.
Matsuzaki - Nakagawa
The sakura season wraps up along the Nakagawa River in Matsuzaki with varieties that linger into April. The Nakagawa Sakura Festival is set along the serene Nakagawa River, where cherry blossoms line both sides of the banks for 4 kilometers, creating a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere. Matsuzaki is a hidden gem, known for its old-fashioned charm and stunning springtime scenery. You can enjoy the quiet beauty of the blossoms while exploring a traditional town, making this a perfect end to the cherry blossom season. Be sure to try some of Matsuzaki’s famous Sakuraba Mochi, a confection made using the special cherry leaves produced here.
Plan Your Izu Hanami Tour
Whether you’re visiting for the Toizakura in January, the famous Kawazuzakura in February, or the late blooms of Izu Kogen and Matsuzaki, Izu offers a one-of-a-kind hanami experience that stretches over several months. At Jimmy’s Izu Tours, we offer personalized, private tours that take you to the best cherry blossom spots for an experience you’ll never forget.
Our full-day private tours include visits to Toi, Kawazu, Matsuzaki and Izu Kogen for a comprehensive hanami experience and exploration of the surrounding areas.
Our half-day private tours are perfect for those wanting to focus on the beauty of Izu Kogen and Sakura no Sato.
Don’t wait—book your tour early to secure your spot and experience the magic of Izu’s extended cherry blossom season!