Kawazu-Zakura Travel Guide
Over Winter? Catch Japan’s Early Spring Down South in Shizuoka
February can either see you enjoying the endless winter white powder up north in Hokkaido, Aomori or Iwate Prefectures in Japan or it can see you heading down south to embrace the warmer winds and the feeling of Spring arriving.
If you’re like me, and prefer sunshine over snow head down to the lovely little coastal town of Kawazu on the Izu Peninsula of Shizuoka Prefecture, and you will find a specific type of early cherry blossoms blooming in abundance. From early February to early March, with the peak ideally hitting in the last two weeks of February you will find Kawazu and nearby Minami Izu awash in a stunning soft pink canopy and a carpet of sunshine yellow.
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The Early Blooming Kawazu Zakura
One of the earliest blooming sakura trees in Japan are known as Kawazu Zakura. Distinguished by their slightly darker shade of pink and slightly larger petals, they are thought to be a hybrid of “Oshima-Zakura” and “Kanhi-Zakura.”
There are 8000 Kawazu-zakura trees stretching for over 4km from the mouth of the ocean along the Kawazu River. A short walk from Kawazu Station (where you will pass Kawazu Zakura and Nanohana blooming along the station) is the main popular stretch of a cherry blossom lined path. A delightful short walk, it reaches the mouth of the river leading into the ocean. It can become rather crowded especially during the weekend and the one public holiday on February 23rd. The peak blooming period tends to be mid-late February.
REMEMBER: when planning your travels: Mid- Late February can sometimes coincide with Chinese Lunar New Year. It’s also a time when Australian University students are still on holiday.
TIP: I would advise to travel during the weekdays and depending on the yearly bloom - it may go into the first few days of March - so if you have flexible travel dates - that may be a slightly cheaper and quieter time to visit.
Looking for a Quieter Spot?
So if you want to meander away from the crowds, head in the opposite direction on the Kawazu Zakura Namiki where its a tad more wild, you will walk past an area with only one side of the path lined with cherry blossoms but never fear keep walking more of the 4kms and you’ll find areas pocketed with both sides lined with the cherry blossoms and steps down to the river where you can slowly walk along the actual riverbank (though wear closed toed shoes, because those sasa/bamboo grasses are a bit brittle and sharp)
Do walk on the other side of the river as it’s generally quieter and you can see the stunning view of the soft pinks against the more popular side. Never fear if your feet start to hurt from all the exploring, there are various footbaths scattered across the path to relax and soothe your tired legs.
Unfortunately my photos from the quieter area were taken on a cloudy rainy day so are a bit moody and I was too busy enjoying the foot bath to take photos.
Spot the Pretty Decorated Stones
Throughout the Kawazu area especially it seems anywhere there’s cherry blossoms, there are these adorable painted stones with famous Japanese pop culture/anime characters. I found a whole bunch but my favourite is always Totoro. Randomly though this wasn’t there the day before, and I saw children playing with them, so I assume they get moved around a lot! Found a pikachu, daruma, baikin man, etc as well as I explored.
The Benefit of Staying Overnight Instead of Daytripping
No crowds and rows of Kawazu zakura to myself. To be honest I never like doing day trips if the travel is over a certain amount of time (even though a lot do for Kawazu from Tokyo). I adore leisurely exploring an area for at least 1-3 nights depending on location, which gave me the perfect opportunity to enjoy an early morning walk amidst the blossoms with no one there then head back for a delightful morning soak in my onsen ryokan.
Enjoy the Blooming Yellow Blossoms
Another popular floral sight in February is the blooming of the bright yellow nanohana flower (canola or rape blossom more common name) against a backdrop of pink Kawazu-zakura. As soon as you arrive at Kawazu Station, you will be walking past this pretty sight (and the sight of many photographers trying to capture that elusive shot of yellow nanohana, pink cherry blossoms and the vintage Izukyu Shimoda train. It’s a short little walk (less than 5mins) but it’s so bright and cheerful it is lovely and I just adored these old-fashioned lamps that popped out against all the flora.
Visit the First Kawazu Zakura Tree
The original tree actually lies on a private property (be respectful don’t enter!!) and is over 60 years old. You can see already that the tree was waning when I visited in what was meant to be peak bloom time. It is said that the original tree came from a seed grown by a local farmer who wanted to give the beauty of the cherry blossom tree to Kawazu. Not entirely sure though if they knew it would be a hybrid type.
Where to Eat in Kawazu
IZU KAISEN DONBURIYA
Near the station is the popular Izu Kaisen Donburiya which as the name suggests has hearty seafood (from the Izu peninsula) rice bowls and other delicious teishoku sets. Perfect for filling that hungry stomach after exploring.
DELMONICA CAFE & RECORDS
If you feel like a sweet treat or perhaps more a home cooked fare, head to Delmonica Cafe & Records a short walk away. We actually stumbled upon this sweet place our first time in Kawazu when we were having a ryokan staycation. The owner has some serious record love going on, was just fun to discover some music gems in the place and have a yummy spider! (ice cream soda)
NOTE: no website presence
ACCESS
TOKYO STATION - KAWAZU STATION (Odoriko Express Train ~ 2.5hrs)
OTHER PLACES TO STAY / THINGS TO DO
Minami Izu - a quieter alternative to Kawazu to see early blooming sakura
Hanareya Ishidaya - A gorgeous traditional onsen ryokan stay right in Kawazu. Rooms with private outdoor onsen available.
Seiryuso - Relax in Shizuoka’s countryside at this stunning traditional onsen ryokan with an onsen heated swimming pool
Funado no Banya - soak in this beloved public onsen with ocean views
TRAVEL FURTHER
Kyoto Prefecture- no matter how popular Kyoto is, it will always be a favourite destination
Tokyo Prefecture- discover the local charms of Tokyo from a long term resident
Nagano Prefecture- explore Japan’s 4th largest prefecture, lush with nature, culture and onsen
Tochigi Prefecture- an easy trip from Tokyo, immerse yourself in nature, onsen, ancient shrines & temples
