Current date: 2026-01-06 (JST)
What Happened
The dates for the 36th annual Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival have been officially announced. The event will take place from Saturday, February 7 to Sunday, March 8, 2026. This festival celebrates the early-blooming Kawazu-zakura, a unique variety of cherry tree known for its deep pink blossoms.
Why This Matters for Travelers
This festival is one of the earliest and largest cherry blossom events on Japan’s main island of Honshu. For travelers visiting Japan in February or early March, it offers a chance to experience a major cherry blossom festival before the main season begins in larger cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. It primarily affects those planning trips during the late winter and early spring, providing a popular and accessible option for seeing sakura.
Location & Context
The festival is held in the town of Kawazu, located on the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. The main attraction is the row of cherry trees that stretches for several kilometers along the Kawazu River. During the festival, the area is filled with food stalls and visitors. The atmosphere is lively, especially on weekends.
Dates & Timing
•Festival Period: February 7, 2026 – March 8, 2026
The festival itself runs for about a month. However, the cherry blossoms are not in full bloom for the entire period. The peak viewing time typically occurs from late February to early March. The exact timing can change each year depending on weather conditions. The official website provides live cameras and bloom status updates, which are useful for planning a visit.
Access Information
Kawazu is accessible by train from Tokyo. The most direct route is the JR Odoriko limited express train, which takes about 2.5 hours to reach Kawazu Station. Local trains are also an option but require transfers.
•Nearest Station: Izukyu Kawazu Station
During the festival period, trains and the area around the station become extremely crowded. Traveling on a weekday is recommended to avoid the largest crowds.
Practical Notes
•Crowds: Expect significant crowds, particularly on weekends and during the peak bloom.
•Night Illumination: The trees are lit up in the evenings (yozakura), offering a different viewing experience. This is a popular part of the festival.
•Cost: There is no entry fee to see the trees, but you should budget for transportation, food, and any souvenirs.
•Bloom Status: Before visiting, it is best to check the official website for the latest bloom information to ensure the trees are flowering.
Official Information
All information is based on the official announcement from the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival Information Bureau.
•Official Website: https://kawazuzakura.net/
Summary
Organizers have confirmed the 36th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival will run from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Located on the Izu Peninsula, this event is a key destination for travelers wanting to see cherry blossoms in early spring. The festival features rows of deep pink Kawazu-zakura trees along a river, with night illuminations and food stalls. Visitors should plan for significant crowds and check bloom forecasts before traveling.
Sources / References
[1] 河津桜まつり情報局 (Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival Information Bureau )
Notes & Limitations
•The peak bloom period within the festival dates is an estimate and depends on the weather.
•Transportation and the festival area will be very crowded, especially on weekends.
Certainty Level
High
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[…] of Kawazu in the Izu Peninsula offers a delightful preview of spring nearly a month earlier. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival (河津桜まつり, Kawazu-zakura Matsuri) celebrates a unique, early-blooming variety of sakura, […]