Q: Is there an entrance fee for the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival?

A: The main festival area along the river is free to access. However, some specific gardens or attractions nearby may have separate admission fees.

Q: How crowded will it be?

A: With the forecast predicting the earliest bloom in five years, expect significant crowds, especially on weekends. For a more peaceful experience, consider visiting on a weekday or early in the morning.

Q: What should I wear?

A: Although the blossoms signal spring, February in Japan can still be cold. It is wise to dress in layers and bring a warm jacket, especially if you plan to stay for the evening illuminations.

Kawazu Sakura 2026: Japan's Earliest Cherry Blossom Forecast & Festival Guide

2026/01/12(Mon)

For travelers planning a trip to Japan in early 2026, there’s exciting news: the famous Kawazu Sakura (cherry blossoms) in Shizuoka Prefecture are predicted to bloom earlier than ever, offering a rare chance to see Japan’s iconic flower well before the main season begins. This guide is for anyone looking to plan their visit around this special event, providing the latest forecast details and practical tips for enjoying the festival.

Vibrant pink Kawazu Sakura cherry blossoms lining the river for the Kawazu Sakura 2026 festival.

Based on an official forecast from the Shizuoka Prefectural Agriculture and Forestry Technology Research Institute, the 2026 Kawazu Sakura are expected to have their earliest bloom in the last five years. This is a significant shift, making a February visit to the Izu Peninsula a prime opportunity for cherry blossom viewing.

Quick Facts: Kawazu Sakura Forecast 2026

Feature	2026 Forecast Details
First Bloom (20-30%)	Early February 2026
Peak Bloom (Full Bloom)	From mid-February 2026 onwards
Comparison	About one month earlier than in 2025
Source	Shizuoka Prefectural Agriculture and Forestry Technology Research Institute

What This Early Forecast Means for Travelers

The accelerated bloom is attributed to a specific weather pattern: a cold spell from mid-to-late October 2025 prompted the buds to enter dormancy, followed by a period of sustained warm weather that has encouraged early growth. This means travelers who arrive in Japan in February will have a unique opportunity to experience a full-scale cherry blossom festival, an event typically associated with late March and April.

This forecast makes the 36th Annual Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, scheduled from February 7th to March 8th, 2026, an even more essential destination for early spring visitors. The festival is one of Japan’s most famous, celebrating the vibrant, deep pink blossoms that characterize the Kawazu variety.

Planning Your Visit to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

The festival is centered around the banks of the Kawazu River, where a stunning 4-kilometer-long tunnel of approximately 850 cherry trees creates a breathtaking spectacle. The combination of the pink blossoms and the yellow rapeseed flowers that bloom along the riverbanks at the same time is a signature view of the event.

Key Festival Information:

•Dates: February 7 (Saturday) – March 8 (Sunday), 2026

•Location: Along the Kawazu River, Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture

•Main Venue: Near Sasahara Park

•Expected Visitors: Approximately 850,000 people are expected to visit during the festival period.

What to Expect at the Festival

Beyond the cherry blossom tunnel, the festival offers a lively atmosphere with numerous food stalls and local vendors. Visitors can enjoy regional specialties while strolling under the blossoms.

Night illumination of the cherry blossom trees during the Kawazu Sakura 2026 festival.

In the evenings, the trees are illuminated, offering a completely different and magical viewing experience. The exact schedule for the nightly light-up will be confirmed closer to the date, but it is a highlight for many visitors.

How to Get to Kawaz

The map pin shows Kawazu Station, the main railway access for the festival.

Kawazu is located on the Izu Peninsula and is accessible by train from major cities.

Kawazu Station, the main access point for the Kawazu Sakura 2026 festival on the Izu Peninsula.

•From Tokyo: The most direct route is the JR Limited Express Odoriko train, which runs directly from Tokyo Station to Kawazu Station in about 2.5 to 3 hours.

•By Shinkansen: Alternatively, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station, then transfer to the Izu Kyuko Line for the final leg to Kawazu Station.

Given the festival’s popularity, especially with this early bloom forecast, booking train tickets and accommodation well in advance is highly recommended.

A Note for Your Itinerary

While in the area, consider visiting the “Minami no Sakura to Nanohana Matsuri” (Southern Cherry Blossoms and Rapeseed Flower Festival) in nearby Minami-Izu Town, which starts on February 1st. This allows you to experience two of the Izu Peninsula’s premier early spring flower festivals in one trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

[1] 【河津桜開花予測】過去5年間で最も早く開花見込み…2月中旬以降で「満開」か（静岡県農林技術研究所公表） – Yahoo!ニュース

One comment

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