Japan Cherry Blossoms in February | Kawazu Sakura Day Trip

*This article was created for travelers planning to visit Japan, but readers in Japan may also find it useful.

There are more than 600 varieties of cherry blossoms in Japan, and each variety has a very different flowering time. Cherry blossoms bloom under the influence of temperature changes, so in warmer regions and early-flowering varieties, they may bloom from the end of winter.
Somei Yoshino, which many people Image from, blooms from late Mar. to Apr., while early-blooming varieties like Kawazu cherry blossoms are affected by a relatively warm climate and begin flowering around early Feb..

The best places to see Kawazu cherry blossoms are in the Shizuoka area, centered around the Izu Peninsula. In addition to Kawazu Town, the birthplace of Kawazu cherry blossoms, you can also see beautiful rows of cherry trees in the surrounding areas. The Izu area, in particular, has many spots where you can enjoy the blossoms while avoiding crowds, making it a great place for those who want to enjoy the cherry blossoms at a leisurely pace.

The best time to see Kawazu cherry blossoms is usually from early Feb. to early Mar.. However, depending on the temperature and weather, the flowering time varies from year to year. It is recommended to check the local flowering information before visiting.

The main spots where you can enjoy Kawazu cherry blossoms are as follows:

It is the most famous spot as the cradle of Kawazu cherry blossoms. Approximately 850 Kawazu cherry trees are planted along the Kawazu River, and the "Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival" is held every Feb.. It can be crowded as many tourists visit during peak seasons.

This spot is affectionately known as "Kannami no Sakura" (Kannami Cherry Blossoms) by locals. It's a hidden gem that's less crowded than Kawazu Town, making it a great place to take photos at your leisure. The combination of the cherry blossom trees lining the river and Mount Fuji visible in the distance is its main attraction.

At Nishihirabata Park in Matsuda-cho, Kanagawa Prefecture, the "Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival" is held every Feb.. Approximately 360 Kawazu cherry trees decorate the slopes, and on sunny days, you can enjoy the combination with Mt. Fuji. It is accessible from Shin-Matsuda Station on the Odakyu Line, making it a convenient spot for Day Trip trips from Tokyo.

Here's how to access the main spots of Kawazu cherry blossoms from Tokyo:

■ Access to Kawazu Town
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station in about 35-45 minutes. Atami At the station, transfer to the JR Ito Line or Izu Kyuko Line and take about 1 hour and 10 minutes to Kawazu Station. The total journey takes about 2 hours.

■ Access to Kannan Town
Tokyo From the station, take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Mishima Station in about 45 minutes to 1 hour. From Mishima Station, take a bus or taxi to Kannancho.

■ Access to Nishihirabata Park
Tokyo From the station, take the JR Tokaido line to Kokufuzu Station in about 1 hour and 10 minutes. At Kokufutsu Station, transfer to the JR Gotemba Line and take about 15 minutes to Matsuda Station. You can walk from Matsuda Station in about 20 to 25 minutes. Alternatively, take a shuttle bus from Shin-Matsuda Station on the Odakyu Line (about a 5-minute walk) to Nishihirahata Park (usually operated during the cherry blossom festival).

With a Day Trip bus tour from Tokyo, you don't need to arrange transportation, and you'll be taken directly to Kawazu cherry blossom spots and Mount Fuji photo spots. It is a convenient way to travel without the hassle of transfers, making it accessible to first-time travelers visiting Japan.

Mt. Fuji is a landscape that symbolizes Japan. The beauty of the sea is complemented by unique Japanese elements, creating a unique landscape. Mt. Fuji and autumn leaves, Mt. Fuji and temples and temples, and now the combination of "Mt. Fuji and Kawazu cherry blossoms" is particularly attracting attention.
Feb. The dark pink Kawazu cherry blossoms blooming in the still cold air and Mt. Fuji covered in pure white snow. The contrast is so powerful that it cannot be conveyed just by the word photogenic. The clear air clearly highlights the outline of the mountain, and the spring-colored cherry blossoms add softness, making it a landscape where you can feel the change of seasons.
In Taiwan and other countries, the Image of "cherry blossoms = Mar. to Apr." is strong, so the unexpectedness of encountering this scenery in Feb. is also a big attraction. Spring gently peeks out as an extension of winter. The special feeling of being able to witness that moment attracts many travelers.

Mt. Fuji changes its expression with the four seasons. Its attraction is not only the beauty of the mountain itself. The overlapping of flowers, lakes, and historic landscapes with the diverse landscapes of the surrounding area creates a haunting spectacular views. If you start from Shizuoka and go a little further to the area surrounding Mt. Fuji, the scenery you can encounter will be even richer. We will introduce a selection of recommended spots where you can enjoy the impressive collaboration of "Mt. Fuji × Kawazu Cherry Blossoms".

When it comes to Kawazu cherry blossoms on the Izu Peninsula, Kawazu Town, the birthplace of the variety, is the most famous. However, it gets very crowded with tourists during the peak blooming season. That's why we recommend the Kawazu cherry blossoms in Kannami Town. Known affectionately as "Kannami no Sakura," you can enjoy early-blooming cherry blossoms of the Kawazu variety. It's known as a hidden gem that's less crowded than Kawazu Town, allowing you to take photos at your leisure. The combination of the cherry trees lining the river and Mount Fuji visible in the distance is captivating, and if the conditions are right, rapeseed blossoms can also be seen, creating a colorful and vibrant spring landscape. It's a place where you can quietly experience spring while avoiding the crowds.

Nishihirabata Park, located in Matsuda-cho, Kanagawa Prefecture, hosts the "Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival" from Feb. to Mar. every year. About 360 Kawazu cherry trees planted on the hillside bloom all at once, and on a clear day, you can enjoy the combination with Mt. Fuji. It is accessible from Tokyo Shinjuku using the Odakyu Line, making it an easy spot to visit even in Day Trip. It is also lit up during the festival, so you can enjoy the fantastic cherry blossoms at night in addition to the daytime scenery.

Located in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Satsumi Pass is known as a spectacular views spot with sweeping views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Tokaido Line and National Route 1. In early spring, the Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom, and you can enjoy the beautiful contrast between the pink cherry blossoms, the majestic Mt. Fuji, and the blue sea. The view from the observation spot has a sense of openness and is popular for taking photos. It is relatively less crowded and you can enjoy the scenery at your leisure, allowing you to enjoy the dynamic spring scenery unique to Shizuoka.

Greenhouse cultivation is developed in Japan, and strawberry picking can be enjoyed from around Dec. to May.. Especially Jan. to Apr. is a popular season with a strong sweetness. In Taiwan, strawberry picking can be enjoyed in Dahu Township, Miaoli County, but in Taiwan, it is common to sell picked strawberries by weight. In Japan, there are many farms that can be easily enjoyed as sightseeing, and it is popular as an experience to taste sweet and large strawberries on the spot.

The beauty of strawberry picking in Japan is that you can eat as many ripe strawberries as you want. Many farms use the all-you-can-eat style, where you can eat as many as you want within the time limit of around 30 minutes. Picking, picking, and tasting Japanese strawberry picking on the spot is an experiential gourmet experience. This style is also a fresh experience for international travelers.
Ripe strawberries are not suitable for market distribution, so they have a sweetness that can only be tasted on farms. Small choices such as adding condensed milk or enjoying it as is are also part of the fun of traveling.

Inside the greenhouse, rows and rows of bright red strawberries line the shelves. Their glossy appearance, shining in the sunlight, is as beautiful as jewels. Their adorable appearance makes you want to take a picture the moment you pick one up, and the contrast between the red fruit and green leaves is so beautiful that it's a photogenic scene frequently posted on social media.

Many strawberry farms in Japan employ a cultivation method called "elevated cultivation." In elevated cultivation, the strawberries are planted on benches at waist height, making it easy to pick them while standing. It is clean because you don't touch the soil, and your feet will be stable, so people of all ages can enjoy it with peace of mind.

This time, I participated in a Day Trip bus tour from Tokyo. In the morning, when we depart from Tokyo and proceed on the highway, Mt. Fuji gradually appears behind the train window. "Sightseeing begins while moving", that is the charm of this tour. With no transfers, minimal luggage carrying, and less travel stress, you can focus on the journey itself.

[Tour Name]
'Early Blooming Cherry Blossoms × Strawberry Picking all-you-can-eat × Seafood Takeout with 2 Meals! Early Spring Shizuoka Day Trip Special' [Tokyo Departure]

[Itinerary]
● Tokyo Gather at the station
● High-level strawberry picking at Izu Fruit Park all-you-can-eat
● Lunch with seafood hot pot and clam kamameshi
● Shopping at Mentai Park Izu
● Enjoy early-blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji at a hidden spot in Kannami
● Shopping at Numazu Gourmet Town Roadside Station
● Tokyo Return to the station

[Benefits of Joining a Tour]
・Direct guidance to hidden Kawazu cherry blossom spots
・No reservation required for popular strawberry farms
・Guided to photo spots of Mount Fuji
・Comfortable transportation by sightseeing bus
・No need to carry luggage or transfer


[Recommended for]
・ Tokyo For those who want to enjoy the spectacular views of Mt. Fuji in Day Trip during their stay
・Those looking for photogenic scenery
・Those who want to enjoy winter strawberry picking experiences that cannot be found in Taiwan
・For those who want to enjoy sightseeing with peace of mind without the hassle of travel or reservations

Our first stop was Izu Fruit Park. As soon as we got off the bus, Mount Fuji stretched out before us, filling our entire field of vision. For lunch, we enjoyed a seafood hot pot filled with the delicious flavors of sea bream and clams, and fluffy clam rice cooked in a pot. It was a luxurious time, gazing at Mount Fuji from the terrace.

After lunch, it was time for strawberry picking. On this day, we enjoyed two varieties: "Akihime" and "Yayoi-hime." "Akihime" is characterized by its mild acidity, melting sweetness, and soft flesh. "Yayoi-hime" is large, has a firm texture, and has an excellent balance of sweetness and aroma. A major attraction is that, because they are grown on elevated beds, you can easily pick them while standing.

The highlight of the tour was the cherry blossom spot, which heralds early spring. Feb. It is a place where you can enjoy the rows of bright pink cherry blossom trees and Mt. Fuji towering in the background. There were many clouds on this day, and unfortunately Mt. Fuji was hidden. Still, the cherry blossom trees are spectacular, and you can fully feel the signs of spring just by strolling around.
On a clear day, you can enjoy the combination of Kawazu cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji. If you look at the photos taken on another day, the splendor of the scenery is obvious at a glance. Because it is a trip to nature, there is also a reason to visit next. The best time to see rapeseed flowers is in late Feb.. The moment when pink, yellow and white come together is the best combination.

Finally, we went to 'Numazu Gurume Town Roadside Station.' It's a fun spot to pick out souvenirs like dried fish and seafood. Here, as souvenirs, we enjoyed a set of seafood including two pieces of horse mackerel, one piece of kinme, and one piece of barracuda, as well as Japanese sweets. On the return bus, a Light meal of rice ball bento was also provided, and we headed back to Tokyo feeling satisfied.

・A tour to enjoy nature in spring, summer, autumn, and winter
・Seasonal flavors that can only be tasted in that season, all-you-can-eat, and a tour to pick fruits
・Tours and Upscale Travel that are particular about food

Q: When is the best time to see Kawazu cherry blossoms?
A: The best time to see them is usually from early Feb. to early Mar.. Flowering conditions change from year to year depending on temperature and weather. It's advisable to check the latest information from local tourism associations and travel agencies before visiting.

Q: How do I access the Kawazu cherry blossom attractions from Tokyo?
A: If you take the train, it takes about 35-45 minutes to take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Atami Station, and about 1 hour and 10 minutes to Kawazu Station by transferring to the JR Ito Line or Izu Kyuko Line at Atami Station. The total journey takes about 2 hours. Day Trip bus tours from Tokyo take you directly to the spot without transfers. For those who are visiting Japan for the first time, it is convenient to use a bus tour.

Q: What is the temperature and clothing in the Shizuoka-Izu area of Feb.?
A: The average temperature in the Shizuoka-Izu area in Feb. is around 10-12°C with highs of around 10-12°C and lows of 4-6°C. There are days when it gets especially cold in the mornings and evenings, so it is recommended to wear warm clothing such as coats and jackets. Since the main focus is on cherry blossom viewing and strawberry picking outdoors, it is a good idea to prepare comfortable shoes that are easy to walk in.

Q: Can I participate even if I don't speak Japanese?
A: Yes, you can. The tour is operated in Japanese, but important information is available in English and Chinese (Traditional) using AI translation equipment and written information. Tour conductors and drivers also use translation apps, so you don't have to worry about the language.

Q: How do I make a reservation from Taiwan?
A: In Taiwan, KNT Taiwan is the sole distributor of Club Tourism. For on-site consultations, please contact KNT Taiwan.
Passengers in Taiwan can apply through the Taiwan General Agent or Taiwan Kansai International Travel Agency

Online Application: https://www.knt-taiwan.com/contact.php
Telephone application: 02-87717551 (Monday to Friday 09:15-18:00, excluding holidays)
Email: info@knt-taiwan.com

Kawazu cherry blossoms, Mt. Fuji, and seasonal strawberries.
This is a special season in Japan where you can enjoy all three at once. Feb. You can also see cherry blossoms and enjoy the view with Mt. Fuji with snow. Strawberry picking is also popular at this time. In Japan, it is common to eat as much as you want within the time limit.
Day Trip With bus tours, there is no hassle of travel or reservations, so even first-timers can rest assured. Getting around is easy and secure that only bus travel can have. In the car, you can enjoy conversations, see the scenery, and listen to directions to your next destination. You can enjoy the time of the trip while on the move.
With bus tours from Tokyo, you don't need to arrange transportation or book a farm. Even first-time visitors to Japan can participate with confidence. You can check the departure schedule to coincide with the best time to see the Kawazu cherry blossoms on the official Club Tourism website.