Kawazu Cherry Blossoms, Mt. Fuji & Strawberry Picking: A Shizuoka Day Trip Guide to February Cherry Blossoms near Tokyo

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

Japan has more than 600 varieties of cherry trees, and blooming times vary greatly by variety. Because cherry blossoms bloom in response to changes in temperature, trees in warmer regions and early-blooming varieties may flower as early as the end of winter.
The Somei Yoshino, the variety most people picture, blooms from late Mar. to Apr., while early-blooming varieties such as the Kawazu cherry, helped by the relatively mild climate, start blooming 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.

Kawazu cherry blossoms are usually at their best from early Feb. to early Mar. However, the blooming period varies from year to year depending on temperature and weather, so we recommend checking local bloom information before your visit.

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

Kawazu Town is the most famous spot as the birthplace of Kawazu cherry blossoms. About 850 Kawazu cherry trees are planted along the Kawazu River, and the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival is held every Feb. It can get crowded during the peak season, when many tourists visit.

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 Mt. Fuji visible in the distance is its main attraction.

Nishihirabata Park in Matsuda Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, hosts the Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival every Feb. About 360 Kawazu cherry trees color the slopes, and on clear days you can enjoy them together with Mt. Fuji. Accessible from Shin-Matsuda Station on the Odakyu Line, it is a convenient spot for a day trip from Tokyo.

Here's how to get to the main Kawazu cherry blossom spots from Tokyo:

■ Access to Kawazu Town
Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Atami Station (about 35–45 minutes). At Atami Station, transfer to the JR Ito Line/Izu Kyuko Line to Kawazu Station (about 1 hour 10 minutes). The total travel time is about 2 hours.

■ Access to Kannami Town
Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Mishima Station (about 45 minutes to 1 hour). From Mishima Station, take a bus or taxi to Kannami Town.

■ Access to Nishihirabata Park
Take the JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station to Kozu Station (about 1 hour 10 minutes). At Kozu Station, transfer to the JR Gotemba Line to Matsuda Station (about 15 minutes). From Matsuda Station, it is about a 20–25 minute walk. Alternatively, take a shuttle bus (usually operated during the cherry blossom festival) from Shin-Matsuda Station on the Odakyu Line (about a 5-minute walk) to Nishihirabata Park.

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 Mt. Fuji photo spots. With no transfers, it is an easy way to get around, even for first-time visitors to Japan.

Mt. Fuji is a landscape that symbolizes Japan. When uniquely Japanese elements are added to its beauty, one-of-a-kind scenery is born: Mt. Fuji with autumn leaves, Mt. Fuji with shrines and temples, and now, attracting particular attention, the combination of Mt. Fuji and Kawazu cherry blossoms.
In Feb., deep pink Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom in the still-chilly air against Mt. Fuji covered in pure white snow. The contrast is so striking that the word "photogenic" alone cannot do it justice. The clear air sharply outlines the mountain, while the spring-colored blossoms add softness, creating a landscape where you can feel the turning of the seasons.
In Taiwan and other countries, cherry blossoms are strongly associated with Mar. and Apr., so the surprise of encountering this scenery in Feb. is a major attraction. Spring quietly peeks out at the tail end of winter, and the special feeling of witnessing that moment draws many travelers.

Mt. Fuji changes its appearance with each of the four seasons, and its appeal lies not only in the beauty of the mountain itself. Combined with the diverse scenery of the surrounding area, such as flowers, lakes and historic landscapes, it creates unforgettable views. Starting from Shizuoka and venturing a little farther into the areas surrounding Mt. Fuji, you will encounter even richer scenery. Here is our selection of recommended spots where you can enjoy the breathtaking combination of Mt. Fuji and 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 Mt. 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 in Matsuda Town, 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 clear days you can enjoy them together with Mt. Fuji. The park is accessible from Shinjuku in Tokyo via the Odakyu Line, making it an easy day trip. The blossoms are also illuminated during the festival, so in addition to the daytime scenery you can enjoy magical cherry blossoms at night.

Located in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Satta Pass is known as a scenic spot with sweeping views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, the JR Tokaido Line and National Route 1. In early spring, Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom here, creating a beautiful contrast of pink blossoms, majestic Mt. Fuji and the blue sea. The view from the observation point feels open and expansive, and it is a popular photo spot. It is relatively uncrowded, so you can take your time enjoying the scenery and the dynamic spring landscape unique to Shizuoka.

Greenhouse cultivation is well developed in Japan, so strawberry picking can be enjoyed from around Dec. to May. Jan. to Apr. is an especially popular season, when the strawberries are at their sweetest. In Taiwan, you can also go strawberry picking in places such as Dahu Township in Miaoli County, but there it is common to pay for the strawberries you pick by weight. In Japan, there are many farms where visitors can casually enjoy strawberry picking as a sightseeing activity, and tasting sweet, large strawberries right on the spot is a popular experience.

The appeal of strawberry picking in Japan is that you can eat as many fully ripe strawberries as you like. Many farms offer an all-you-can-eat style where you can freely eat as many as you want within a time limit of around 30 minutes. Choosing, picking and tasting strawberries on the spot, Japanese strawberry picking is a hands-on gourmet experience, and this style feels fresh to many international travelers.
Fully ripe strawberries are not suited to market distribution, so their sweetness can only be enjoyed at the farm. Small choices, such as whether to dip them in condensed milk or enjoy them as they are, are also part of the fun of the trip.

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 use a cultivation method called elevated cultivation. In elevated cultivation, strawberries are planted on waist-high benches, so you can easily pick them while standing. Because you don't touch the soil, it's clean, and the footing is stable, so people of all ages can enjoy it with peace of mind.

This time, I joined a day-trip bus tour from Tokyo. After leaving Tokyo in the morning and heading down the expressway, Mt. Fuji gradually comes into view through the bus window. "Sightseeing starts while you're still on the road": that is the appeal of this tour. With no transfers, minimal luggage to carry and less travel stress, you can focus on the journey itself.

[Tour Name]
"Early-Blooming Cherry Blossoms × All-You-Can-Eat Strawberry Picking × Seafood to Take Home, with 2 Meals! Early Spring Shizuoka Day Trip Special" [Departing from Tokyo]

[Itinerary]
● Meet at Tokyo Station
● All-you-can-eat strawberry picking (elevated cultivation) at Izu Fruit Park
● Lunch of seafood hot pot and clam kamameshi
● Shopping at Mentai Park Izu
● View early-blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji at a hidden spot in Kannami
● Shopping at Numazu Gourmet Kaido Roadside Station
● Return to Tokyo Station

[Benefits of Joining a Tour]
• Guided directly to hidden Kawazu cherry blossom spots
• No need to book popular strawberry farms yourself
• Guided to Mt. Fuji photo spots
• Travel in a comfortable sightseeing bus
• No need to carry luggage or change trains


[Recommended for]
• Those who want to enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Fuji on a day trip during their stay in Tokyo
• Those looking for photogenic scenery
• Those who want to try winter strawberry picking, which isn't available in Taiwan
• Those who want to enjoy sightseeing with peace of mind, without the hassle of transportation or reservations

Our first stop was Izu Fruit Park. As soon as we got off the bus, Mt. Fuji filled our entire field of vision. For lunch, we enjoyed a seafood hot pot rich with the flavors of kinmedai (splendid alfonsino) and clams, and fluffy clam kamameshi (rice cooked in a pot). It was a luxurious time, gazing at Mt. Fuji from the terrace.

After lunch, it was time for strawberry picking. On this day, we enjoyed two varieties: Akihime and Yayoihime. Akihime is characterized by its mild acidity, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and soft flesh. Yayoihime is large with a firm texture and 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 a famous cherry blossom spot that heralds an early spring. Here you can enjoy rows of cherry trees in a pink so vivid it's hard to believe it's Feb., with Mt. Fuji towering in the background. Unfortunately, it was cloudy that day and Mt. Fuji was hidden. Even so, the cherry trees were magnificent, and simply strolling along them was enough to feel the arrival of spring.
On clear days, you can enjoy the combination of Kawazu cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji. One look at photos taken on another day shows just how stunning the view is. Because nature is part of the journey, there's always a reason to come back. Rapeseed blossoms are at their best in late Feb., and the moment when pink, yellow and white all come together is the perfect combination.

Our final stop was Numazu Gourmet Kaido Roadside Station, a fun spot for picking out souvenirs such as dried fish and seafood. Here, we received souvenirs of an assorted seafood set (two horse mackerel, one splendid alfonsino and one barracuda) and Japanese sweets. On the bus back, a light rice ball bento was provided, and we returned to Tokyo feeling fully satisfied.

• Tours to enjoy nature in spring, summer, autumn and winter
• Tours featuring seasonal delicacies, all-you-can-eat meals and fruit picking available only at that time of year
• Gourmet-focused tours and upscale trips

Q: When is the best time to see Kawazu cherry blossoms?
A: They are usually at their best from early Feb. to early Mar. Blooming conditions vary from year to year depending on temperature and weather, so we recommend checking the latest information from local tourism associations or travel agencies before your visit.

Q: How do I get to the famous Kawazu cherry blossom spots from Tokyo?
A: By train, take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Atami Station (about 35–45 minutes), then transfer at Atami Station to the JR Ito Line/Izu Kyuko Line to Kawazu Station (about 1 hour 10 minutes). The total travel time is about 2 hours. A day-trip bus tour from Tokyo takes you directly to the spots with no transfers, which is convenient for first-time visitors to Japan.

Q: What is the weather like in the Shizuoka/Izu area in Feb., and what should I wear?
A: In Feb., average temperatures in the Shizuoka/Izu area range from highs of about 10–12°C to lows of about 4–6°C. Mornings and evenings can be especially cold, so we recommend warm clothing such as a coat or jacket. Since cherry blossom viewing and strawberry picking take place mainly outdoors, comfortable walking shoes are also a good idea.

Q: Can I join even if I don't speak Japanese?
A: Yes, you can. The tour is conducted in Japanese, but important information is provided in English and Traditional Chinese via AI translation devices and written materials. Tour conductors and drivers also use translation apps, so you don't need to worry about language.

Q: How can I book from Taiwan?
A: KNT Taiwan is Club Tourism's general agent in Taiwan. For inquiries in Taiwan, please contact KNT Taiwan.
Travelers in Taiwan can apply through Club Tourism's general agent in Taiwan, KNT Taiwan (Taiwan Kinki International Travel Agency).

Online application: https://www.knt-taiwan.com/contact.php
Phone: 02-87717551 (Mon–Fri 09:15–18:00, excluding holidays)
Email: info@knt-taiwan.com

Kawazu cherry blossoms, Mt. Fuji and in-season strawberries.
This is a special season in Japan when you can enjoy all three at once. Even in Feb., you can see cherry blossoms together with snow-capped Mt. Fuji. Strawberry picking is also popular at this time of year, and in Japan it is common to eat as many as you like within a set time.
With a day-trip bus tour, there's no hassle of getting around or making reservations, so even first-timers can feel at ease. Traveling by bus is easy and reassuring: on board, you can chat, enjoy the scenery or listen to information about your next destination, so even the time spent traveling becomes part of the trip.
With a bus tour from Tokyo, you don't need to arrange transportation or book a farm, so even first-time visitors to Japan can join with confidence. Departure dates timed to the best viewing period of the Kawazu cherry blossoms can be found on the official Club Tourism website.