Izu, about a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo, is one of the first places in Japan where cherry blossoms bloom each February. While Tokyo is still cold and may even see snow, Izu is already full of pink early-blooming sakura.
The flowers usually start blooming in early February, with the best time to see them being from mid to late February.
So how should you plan a trip to see Izu's early cherry blossoms? Which spots are worth visiting? Will it be crowded? In this article, you'll find all the answers based on our experience.
When Can I See Japan's Early Cherry Blossoms in Izu 2027?
Izu is one of the earliest places in Japan to see cherry blossoms, which usually bloom in February.
The blooming period lasts about a month. We highly recommend visiting Izu in mid to late February, when you have a higher chance of seeing the flowers at their peak.
In 2026, many early cherry blossom spots in Izu were already in full bloom by February 13. When we visited the Aono River in Shimokamo on February 25, the blossoms were still in full bloom.
It will probably be similar in 2027, but the exact timing may change by about 4 - 5 days depending on the weather.
Book at least 3 months earlier for good hotels and guides. Just contact us for a tailored dream trip to Japan to see the cherry blossom in 2027.
Best 3 Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Izu
The main early cherry blossom spots in Izu are Kawazu River, the Aono River, and Atami. Each place has its own unique charm.
Kawazu is the main area for cherry blossom viewing. The Aono River area is quieter and more relaxed. In Atami, you can see cherry blossoms by the sea.
1. Kawazu River: A Pink Cherry Blossom Tunnel by the River
If you can only choose one place in Izu to see cherry blossoms, the Kawazu River is our top pick! It's the birthplace of the Kawazu cherry blossoms, and it has the most cherry trees in the area.
Along the river, you'll see pink cherry blossoms lining the path. When they're in full bloom, they form a pink tunnel, the most classic Kawazu cherry blossom view.
Every year from early to late February, the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival is held here. You can enjoy a lively local vibe, with food stalls along the river, illuminated cherry trees at night, and small performances on weekends.
However, not surprisingly, this is also the most crowded cherry blossom spot in Izu. Here are some simple tips to help you avoid the crowds:
- Arrive between 8 and 10 am. It has fewer people, and you can take better photos.
- Avoid going on weekends. It gets especially busy with local visitors.
- Go further upstream. It's usually less crowded.
- Aono River is a good alternative. The scenery is similar, but it's much quieter.
2. Aono River at Minami-Izu: A Quiet Walk Through Pink Cherry Blossoms and Yellow Rapeseed Flowers
Don't want crowds but still want to see large fields of Kawazu cherry blossoms? The Aono River in Shimokamo, Minami-Izu, is a perfect choice. It's a hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing, mostly known by locals.
The scenery here is similar to the Kawazu River, but it's much quieter. You can easily take photos without crowds around.
You can even sit under the trees and have a picnic, slowly enjoying the cherry blossoms with your family. It's a chill experience you don't really get at the busy Kawazu River.
Getting to the Aono River by private car is the best option. It's quite far, and if you use public transportation, you'll need to take a JR train and then transfer to a bus. If you miss the bus, you may have to wait around 30 minutes.
Tips for a better experience:
- Stay for at least two hours. Enjoy the early spring atmosphere at a relaxed pace.
- Bring some snacks for a picnic, as there are very few shops or restaurants nearby.
- Use a private car to get there directly. If you don't want to deal with complicated transportation, we can help you arrange an Izu cherry blossom trip with a private car, so you can enjoy a stress-free journey.
3. Atami: Cherry Blossoms with a Sea View
If your itinerary is tight and you only have a day or even half a day, Atami is a more convenient place to see early cherry blossoms.
Atami is the gateway to Izu. From Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen and arrive in about 45 minutes. This saves you from spending over an hour traveling deeper into Izu to reach Kawazu.
The biggest highlight is the Itogawa Promenade. Cherry blossoms line both sides of the river. If you walk all the way to the end, you'll reach the coast, where the cherry blossoms and the ocean come together in one view.
A 2-Day Itinerary to See Early Sakura in Izu
We suggest staying one night in Izu. This way, you can enjoy a more relaxing trip, see cherry blossoms in the quiet morning without crowds, and avoid wasting time stuck in traffic.
Below is a sample 2-day itinerary for your inspiration. You won't miss the best early cherry blossoms or the main highlights of Izu.
Day 1: Explore Izu's Main Highlights
First, take the ropeway up Mount Omuro and walk along the green edge of the volcanic crater. On clear days, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance.
Next, head to Izu Shaboten Zoo. The highlight is watching capybaras soaking in steamy onsen pools and feeding them sweet potatoes.
Finally, meander around the cliffside path at Jogasaki Coast and enjoy the ocean views.
Day 2: Enjoy the Early Cherry Blossoms
In the early morning, head to the Aono River in South Izu. Take a relaxing stroll along the river and enjoy the wide fields of sakura with fewer visitors. You can also have a picnic under the cherry trees.
After that, visit the Kawazu River and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the early cherry blossom festival.
We know you'd prefer to enjoy Japan without the stress of big spring crowds, and that's exactly what we plan for you: an itinerary starting in mid-February. You can enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms in a calmer, more relaxed way. Discover it in our 11-Day Japan Early Spring Tour.
Is Izu Crowded During the Early Cherry Blossom Season?
Izu does get quite busy during the early cherry blossom season, especially along the Kawazu River. But it's well organized, so you don't feel chaotic.
Getting to the cherry blossom spots between 8 and 10 in the morning is a smart move. It's usually quieter then, so it's easier to take nice photos without crowds.
We don't recommend visiting Izu on weekends, as many Japanese travelers also go at that time. If your trip falls on a three-day holiday weekend in February, it gets even busier. Traffic can be really heavy, and a round trip that normally takes about 5 hours could turn into more than 9 hours.
That's why we suggest staying one night in Izu. You can enjoy quieter cherry blossom views in the early morning and avoid wasting too much time in traffic. The whole trip will feel much more relaxed.
What's the Weather Like and What to Wear?
Many people think Izu will be warm in February because of the cherry blossoms, but it still feels like winter there.
Mornings and evenings are usually around 3°C (38°F). During the day, it can rise to 10–15°C (50–59°F) in the sun, which feels much more comfortable. But once the sun goes down, it gets cold again very quickly.
So it's a good idea to dress in layers to handle the changing temperatures.
- In the morning and evening, you can wear a light down jacket, a windproof jacket, or a thicker coat.
- During the day, a sweater or a light jacket is enough.
Start to Plan Your Cherry Blossom Trip Now!
Just tell us what you want to experience during the early cherry blossom season, and our Japan travel advisors will help you plan a trip that fits your needs. We'll take care of everything. You just relax and enjoy a stress-free journey!
Here are some of our hand-picked cherry blossom tours for inspiration. You can choose the one that best fits your travel dates:
- 10-Day Charming Japan Cherry Blossom Tour (late March to early April)
- 10-Day Japan: Your Exclusive Cherry Blossom Romance (late March to early April)
- 2-Week Japan Spring Family Tour: Blossoms and Festivals (mid April)