Kawazu Cherry Blossom Avenue
河津桜並木
An early-blooming cherry variety that flowers as early as February. Along both banks of the Kawazu River, about 4 kilometers of cherry trees form a blossom tunnel, one of Japan's earliest cherry-viewing spots.
The Kawazu cherry is an early-flowering variety discovered in Kawazu Town around 1955. Its blossoms are a deeper pink than Somei-Yoshino, and they bloom for a longer period. About 850 trees line roughly 4 kilometers of the Kawazu River. From early February to early March, the Kawazu Sakura Festival is held. The cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers on the riverbanks create a striking contrast. Some sections are illuminated at night, and many stalls are set up during the festival. The original tree still grows in the courtyard of the Iida family home in Kawazu Town. Viewing is free. The area is a short walk from Izukyu Kawazu Station. Traffic on weekends during peak bloom is very heavy, so it is best to come by train.
Opening hours
Open all day (cherry blossom festival roughly early February to early March)
Nearby sights
- Kawazu Seven Waterfalls
- Shirahama Ohama Beach
- Mount Nesugata & Shimoda Ropeway
- Old Amagi Tunnel
- Perry Road & Ryosenji Temple, Shimoda
- Joren Falls
- Mount Omuro
- Izu Shaboten Zoo