You don’t have to wait until mid-March or April to see sakura in Tokyo. Kawazu-zakura are early blooming cherry blossoms, and you can see them between early February and early March. As an added bonus, travel during this time usually means fewer crowds and cheaper prices!
There are actually a whole bunch of different cherry blossom varieties in Japan. The most common type of cherry blossom, which is the one associated with hanami, is called Somei-Yoshino. This is the one that the famous cherry blossom forecast is based on. There are also yaezakura, late-blooming cherry blossoms, which can be seen in late April.
What is Kawazu-zakura and when does it bloom?
Kawazu-zakura is a type of cherry blossom that blooms at the end of the winter months, usually from early February to early March. The flowers are distinct due to their deep, rich pink color, and they last longer than the paler Somei-Yoshino blossom (the most common kind of cherry blossom).
You may be wondering where Kawazu-zakura blossoms come from, and here’s a hint — it’s in the name. In 1955, a chap in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka happened upon a log on the river bed. He planted it in his garden and it grew into what would eventually be known as Kawazu-zakura. Some of the original trees planted at that time still stand to this day.
Note: Kawazu-zakura overlap with the plum blossoms, another seasonal sight worth seeking out.
5 places to see Kawazu-zakura in Tokyo
There are little spots all over Tokyo where you’ll notice a Kawazu cherry tree or two: in Ueno Park by Shinobazu Pond; on Tobu Bridge with a view of Tokyo Skytree; in Inokashira Park near the Ghibli Museum; and dotted in shrines and temples all over Tokyo, such as Hatomori Hachiman Shrine, Ikegami Honmonji Temple, and Sakura Jingū Shrine.
Here, we’ve highlighted some popular and lesser-known spots to see the blossoms, as well as some day trips outside of Tokyo.
1. Yoyogi Park
Not many realize that the flowers next to the toilets (not the most charming of places, we know) in Yoyogi Park are in fact cherry blossoms and not plum. There are only a few trees scattered about, but there are enough to sit down and set up a picnic blanket — or a ¥110 sheet from Daiso — for a pre-cherry blossom season hanami (flower-viewing party). Check the park’s X page for flowering updates.
2. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
You shouldn’t be surprised to find all types of cherry blossoms under the sun at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden; there are around 65 species in total. Not only will you find Kawazu-zakura here, but also other early-blooming varieties such as Atami-zakura and Satsumakan-zakura.
You’ll find Kawazu cherry trees in front of the restaurant Yurinoki and near the management office. Check the garden’s blog for the current flowering stiuation.
Students: ¥250
Seniors: ¥250
3.Rinshi no Mori Park
A wonderful place to go on those warm days between winter and spring, Rinshi no Mori Park has a spacious lawn that is surrounded by Kawazu cherry trees. You’ll find many families settled down for a day of flower viewing, and you can do the same. Keep up to date on the flowering situation through the park’s X page.
4. Kyūnaka River
Around 15 minutes from Hirai Station in Edogawa Ward is a spot with up to 50 cherry trees in bloom. The view of Tokyo Skytree in the background makes for some great photos, especially if you walk down to Fureai Bridge to get it all in the frame.
5. Oyoko River and Kiba Park
One of the earliest places to bloom in Tokyo, the 105+ cherry trees near Kiba Park may be the highest concentration of Kawazu cherry trees in the Tokyo area. Take Exit 1 from Kiba Station and turn left along the Oyoko River — you won’t miss them.
From the right angle, you can also get a shot with Tokyo Skytree in the background. These trees tend to get going in early February, but keep track of their situation on the Kōtō Ward website.
Day trips to see Kawazu-zakura from Tokyo
If you want to get a full helping of Kawazu cherry trees, then you may have to get out of Tokyo and go somewhere with more space.
1. Miura City
1 hour 30 minutes from Shimbashi Station¥920 (one way)
On the coast of Kanagawa is Miura-kaigan, and not far from the station, you’ll find enough flowers to satisfy you for a whole spring. 1000 Kawazu-zakura trees line the road towards Komatsugaike Park and the city’s annual festival will not disappoint you with things to do and see. There will also be nighttime illuminations for that perfect pink glow.
2. Matsuda Town
1 hour 15 minutes from Shinjuku Station (plus 20-minute walk)¥800 (one way)
Matsuda Town is known for wintersweet shrubs, and also for their cherry blossom festival that takes place every year from February to March. Around 360 Kawazu-zakura trees cover the south side of Mt. Matsuda, which offers a great vantage point to see Mount Fuji.
| At the door: ¥300 | ||
3. Kawazu Town
2 hours 30 minutes from Tokyo Station¥5,930 (one way)
As Kawazu-zakura originated in Kawazu Town, you can bet that they put on a party that’s bigger, better, and has more cherry blossoms (about 8,000) than anyone else. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival usually runs from February to March, depending on the flowering situation, and will have nighttime illuminations.
Atami-zakura: Another early-blooming cherry blossom
Kawazu-zakura is the most famous early-blooming blossom, but it isn’t the only variety to bloom at the end of the winter months. Enter Atami-zakura. From the name, you may be able to guess that this variety is cultivated in Atami (in Shizuoka).
Lucky for us they sprout a whole month before Kawazu cherry trees, and last for around a month, too. If you are here from January to February, you should catch the Itokawa Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place only 15 minutes from Atami Station. Check Atami’s homepage for the current flowering situation.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. This post was first published in February 2023. Last updated in February 2024.
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