Early Cherry Blossom Viewing for Snow Travellers?

Have you heard of the famous cherry blossom season in Japan? There’s an entire culture of ‘cherry-blossom viewing’ that surrounds these brilliant trees. To see them at least once is truly a bucket-list experience, why not tack on some cherry blossom viewing to your March skiing? Head to the prefecture of Shizuoka to check out these beauties.

The Shinkansen (bullet train) is the most convenient way to travel to Shizuoka, just 45 minutes from Tokyo via bullet train.

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Experience cherry blossoms before peak season in Kawazu on the Izu Peninsula, where vibrant pink blooms appear as early as February. Stroll along the river during the festival from early to late February.

Atami Cherry Blossom Festival

Among the earliest to bloom, Atami-zakura blossoms open between late January to early February, remaining for around four weeks. Enjoy picturesque scenery lining the Itokawa River and oceanfront parks.

Minami-Izu Cherry Blossom & Rapeseed Flower Festival

From early February to March, the festival features around 800 Kawazu cherry blossom trees and bright yellow rapeseed flowers that stretch along the Aono River.