When is the best time to visit Kawazu?

The best time depends on what you want to do. Visit in February or early March for cherry blossoms. Summer is great for beach activities, while autumn and winter are perfect for hot springs and hiking.

What can I do at the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival?

Visitors can walk along the river to enjoy the sakura trees, which are also lit up at night. Food stalls sell local snacks and sakura-themed treats. There are also cultural performances, foot baths, and souvenir shops selling cherry blossom goods.

What food is famous in Kawazu?

Kawazu is known for kinmedai (golden eye snapper), a delicious local fish served grilled, simmered, or as sushi. Other seafood, like lobster and abalone, is also popular. During the cherry blossom festival, you can try sakura mochi and sakura ice cream.

Does Kawazu have beaches?

Yes, Kawazu has beautiful beaches along the Izu coast. Imaihama Beach is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling in summer. The clear waters are great for diving and marine activities.

How long should I stay in Kawazu?

A day trip is enough if you just want to see the cherry blossoms or waterfalls. If you want to enjoy hot springs, beaches, and local food, staying one or two nights is a better choice. A stay in a traditional ryokan makes the trip even more relaxing.

How do I get to Kawazu from Tokyo?

The easiest way is by train. Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station, then transfer to the Izu Kyuko Line to Kawazu Station. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, the Odoriko and Saphir Odoriko limited express trains provide a direct ride from Tokyo Station to Kawazu.

A pathway lined with vibrant cherry blossom trees in full bloom, creating a pink canopy. People walk beneath the blossoms, enjoying the scenic and peaceful springtime atmosphere.

A young woman stands in a field of vibrant yellow flowers, eyes closed, enjoying the sunlight. Green grass and blooming trees with white blossoms are in the background.

A natural hot spring pool with clear blue water surrounded by rocks and lush greenery. A person in a white shirt walks on a stone path beside a river, with a wooden structure visible on the left.

Cherry blossom trees with pink flowers line a riverbank under a blue sky, with bright yellow flowers blooming in the foreground and green hills in the background.

A small waterfall flows into a serene, clear pool surrounded by mossy rocks and lush green trees, with a rocky shoreline in the foreground and a wooden walkway visible in the upper right corner.

Shizuoka

Kawazu

LocalityPolitical

Last updated May 29, 2026

Kawazu, a coastal town on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, is famous for its early-blooming cherry blossoms. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in February attracts visitors who come to see the vibrant pink flowers lining the Kawazu River. The town is also home to the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls, a scenic hiking area that inspired Yasunari Kawabata’s novel The Dancing Girl of Izu.

Beyond its natural beauty, Kawazu is known for its hot springs, with many ryokan and public baths offering relaxing onsen experiences. The Kawazu Bagatelle Park, a French-style rose garden, flourishes in its mild climate. The coastal location provides opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, while local restaurants serve kinmedai (golden eye snapper), a regional delicacy. Just two and a half hours from Tokyo, Kawazu is a perfect mix of nature, culture, and relaxation.