Want to skip the crowds and see cherry blossoms before peak season? Good newsā€”Japanā€™s early cherry blossoms start blooming as early as January, bringing vibrant pink sakura to stunning locations across the country. Many of these spots are even paired with golden nanohana fields, creating breathtaking springtime scenery.

Ready for some early hanami magic? Here are 18 must-visit spots to catch Japanā€™s first cherry blossoms of the year! šŸŒøāœØ

Early Cherry Blossoms in Japan

1. Kawazu River [Shizuoka Prefecture]: Where It All Began ā€“ The OG Kawazu Blossoms

18 early cherry blossoms Kawazu River

If you want to catch some of Japanā€™s earliest cherry blossoms, Kawazu is the place to be! These beauties start blooming as early as February, turning the town into a pink wonderland.

Kawazu Town, on the scenic Izu Peninsula, is actually where Kawazu Sakura originated. They were first spotted as seedlings in the 1950s, hit full bloom in 1966, and officially got their name in 1974. Now, there are around 8,000 cherry trees in the area, with 850 lining the Kawazu Riverā€”perfect for that dreamy sakura stroll.

The annual Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival is the ultimate way to experience these blooms, complete with cultural performances and local food. Peak bloom is from early February to early March, so donā€™t miss out!

2. Asahina River [Shizuoka Prefecture]: Pink Blossoms + Golden Nanohana = Pure Magic

18 early cherry blossoms Asahina River 1

Tucked away in Yaizu City, this spot is all about the stunning contrast between the pink Kawazu cherry blossoms and bright yellow nanohana flowers. Locals have been carefully planting these trees since 1997, creating a dreamy two-kilometre stretch of sakura goodness.

For the best views, plan your trip mid-February to mid-March.

3. Lake Sanaru Park [Shizuoka Prefecture]: A Scenic Stroll Through Blooming Beauty

18 early cherry blossoms Lake Sanaru Park

Over in Hamamatsu City, Lake Sanaru Park offers a peaceful lakeside walk with wild birds, seasonal flowers, andā€”you guessed itā€”gorgeous cherry blossoms.

Every February, the park bursts into pink, with top viewing spots near the Sakashita parking lot, the clock tower by the pond, and the rowing yard parking lot. Plus, youā€™ll find other cherry tree varieties here, so the bloom season stretches into late spring!

Best time to visit? Late February to mid-March.

4. Shimogamo Onsen [Shizuoka Prefecture]: Hot Springs & Early Sakura Bliss

18 early cherry blossoms Shimogamo Onsen

At the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, Shimogamo Onsen is where relaxation meets breathtaking cherry blossoms. This charming hot spring town has 800 early-blooming cherry trees lining the Aono River, creating a pink paradise by February.

For extra aesthetic vibes, the bright yellow nanohana flowers make for a picture-perfect contrast. Itā€™s the ultimate spot to unwind while soaking in Japanā€™s early spring beauty.

5. Itokawa Path [Shizuoka Prefecture]: Atamiā€™s Early-Blooming Sakura

18 early cherry blossoms Itokawa Path

Atami is famous for its hot springs, but did you know itā€™s also home to Japanā€™s earliest cherry blossoms? The Atami Sakura start blooming as early as mid-January, giving you a sneak peek of spring before the rest of Japan catches up.

Take a stroll along Itokawa Path, where the townā€™s pink blossoms create a fairytale-like settingā€”perfect for enjoying some early hanami vibes despite the winter chill.

6. Kanuki Park [Shizuoka Prefecture]: A Hidden Gem for Early Sakura

18 early cherry blossoms Kanuki Park

Looking for a quiet escape? Kanuki Park in Numazu City is a peaceful spot with around 20 Kawazu cherry trees, blooming from late January to early February.

Take a relaxing stroll along the scenic Kano River and soak in the beauty of these early blossoms while enjoying the calm surroundings.

7. Loverā€™s Cape [Shizuoka Prefecture]: Romance & Sakura in Nishiizu

18 early cherry blossoms Loverā€™s Cape

Nishiizuā€™s Toi Sakura start blooming in January, making them some of the earliest cherry trees in Japan! Youā€™ll find them near Loverā€™s Cape, a scenic spot with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji.

Thereā€™s even a bell of love that you can ring three times for romanceā€”whether it works or not is up to fate! Visit late January to early February to see these unique blossoms in full bloom.

8. Hijirisaki Park [Aichi Prefecture]: Coastal Sakura Views

18 early cherry blossoms Hijirisaki Park

If you love ocean views + cherry blossoms, Hijirisaki Park is the spot for you. With 50ā€“60 Kawazu cherry trees, this coastal gem is best visited late February to early March.

Take a leisurely walk along the coast, breathe in the fresh sea air, and enjoy the first signs of spring.

9. Nishihirabatake Park [Kanagawa Prefecture]: Cherry Blossoms With an Epic View

18 early cherry blossoms Nishihirabatake Park

Also known as Matsudayama Herb Garden, this park sits on Mt. Matsuda and gives you unreal panoramic views of the Ashigara Plain, Sagami Bay, andā€”on clear daysā€”even Mt. Fuji! From early February, the park transforms into a pink paradise as Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom along the walking trails, making it one of the best places to enjoy an early taste of spring.

The Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off around the same time, bringing food stalls, local performances, and all the festival vibes to complement the already stunning scenery.

10. Miura Beach [Kanagawa Prefecture]: Sakura-Lined Train Ride

18 early cherry blossoms Miura Beach

Hop on the Keikyu Line and get off at Miurakaigan Station, where youā€™ll be welcomed by a tunnel of cherry blossoms in mid-February. The walk from the station to Komatsugaike Park is an absolute dream, with pink blossoms overhead and bright yellow nanohana flowers lining the path.

Itā€™s a peaceful stroll just over a kilometre long, but the real magic happens when a train rolls through the cherry blossom-lined tracksā€”one of Japanā€™s most iconic sakura scenes. By early March, the petals begin to flutter away, marking the end of this short but sweet spectacle.

11. Roadside Station Myogi [Gunma Prefecture]: Mountain Views & Early Blooms

18 early cherry blossoms Roadside Station Myogi

If you’re heading towards Mt. Myogi, this roadside station is the perfect pit stop for sakura lovers. Even at 420 metres above sea level, the Kawazu cherry blossoms here start blooming in early March, bringing bursts of pink against the rugged mountain backdrop.

There are around 60 cherry trees in the area, forming a striking contrast against the still-wintry landscape. Itā€™s a low-key yet stunning place to enjoy some early sakura magic before continuing on your adventure into the mountains.

12. Shiroyama Historical Park [Yamaguchi Prefecture]: Sakura With a Sea View

18 early cherry blossoms Shiroyama Historical Park

Overlooking Kaminoseki Town and the Seto Inland Sea, this historical parkā€”once a feudal sea castleā€”becomes a dreamlike landscape in mid-February. Around 180 Kawazu cherry trees bloom alongside 3,000 bright yellow daffodils, creating a stunning colour contrast against the blue waters below.

The park has wide grassy spaces perfect for a laid-back hanami picnic, where you can relax and take in the breathtaking mix of sakura, sea, and history all in one place.

13. Kasado Island [Yamaguchi Prefecture]: A Sea of Pink in Early Spring

18 early cherry blossoms Kasado Island

Just off the coast of Kudamatsu City, Kasado Island is linked to Honshu by the Kasado Bridge, making it an easy escape into nature. Since 2006, around 500 Kawazu cherry trees have been planted across the island, and by mid-February, they start bursting into bloom, turning the coastline into a pink wonderland.

One of the best spots to take in the view is near the National Dormitory Ojo, where the vivid sakura meets the deep blue seaā€”a picture-perfect contrast that lasts until mid-March.

14. Shinsui Kōen [Yamaguchi Prefecture]: Cherry Blossoms by the Fishing Port

18 early cherry blossoms Shinsui kōen

Located next to Station Hagi Sea Mart, a bustling market known for its fresh seafood, this riverside park brings a different kind of hanami experience. Around 120 Kawazu cherry trees bloom from late February, creating a peaceful setting that blends soft pink petals with the lively energy of the fish market.

Itā€™s a great place to take a walk, enjoy some local delicacies, and watch as the cherry blossoms drift down into the river, adding an extra touch of beauty to this unexpected sakura spot.

15. Chinkokuji Temple [Fukuoka Prefecture]: A Sacred Spot for Early Blossoms

18 early cherry blossoms Chinkokuji Temple

This historic Buddhist temple, built in 806 AD, is famous for its year-round flowers, but itā€™s the Atami Sakura that make it truly special. Blooming from mid-January, these delicate pink blossoms signal the very first hints of spring in Japan.

By early February, the temple grounds are in full bloom, offering a peaceful and almost spiritual sakura experience far before the crowds arrive at other famous spots. Strolling under these ancient trees with the templeā€™s serene atmosphere makes it a one-of-a-kind cherry blossom viewing experience.

16. Youra Peninsula [Oita Prefecture]: Find Your Own Secret Sakura Spot

18 early cherry blossoms Youra Peninsula

Unlike most cherry blossom locations with a single viewing area, the Youra Peninsula is all about exploring. Home to 3,700 Kawazu cherry trees, these blossoms are scattered across the peninsulaā€™s roads and coastal trails, popping up in unexpected places and creating endless hidden hanami spots.

The first blooms appear in early February, with different locations reaching peak bloom at different times, so driving around and discovering your own perfect sakura viewpoint is half the fun. The pink petals against the blue ocean make for an unforgettable early spring escape.

17. Yaedake [Okinawa Prefecture]: A Tunnel of Blossoms Up the Mountain

18 early cherry blossoms Yaedake

Welcome to one of the earliest cherry blossom spots in Japan! Located in northern Okinawa, Yaedake (Mt. Yae) is covered with 7,000 kanhi-zakura cherry trees, creating a four-kilometre-long tunnel of bright pink blossoms.

Since these Okinawan cherry trees bloom from mid-January, theyā€™re some of the first in Japan to announce the arrival of spring. Whether youā€™re driving or hiking up the 453-metre mountain, the vibrant pink flowers against the subtropical scenery make for a totally unique sakura experience.

18. Nago Castle Park [Okinawa Prefecture]: January Blooms & Coastal Views

18 early cherry blossoms Nago Castle Park

Perched on Mt. Nagodake, this massive park is home to over 20,000 cherry trees, making it one of the biggest sakura spots in Okinawa. Blooming from late January, the deep pink kanhi-zakura flowers stand out against the bright blue sea, creating stunning panoramic views of Nago City and the East China Sea.

Some of the best places to take in the scenery are Nakayukui Square, where the visitor centre is located, and Sakura-no-en, a garden dedicated to cherry blossoms. With the first sakura of the season blooming here, itā€™s the perfect way to kick off your hanami adventures before the rest of Japan catches up!

Why Wait for Spring? Catch These Early Blossoms! šŸŒø

Most people think of cherry blossoms as a spring thing, but in Japan, the magic starts as early as January. Imagine wandering through streets lined with pink blossoms while thereā€™s still a winter chill in the airā€”itā€™s a whole different kind of sakura experience.

If youā€™re planning a trip, check out the official websites of these cherry blossom spots and festivals for the latest updates. Whether you visit in January, February, or early March, youā€™ll get to witness Japanā€™s breathtaking cherry blossoms way before the crowds. Happy hanami! šŸŒøāœØ

Want to make the most of Kawazu cherry blossom season in Tokyo? Whether youā€™re after a custom itinerary, a private tour, or a fun group trip, weā€™ve got you covered! Our expert travel planners can help you find the best hidden spots, while our local guides will make sure you experience Japan beyond the guidebooks.

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