Kawazu

Introduction to Kawazu

Kawazu is located on the east coast of the Izu and is easily accessible by train from Shinjuku, Yokohama or Atami Station.

The area is most famous for ‘Kawazu Sakura’ – a variety of cherry blossoms that flower from mid February to early March signifying the start of Spring – while much of Japan is blanketed in snow Kawazu is bathed in a dazzling array of pink, blue, green and yellow.

Highlights of Kawazu

The Nanadaru Waterfalls are a great place for an easy hike while enjoying the different waterfalls along the way – topped off with a soak in the outdoor hot spring under the impressive 20 meter Odaru Falls.

Locally grown wasabi can be enjoyed with fresh seafood meticulously prepared at one of the many ryokan in the area before enjoying another soak in a private hot spring pool.

Close to Kawazu

Higashi Izu

Higashi Izu is a family-friendly seaside hot spring town that enjoys life at a slower pace.

Shimoda

Shimoda is a historic and picturesque port town with some of the best beaches in Japan.

Things to do & See

Nature

Izu Peninsula is a designated UNESCO Global Geopark and part of Japan’s Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Blossoms

Due to the subtropical climate Spring blossoms come early in Izu while much of Japan is still blanketed in snow.

Waterfalls

Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossom Food

Loop Bridge

Waterfalls

Cherry Blossom Products

Seasons
Access
Stay
Links

SUMMER ( June – August – 15 – 35 degrees)

Kawazu has a couple of beaches along the East Coast of Izu – primarily Imaihama Beach which is popular with visitors looking to relax by the ocean. Don’t miss the Imaihama Fireworks in mid-August.

A great way to beat the heat is to head to Nanadaru Waterfalls, which are only a short drive or bus ride from the coast and Kawazu station, and join one of the canyoning tours on offer.

AUTUMN ( September – November – 10 – 25 degrees)

As the temperature cools and Autumn approaches it is a great time to put on your hiking boots and explore some of the hiking tracks up into the Amagi mountain range or if you want to get a different perspective to try out the paragliding.

WINTER ( December – February – 5 – 20 degrees)

In February every year visitors flock to Kawazu to enjoy the early blooming Kawazu Cherry Blossoms and enjoy the festival atmosphere in the town.

Bright pink cherry blossom trees line a nearly 4km stretch of river that runs from the ocean up into the foothills of the mountains.

SPRING (March – May – 10 – 25 degrees)

Spring comes early to Kawazu and the warmer weather stays around until the rainy season starts in June.

Spring is a great time to visit the rose garden at Bagatelle Gardens and enjoy some Rose coffee and snacks at the quaint French-style cafe.

BY TRAIN

Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Kodama from Tokyo to Atami, and change to the local Ito line train to Ito station.

At Ito station, you transfer to the local Izukyu Railway and ride that as far as Kawazu

GOOGLE MAP

BY CAR

Take the Tomei Expressway from Tokyo and follow signs to Shizuoka. Take the Nagaizumi-Namazu IC towards Izu Jukan Expressway / Mishima / Shimoda.

Continue onto Route 136 and then Route 414 to reach Kawazu.

GOOGLE MAP

GETTING AROUND

To enjoy Kawazu and the cherry blossoms it is best to walk along the riverside which is just 5 minutes from Kawazu Station.

In order to access some of the other local attractions such as Nanadaru, the nearby beaches, or Amagi Highlands it is best to use a car, campervan.

Tokai Bus operates buses from directly outside the Kawazu Train Station that travel up to Nanadaru Waterfall and over the Amagi Pass to Izu City and they are well signposted.

RYOKAN

Kawazu is a lovely location with some very nice traditional ryokan situated on the beachfront and within a couple of kilometers from the center of town. Offering beautiful hot spring baths, multi-course meals and omotenashi service.

HOTELS & RESORT HOTELS

There are a few hotels near the center of Kawazu and some more situated on the coast with nice ocean views including Izu Imaihama Tokyu Hotel which has a seasonal outdoor pool and Japanese, French and Teppanyaki restaurants.

MINSHUKU & GUESTHOUSES

There are very few options for guesthouses in Kawazu, however Guesthouse 403 is located very close to the river and a good choice for those who want to experience local hospitality and be close to the cherry blossoms.

CAMPGROUNDS & CAMPING CAR OPTIONS

There are 2 options close to Kawazu on the coast, Izuimaihama Auto Camping Ground and Stone Chair Camping Ground. Further inland near Nanadaru there is also Kawazu Nanataki Car Camping Ground which is a good option for campervans.