Japan's Early Sakura Secret, Only 1 Hour from Tokyo (From February Until Early March)
- Written by: LIVE JAPAN Editor
Think cherry blossom season in Japan only happens in April? Not quite. If you are visiting in late winter, you can still catch soft pink blooms from February into early March, long before the famous Tokyo sakura rush begins.
About an hour south of central Tokyo, the seaside area of Miurakaigan offers one of the region’s earliest blossom displays. Here, a special early-blooming variety known as kawazu-zakura paints the coastline in vibrant pink, creating a preview of spring while much of the country is still shaking off winter.
What Makes Kawazu Cherry Blossoms Special?

Kawazu-zakura are a type of early-blooming cherry tree that bloom from February to March each year. Unlike the more common Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, Kawazu-zakura are known for their vibrant pink petals and extended bloom period, making them a favorite for visitors eager to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms before spring officially arrives.
At Miurakaigan, visitors can enjoy the quiet beauty of approximately 1,000 Kawazu-zakura trees that blossom along the railway tracks from Miurakaigan Station on the Keikyu Line to Komatsugaike Park.
Conveniently located, Miurakaigan Station is easily accessible: just 63 minutes from Shinagawa Station, 73 minutes from Haneda Airport, and 45 minutes from Yokohama Station.
When to Visit

To make the most of your visit, timing is key. Kawazu-zakura will be in bloom for at least 1 month along the Keikyu Line! Here's a typical bloom schedule for the Kawazu cherry blossoms:
・Early February: Blossoms begin to bloom.
・Mid to Late February: Full bloom—this is the best time to visit.
・Early March: Blossoms start to fall.
Be sure to check the live camera before your visit to see how this year's bloom is progressing.
- Miurakaigan Sakura Festival: February 11 – March 3, 2026
- KEIKYU Open Top Bus Miura: February 12 – March 3, 2026
- Nighttime Sakura Light-Up at Station Plaza: February 11 – March 3, 2026, 5 PM – 9 PM
Must-See Spots & Activities
1. Kawazu Sakura Train Takeover: Go via the Cherry Blossom-Colored Train!

Your fun Kawazu-zakura experience starts even before arriving in Miurakaigan! During the festival period, during the campaign, one set of Keikyu’s iconic "Model 2100" trains will be transformed into a "Sakura Decorated Train." The interior will be filled with sakura designs, putting you in a spring mood the moment you step inside.
2. KEIKYU OPEN TOP BUS MIURA: Enjoy An Exhilarating Sakura Tour!

Soak up blue skies and wide-open views of the Miura Peninsula aboard the KEIKYU OPEN TOP BUS MIURA, an open-air, double-decker sightseeing bus with no roof on the upper deck. It is a fun, breezy way to see coastal scenery, farmland, and ocean landscapes that feel totally different from riding a train. And, the bus body is also wrapped in a sakura design, offering a breathtaking view from a high vantage point!
The bus operates almost daily, except for the second Wednesday of each month and a few designated days. Services run three times a day, with departures around 10:15 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3 PM. Tickets and same-day exchanges are handled at the KEIKYU OPEN TOP BUS MIURA information desk, open from 9:30 AM to 2:50 PM.
There are three main courses. Two are scenic one-way routes of about 40 minutes that travel from Miura-Kaigan Station to Jogashima or the Urari Marche area. The third is a longer loop course of about 90 minutes, including a short stop at Jogashima Island, before returning to Miura-Kaigan Station.
For full ticket details, discounts, and how to book, see this link (in Japanese).
3. Head to Komatsugaike Park

Follow the cherry blossom trail to Komatsugaike Park, a serene spot with a large pond surrounded by cherry trees. The reflection of the blossoms on the water makes for a picturesque view. The park also provides a great rest stop after your walk.
-
Komatsugaike Park小松ヶ池公園
- Address 2, Kamimiyada-2518 Minamishitauramachi, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0101
4. Snap Iconic Photos with Keikyu Trains

The combination of pink cherry blossoms, yellow rapeseed flowers, and the red Keikyu Line trains is a sight you won’t forget. Be sure to stop for photos along the tracks—just be mindful of other visitors!
5. Strawberry Picking
The area around Miurakaigan is dotted with strawberry farms, many of which welcome visitors during February and March. These strawberries are at their sweetest this time of year, and picking your own is a fun way to round off your cherry blossom experience.
6. Enjoy a Seafood Bowl

After soaking in the beauty of Kawazu cherry blossoms, treat yourself to one of Miurakaigan’s culinary highlights: a fresh seafood bowl, or kaisen-don. Miurakaigan and the surrounding Miura Peninsula are renowned for their fresh catch, particularly tuna, a local specialty. Many restaurants near Miurakaigan Station serve kaisen-don topped with generous portions of fresh sashimi, including tuna, whitebait, and other seasonal seafood.
You can even purchase a special day package (Misaki Maguro Tuna & Travel Day Trip Ticket) that lets you travel across the Miura Peninsula and sample the local tuna dishes.
7. Souvenirs, Sweets & Street Eats Near the Station!

Turn your Miura trip into a souvenir hunt. Join the Sakura Stamp Rally and collect stamps at Miurakaigan Station and Urari Marche to score a limited-edition treat. The first 500 participants will receive Keikyu’s original Sakuma Deco Drops, a classic Japanese candy dressed up in a special cherry blossom design.
The fun spills out in front of the station too, where food stalls and local merchants line the area during the event. It is a great chance to snack, browse regional specialties, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Staying overnight? Guests using the Digital Miura Peninsula Pass at select folk-style accommodations can unlock extra perks, including a hands-on traditional flag dyeing experience, tasty local Miura Sakura Ale craft beer from award-winning Miura Brewery, and more.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds

The Miura Beach Cherry Blossom Festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, especially on weekends. If you want to enjoy the blossoms at a more relaxed pace:
1. Visit on a weekday.
Crowds tend to be lighter, allowing you to fully enjoy the atmosphere.
2. Arrive early in the day.
The festival area is quieter in the morning, giving you a peaceful start to your day.
3. Consider park-and-ride options.
If you’re driving, traffic and parking can be challenging near Miurakaigan. Instead, park at a station farther away (like Shinagawa or Yokohama) and take the train to Miurakaigan Station.
Taking a Bus Tour from Tokyo Station is Convenient
If you take a bus tour, you can go from Tokyo to the Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival by bus. Additionally, the tour includes a seafood bowl lunch and sightseeing at Enoshima, making for an efficient sightseeing experience.
The LIVE JAPAN editorial team is a multinational group made up of native editors who have lived in Japan for over five years and Japanese editors who love to travel. Together, we share the best of Japan, offering cultural insights, historical context, event updates, and travel-friendly deals, to support your journey every step of the way.
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Popular Tours & Activitiess
-
Ad
The Whisper of a 1,300-Year-Old History: Meet the Other Face of Nara at Night
by: Shingo Teraoka
-
Ad
What Makes Japanese Yakiniku So Darn Good? Guide to Cuts, Heat, and Wagyu Know-How
-
A New Tokyo Landmark Is Coming in 2026, and It's Built for Modern Travelers
by: Guest Contributor
-
Ad
5 Recommended Wagyu Yakiniku Restaurants in Tokyo: Signature Dishes, Premium Beef, and Secret Sauces
-
PokéPark KANTO Is Finally Open! Tokyo's New Pokémon World Starts Before You Even Arrive (2026)
by: Guest Contributor
-
Ad
Japan’s Land of Yokai Monsters and Spooky Stories! A Deep Journey to Mysterious San’in (Tottori & Shimane) for Seasoned Travelers
-
Typhoon Safety Guide: What Tourists Need to Know When Visiting Japan
-
Tokyo Station Top 10 Sweets Ranking!
-
10 Top Tourist Spots and Attractions near Tokyo: Day Trip to Enjoy History & Nature
-
(Video) Walking Tour along Narita Omotesando - Quaint Historical Village near Narita Airport!
by: Victor Gonzalez
-
Autumn Vibes in Aoyama: How Tokyoites Chill
-
JR Edition: Visit all of Tokyo in one Day with the Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass!
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks












