![Just South of Tokyo, Cherry Blossoms Have Come Early To This Enchanted Land!](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005237/img/basic/a0005237_main.jpg?20230111150228&q=80)
Tokyo typically sees cherry blossom season between late March and early April. But if you travel around an hour south to the city of Atami, you can experience the gorgeous blossoms from January!
Main image: ACAO SPA & RESORT
Surround yourself with beautiful blossoms at ACAO FOREST SAKURA BLOOMING
![Surround yourself with beautiful blossoms at ACAO FOREST SAKURA BLOOMING](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005237/img/en/a0005237_parts_63be539884fea.jpg?20230111150228&q=80)
Just 43 minutes south of Tokyo is the seaside hot springs town of Atami. With beautiful beach resorts, onsen ryokan, famous gardens, and a somewhat warmer climate than Tokyo, this area sees cherry blossoms blooming even in January!
One breathtaking place to see the early blossoms is at ACAO FOREST, a spacious 1.5-acre flower park. It's not only home to Japan's iconic sakura but also to 13 themed herb and flower gardens, giving it a magic you can enjoy in every season.
From now until February 27, 2023, the park is holding its ACAO FOREST SAKURA BLOOMING festival, where you can enjoy gorgeous cherry blossoms dying the area in beautiful pink hues, plus fun events!
![Hanami Set. (Photo: ACAO SPA & RESORT)](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005237/img/en/a0005237_parts_63be539dc9ad8.jpg?20230111150228&q=80)
During the festival, the COEDA HOUSE cafe, designed by famous Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma, will offer a special "hanami" (flower-viewing) set for 3,200 yen.
With baked goods, hot soup, and a drink of your choice for two, it's the perfect way to enjoy the tastes and sights of the season. Blankets and cushions are also available for rent, so you can enjoy your picnic as you like.
![Spring wreath. (Photo: ACAO SPA & RESORT)](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005237/img/en/a0005237_parts_63be53a425f88.jpg?20230111150228&q=80)
You can also try your hand at a variety of fun spring-inspired workshops (from 2,000 yen) at the Herb Workshop, including making spring wreaths, nail oils, and solid perfume with sakura and pink motifs.
To get to ACAO FOREST, take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Atami Station. Then take the Tokai Bus or "Yu-Yu-Bus" and get off at the "Acao Forest" bus stop.
Admission is 2,000 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for elementary school students, and free for preschoolers. You can buy tickets at the link below for convenience.
-
ACAO FORESTACAO FOREST
- Address 1027-8 Kamitaga, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0101
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed: Tuesdays
Website: https://acao.jp/forest
(Source, photos: ACAO SPA & RESORT)
Last word
While you're in the Atami area, there are several other pretty places to spot blossoms. The Itogawa Sakura Festival will be running from January 7 to February 5, 2023, and is a beautiful event to check out. You can read more in the article below.
If you're visiting the area, note that a trip from Tokyo to Atami is covered under the Japan Rail Pass and the JR Tokyo Wide Pass, which you can purchase at the link below.
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
BicCamera Coupon! Tax-free, Plus Discount!
-
Experience the Magic: Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Fireworks Festival (August)
-
Tokyo Summer Festivals: Bon Odori, Digital Festivals, and Theme Park Events for August 2024
-
Top Tips for Tourists! Roppongi Project for Safety and Peace of Mind: Creating a Fun and Safe Roppongi for All
-
[Taste Test!] A New Product in the Popular 'Pikachu Tokyo Banana' Series! Adorable Special Cans Now Available
-
Shinjuku Shopping Guide: 15 Must-Visit Stores for Exclusive Deals in Tokyo
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
10 Asakusa Hotels Featuring Views of Tokyo Skytree®
-
8 Scenic Hakone Lodgings with Breathtaking Views of Mount Fuji from Your Room
-
Make Your Tokyo Stay Comfortable! 10 Convenient Hotels with Airport Shuttle Service
-
10 Open-air bath Onsen Ryokans in Hakone for Ultimate Relaxation
-
10 Family-Friendly Hotels with Comfortable Family Rooms in Asakusa
-
Asakusa's Comfortable Long Stay Hotels: 10 Picks with Complete Kitchens
-
Experience Luxury: Hakone's 10 Best Five-Star Accommodations
-
Best Picks for Hotels Near Asakusa Station – Top 10 List
-
10 Best Hotels in Tokyo with Gyms for a Comfortable Workout Experience
-
Enjoy a Comfortable Stay!10 Concierge Service Hotels in Hakone
-
Easy Day Trip from Tokyo! Ultimate Sightseeing Guide for Hakone & Lake Ashinoko!
-
5 Foreign Residents Share Inside Tips & Favorite Sakura Spots in Tokyo
-
Visiting the Ueno Restaurant Lounge – Best of What To Do in Tokyo (March 2019)
-
Ueno Station Area Guide: Fun Ways to Explore Tokyo's Popular Destination (Area Map & Sightseeing Tips)
-
Kichijoji – Explore Tokyo’s Top-Rated Stylish Suburb in Half a Day!
-
Tokyo Cherry Blossom Festival Season in Photos! (2019)
- #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