Atami Sakura: Enjoy Japan's Gorgeous Early Blooming Cherry Blossoms Near Tokyo (Feb 2025)
- Written by: Timothy Sullivan
Atami sakura are among the earliest cherry blossoms to bloom in Japan. While Japan's main cherry blossom season starts in March, in early February you can get a preview of Japan's sakura season in Atami, a quiet town just south of Tokyo!
In fact, February just might be the perfect time of year to get a preview of Japan's famous cherry blossom season. Here's all about when and where to see these gorgeous early bloomers!
Main image: PIXTA
Atami Sakura: Early cherry blossoms that bloom in February
While the majority of Japan's cherry blossoms tend to bloom in mid to late March, there are varieties that favor opening their flowers at the end of winter, when it's still cold outside.
Atami, a quiet coastal town about 90 minutes south of Tokyo (or 44 minutes via Shinkansen bullet train), is well known for its many onsen hot springs, and given its proximity to Tokyo it is a popular weekend destination for many looking to relax in the natural hot waters.
In February, it becomes a destination of choice for flower lovers, with plum blossoms opening in early-to-mid February. The Atami Sakura cherry blossoms open in late January/early February - around February 4 in recent years. The blossoms remain in bloom for around 10 days or so, drawing crowds of eager tourists.
- From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Atami Station (~36 min.)
- Recommended rail passes: Japan Rail Pass; JR TOKYO Wide Pass (3-Day)
Where can I see Atami sakura?
The promenade along the small Itogawa River is about a 10-minute walk down from Atami Station. Here you'll see 58 trees planted on either side along the street, making for a lovely pastel-pink canopy that runs for around 300 meters. While called a river, the Itogawa is more of a picturesque stream that meanders down to the ocean.
On either side of the river are a variety of small restaurants, shops, and bars, and on the weekends, you might catch some of the local merchants selling drinks and snacks outdoors.
When is the best time to see Atami sakura?
Now you might wonder what time of day is best to catch the gorgeous sakura, and the fact is that you can enjoy them at pretty much all time of day. While you can enjoy tea service and other events nearby from 10am to 3pm, the river and its view is open around the clock.
From morning until early afternoon, you will likely see flocks of energetic mejiro - Japanese white eyes - flitting from flower to flower in search of delicious nectar, their excited peeps drawing crowds of shutterbugs hoping for a shot of these shy birds.
And from around 3-3:30pm, the angle of the sun will bring on 'golden hour' - when the light pink of the flower petals will pop against the blue hues of the sky, making for dramatic images.
As evening draws near, the retro-looking streetlights flick on, bathing the area in a warm incandescent glow.
Then from 4:30pm to 11pm, the blossoms themselves are illuminated from below, casting a romantic glow that's rather enjoyable with a bottle of warm sake.
Where are popular places to take photos of Atami sakura?
There are several small bridges along the Itogawa River, each offering Instaworthy selfie spots. Two particularly popular areas around the Shinyanagi Bridge (shown above) and Dragon Bridge (below).
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Itogawa Sakura Festival 2024糸川桜まつり
- Address Chūōchō, 3, Atami-shi, Shizuoka, 413-0015
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Nearest Station
Atami Station
Access: About a 10-15 minute walk from Atami Station. Go down the covered shopping street in front of the station and continue along the main street down the hill.
・Period: January 6 - February 4, 2024
・Lit up from 4:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
・<a href="https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/208">Official website</a>
Bonus: What to do after seeing the cherry blossoms in Atami?
Depending on the season, you might be able to catch not only the Atami sakura blossoms, but also the famous plum blossoms! These sweet, fragrant flowers come into bloom in early to mid-February as well, and the Atami Plum Garden is a popular scenic spot to see these beauties.
Also, as Atami is a hot spring town, don't miss the chance to soak in soothing onsen waters before your trip back to Tokyo!
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Address
8-11, Baiencho, Atami-shi, Shizuoka, 413-0032
View Map -
Nearest Station
Kinomiya Station (JR Ito Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line)
10 minutes on foot
- Phone Number 0557-86-6218
-
Address
8-11, Baiencho, Atami-shi, Shizuoka, 413-0032
Related articles
Recommended hotels & ryokan in Atami
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Address
1890-16, Atami, Atami-shi, Shizuoka, 413-0033
View Map -
Nearest Station
Atami Station (Tokaido Shinkansen Line / JR Tokaido Main Line / JR Ito Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line)
- Phone Number 0557-67-8828
-
Address
1890-16, Atami, Atami-shi, Shizuoka, 413-0033
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-
Address
14-66, Higashikaigancho, Atami-shi, Shizuoka, 413-0012
View Map -
Nearest Station
Atami Station (Tokaido Shinkansen Line / JR Tokaido Main Line / JR Ito Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line)
10 minutes on foot
- Phone Number 0557-81-8000
-
Address
14-66, Higashikaigancho, Atami-shi, Shizuoka, 413-0012
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-
Address
9-8, Kaikoucho, Atami-shi, Shizuoka, 413-0003
View Map -
Nearest Station
Atami Station (Tokaido Shinkansen Line / JR Tokaido Main Line / JR Ito Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line)
5 minutes by bus
- Phone Number 0557-81-6780
-
Address
9-8, Kaikoucho, Atami-shi, Shizuoka, 413-0003
Chief English Editor
LIVE JAPAN
Timothy Sullivan is a senior English editor who has worked with LIVE JAPAN since 2017. Originally from New York, USA, he has over two decades of experience in Japan and more than 15 years in the digital media sphere. Timothy has played pivotal roles in assisting Japanese enterprises and regional authorities connect with international audiences. When he isn’t traveling, he is helping producing polished copy for LIVE JAPAN, one of Japan’s largest tourism platforms. He received a bachelor’s degree in Communication from the State University of New York College at Geneseo.
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*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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