Just 43 minutes south of Tokyo, Atami combines ocean views, onsen ryokan, and a warmer climate that allows spring to arrive ahead of much of the Kanto region.

One of the area’s standout spots for early blossoms is ACAO FOREST, a spacious garden park overlooking the sea. In addition to cherry trees, the grounds feature multiple themed gardens filled with herbs, flowers, and seasonal plantings that change throughout the year.

From January 13 through late March 2026, the park hosts its limited-time ACAO FOREST – Sakura Blooming Pink Festa, a seasonal event that highlights the gradual blooming of cherry blossoms across the grounds. As the weeks pass, different areas of the park take on new colors, making it a destination that can be enjoyed at multiple points during the season.

One reason ACAO FOREST offers such a long cherry blossom season is the variety of trees planted throughout the park.

Early in the season, Atami-zakura typically begin blooming from late January, followed by Kawazu-zakura from mid to late February. As spring approaches, kan-zakura and dai-kan-zakura appear in early March, with Oshima-zakura and Somei Yoshino blooming from late March into early April.

Because peak timing differs by variety, visitors can enjoy different cherry blossom scenery depending on when they travel. This makes ACAO FOREST a good option for travelers visiting Japan before Tokyo’s main cherry blossom season begins.

During the festival period, several cafés within ACAO FOREST offer limited-time menus inspired by cherry blossoms and seasonal ingredients.

Venues such as COEDA HOUSE, CODA ROSSA, and nagisArt café serve a rotating selection of spring-themed items, including sakura-colored breads, strawberry-based sweets, and seasonal drinks designed to match the pink hues of the gardens. These menus change throughout the event, adding another reason to visit at different times during the season.

At COEDA HOUSE, highlights include a sakura-colored open sandwich topped with seasonal ingredients that change daily (660 yen), offering a light, spring-themed bite to enjoy while exploring the gardens.

The café also serves its popular strawberry cheesecake (620 yen) alongside a limited-season Shizuoka strawberry canelé (520 yen), both designed to reflect the flavors of early spring in the region.

Visitors can also take part in a variety of spring-themed workshops held within the park. These include craft experiences such as floral arrangements, wreath-making, and other seasonal items that reflect the colors and materials of early spring.

Workshops are held on select dates, with some sessions offered primarily on weekends and holidays. For travelers interested in hands-on activities, checking schedules in advance can help align a visit with available programs.

For example, the Spring Floral Herbarium Workshop invites participants to create a spring-themed herbarium by arranging colorful flowers inside a glass bottle, resulting in a simple keepsake inspired by early spring.

Throughout the Sakura Blooming Pink Festa, pink-themed photo spots are set up around the park, designed to complement both the cherry blossoms and Atami’s coastal scenery. These installations change with the season and offer different backdrops as flowers come into bloom.

In addition, select cherry trees are softly illuminated in the evening, creating a quieter, more atmospheric way to enjoy the blossoms after sunset. Visiting later in the day offers a different experience from daytime walks through the gardens.

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.

Because bloom timing varies by cherry blossom variety, checking current conditions before visiting can help travelers plan their trip around the scenery they hope to see.

(Source, photos: ACAO SPA & RESORT)

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 10 to February 8, 2026, 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.

During cherry blossom season, popular viewing spots can become crowded. For travelers who prefer a more relaxed experience, booking a guided cherry blossom tour in advance can be a convenient way to enjoy the scenery while avoiding peak congestion.