Most famous for ‘Kawazu Zakura’ blossoms but the idyllic sea-side town of Kawazu in Izu Peninsula offers something all year round.
SPRING COMES EARLY IN KAWAZU
KAWAZU CHERRY BLOSSOMS, NANADARU WATERFALLS, WASABI, SEASIDE ONSEN & JAPANESE HOSPITALITY
Just under 3 hours from Tokyo, lies the city of Kawazu on the east coast of the Izu Peninsula.
Kawazu is a perfect base to explore the natural beauty and local delights of Minami Izu and Central Izu – enjoying the region’s many natural onsen, traditional ryokan and fresh local seafood.
FAMOUS FOR SAKURA
Kawazu is famed for its 850 Kawazu-zakura trees which line the Kawazu River for about 4km, starting a short walk from Kawazu Station to Mine Onsen.
The petals of Kawazu-zakura are distinct by their larger size and deeper pink hue.
The trees are the first to bloom in all of Japan (from early- February to early-March) – a great opportunity for those who cannot visit Japan in peak cherry blossom season.
THE SEVEN WATERFALL OF KAWAZU
During the year, you can also immerse yourself in nature walks amidst Kawazu’s Nanadaru (seven waterfalls).
The Nanadaru waterfall area is especially stunning during Koyo (Autumn leaves) season from late November.
At Shokeidaru falls, you will find a statue of “Odoriko to Watashi” taken from Yasunari Kawabata’s short story ‘Izu no Odoriko’ (the Izu dancer).
Odaru Fall is the highest of the seven waterfalls with a drop of 30meters.
Seven seems to be the magic number, as the region also has seven well known hot springs baths –
Imaihama Onsen, Kawazuhama Onsen, Yatsu Onsen, Mine Onsen, Yugano Onsen, Odaru Onsen and Nanadaru Onsen, with views of the ocean to the mountains.
WHERE THE WILD WASABI GROWS
The area’s clear, crystalline, clean waters make Kawazu a wonderful location for the cultivation of vegetables and other produce, but none more so than wasabi.
The spicy green root that accompanies sushi and other Japanese dishes grows in abundance in the region.
After a soak in Odaru Fall’s onsen baths, take a walk further south and you will discover Amagi Wasabi no sato, a large field of wild wasabi, which is indeed a rare sight.
Make sure to take the time to also experience a wasabi workshop, where you can learn about the root and try your hand at making your own wasabi pickles (a combination of wasabi and the leftover fermentation of sake yeast).
YOUR OWN PRIVATE HOT SPRING
End your explorations with a stay in one of Kawazu’s many traditional onsen ryokans, some a short drive away and others a mere walk from the station.
Kawazu has numerous hotels and ryokans that have their own hot spring source.
Even if you’re unable to stay the night in Kawazu visit a public day onsen like Funado no Banya which sits on the rock face overlooking panoramic views of Sagami Bay.
