Winter is in full swing in Japan. Many ski resorts across Japan are packed with thousands of winter sports fanatics. Since it is February now, many are planning to visit Kawazu town to see its spectacular Kawazu cherry blossoms.
When people plan on visiting Japan for viewing cherry blossoms in Japan, spring usually comes to mind. However, travelers can get the taste of hanami in the seaside city of Atami much earlier than usual. Atami Zakura is one of Japan’s earliest cherry blossom varieties, blooming from January to February every year.
You may think it’s surprising, in fact it’s! Don’t you think so? And this is a great chance to enjoy them without a lot of crowds around, which makes a great advantage for many travelers like me. It’s a hidden seasonal highlight and you must experience these blossoms to make your winter trip to Japan quite memorable and exciting.
What is Atami Zakura
Atami Zakura is an early-blooming cherry blossom variety similar to the famous Kawazu Zakura. In Japan, the most common cherry blossom variety is called Somei Yoshino, which blooms for only a short period. On the other hand, this unique sakura variety has a long flowering season, sometimes lasting over a month.
Main features of Atami Zakura:
1. Blooms from early January to mid-February
2. Bright Pink-colored petals
3. Branches are strong enough to endure harsh winter conditions
4. Boasts one of the earliest sakura trees in Japan
5. Buds begin to open in early-January
6. Peak bloom comes around late January
Best Places to Visit for Atami Zakura
The most popular and famous spot for Atami Zakura is Itokawa Promenade. It is located just a short walk from Atami Station. This is a picturesque riverside park lined with around 60 Atami Zakura trees. Cherry blossom illuminations take place in the evening along the river during the Atami Zakura Festival. For many this is a perfect place to enjoy a peaceful leisurely stroll.
Another well-known place to admire these blossoms is around Atami Plum Garden. The road that leads you to Atami Plum Garden features over 20 Atami Zakura trees. They reach in full bloom in late January and can be enjoyed until mid-February.
Many tourists plan on visiting a number of places outside Tokyo. Popular day trips from Tokyo include Lake Kawaguchi, Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Nikko, Atami, and Kamakura. Atami is worth visiting not only because of these stunning Atami Zakura but also for delicate plum blossoms bloom at Atami Plum Garden. Go there and find yourself a space for a peaceful stroll.
Atami is a wonderful place to visit!
Atami is renowned for its Atami Plum Garden, attracting hundreds of visitors every day during its plum festival. With about 470 plum trees of 60 different varieties, this beautiful Japanese garden becomes one of the top places to visit in Shizuoka Prefecture from early January to early March.
The most interesting fact about visiting Atami in late winter is that you can discover Atami Plum Garden as well as the aforementioned Atami Zakura spots. Atami offers an easy day trip or overnight escape from Tokyo. Visitors can easily reach Atami Station by Shinkansen (40-50 minutes one way journey) from Tokyo Station.
If you want to see cherry blossoms in Japan between January and February, you must check out this amazing place (Atami). I am hopeful that your journey would be special. Thank you for reading.