More Than Kawazu-zakura: 12 Popular Cherry Blossom Spots in Shizuoka for Stunning Spring Scenery

According to the first bloom and full bloom forecast dates for 2026 announced by a weather information company on February 5, 2026, on “Weather Map,” the dates are as follows.
The best viewing period is around March 27 to April 3.

The ruins of Sunpu Castle, built in 1585 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun who established the Edo shogunate, and where he spent his later years as a retired shogun, have been developed into a park.
Located in the center of Shizuoka City, it is a public park surrounded by double moats and stone walls, and many people visit it as a tourist attraction as well.
Inside the park, structures such as Sunpu Castle’s Higashi-mon Gate, Tatsumi Yagura, and Hitsujisaru Yagura have been reconstructed, and you can also tour the interiors of each (separate admission required).
In spring, over 800 cherry trees beautifully color “Sunpu Castle Park.”
Enjoy a variety of spring scenery, including cherry blossoms in full bloom throughout the atmospheric park, moats lined with blossoms at their peak, and views of Mt. Fuji seen through fully blooming cherry blossoms.
After sunset, you can enjoy a fantastic view of illuminated cherry blossoms reflected on the surface of the moat, so visiting twice—both during the day and at night—is also recommended.

Hamamatsu Castle is where Tokugawa Ieyasu spent his days before rising to power.
Hamamatsu Castle Park spreads out around the castle keep, and while it’s located in the city center, it’s surrounded by lush forest and is a relaxing spot for locals.
Covering an expansive Approx. 10 hectares, the park is a treasure trove of nature where you can enjoy seasonal flowers throughout the year.
In particular, its spring cherry blossoms are known as one of the best spots in the city, with Approx. 360 Somei Yoshino trees and more in bloom.
From late March to early April, the area is also illuminated, creating a beautiful pairing of nighttime cherry blossoms and Hamamatsu Castle. Near the castle is a Miyama-style strolling Japanese garden, where you can also enjoy fresh spring greenery and weeping cherry blossoms.

A flower-and-greenery theme park on the shores of Lake Hamana, where you can enjoy around 3,000 types of plants in bloom throughout the seasons across a vast 300,000-square-meter site that makes use of the natural terrain.
It is also one of the venues for “Hamanako Flower Expo 2024,” held from March 23 to June 16, 2024.
Spring is especially popular, as wisteria, roses, Japanese irises, hydrangeas, and many other flowers take turns reaching their peak like a relay.
In particular, don’t miss the “Sakura and Tulip Garden” from late March to mid-April.
The colorful display of 500,000 tulips alongside 1,300 cherry trees is so beautiful it’s often compared to being “the best in the world.” During this season, the park is also open at night, with illuminated nighttime cherry blossoms.

Approx. 12 minutes on foot from the nearest station, Ieyama Station, you’ll find the “Ieyama Sakura Tunnel” in Shimada City.
About 280 cherry trees line both sides of National Route 473 for around 1 km, forming a tunnel of pale pink and white petals.
The view looking up from the promenade is beautiful, but if you rent a car and drive through the cherry-lined road, you can feel both the beauty of the blossoms and the refreshing sense of openness at the same time.
Right next to the “Ieyama Sakura Tunnel” are tracks where a steam locomotive runs, and if you ride it, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in full bloom from the window.
It’s also recommended to see the rare sight of the steam locomotive running right alongside the cherry-lined road from outside.
Typically, the Kawane Sakura Festival is held from late March to early April, with a variety of events.
Food stalls line up, letting you enjoy local specialties while viewing the blossoms.

Okuyama Park in Hamamatsu City is well known as a top cherry blossom spot.
It’s a nature park where 1,000 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, color the grounds in spring.
The park’s gently undulating terrain creates dynamic cherry blossom scenery.
The biggest highlight is the view of cherry blossoms from “Yume no Ukihashi” (Dream Floating Bridge) spanning the park’s pond.
The blossoms seem to stretch out toward you, and their reflections on the water are also beautiful.
“Yume no Ukihashi” extends long to both sides, so you can enjoy the blossoms from many different angles.
During peak season, the Okuhamanako Sakura Festival is held, and the area is illuminated at night.
Enjoy the enchanting cherry blossoms of “Okuyama Park” as you cross “Yume no Ukihashi.”

Izu Kogen is a popular tourist area for visitors from Japan and abroad, known for its rich nature and hot springs.
If you’re sightseeing in Izu Kogen in spring, the must-visit cherry blossom spot is the “Izu Kogen Cherry Blossom Avenue.”
A spectacular scene unfolds as around 600 Okanzakura and Somei Yoshino trees color the roads around Izu Kogen Station for a total length of 3 km.
Okanzakura bloom around 1 to 2 weeks earlier than Somei Yoshino, which is one reason you can enjoy beautiful scenery for a longer period.
Because Okanzakura bloom facing downward with pale crimson flowers, they’re especially beautiful when viewed looking up.
Another plus is the convenient access—around a 1-minute walk from the nearest station, Izu Kogen Station—and nighttime illuminations.

Sakura no Sato in Ito City is one of the Izu Peninsula’s best-known cherry blossom spots, and it’s also selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.”
At the foot of Mt. Omuro, around 1,500 cherry trees across about 40 varieties color this spacious site of Approx. 40,000 m.
With so many types of sakura, you can enjoy a long season of blooms, from early-blooming Kawazu-zakura and Shizuoka’s unique Ito-zakura to the classic Somei Yoshino.
Since each variety has its own distinct color and bloom style, it’s also recommended to compare them as you stroll around.
If you find a favorite, it’s a great idea to visit again at its peak bloom time.
The cherry blossom area is grassy with open views, offering a relaxed, spacious hanami experience.
At the nighttime cherry blossom viewing event held to coincide with the Somei Yoshino season, you can enjoy a mysterious yet beautiful atmosphere.

Mishima Taisha Shrine, also known as Mishima Daimyojin, enshrines two deities: Oyamatumi-no-Mikoto and Tsumihayae Kotoshironushi-no-Kami.
Its history is ancient, and while the exact founding date is unknown, the shrine name “Mishima” also became the place name “Mishima City.”
It is said to bring blessings such as business success and household safety, and one highlight is the size of the main hall.
It is among the largest in Japan—so large that it rivals Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimane.
You’ll likely be overwhelmed by its solemn and powerful presence.
Within the shrine grounds, around 200 cherry trees of about 15 varieties bloom to welcome visitors.
Colorful cherry blossoms blooming amid the solemn atmosphere create a uniquely Japanese sense of beauty.
From late March to early April, nighttime illuminations are held, fantastically highlighting Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees that are at their best during this season.

At Gotenyama in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, you can see around 600 cherry trees, mainly Somei Yoshino along with Oshima-zakura and more.
With walking trails maintained up to the summit, it’s also perfect for trekking.
It’s recommended for those who want to enjoy cherry blossoms while being active.
From the “Sakura Suspension Bridge” along the way, you can look down through the blossoms at a spectacular view of the city and Suruga Bay.
Another highlight is that you can take in beautiful views of Mt. Fuji not only during cherry blossom season, but year-round.
During the Kanbara Gotenyama Sakura Festival, the area is illuminated, and Gotenyama Plaza and the grounds of Yasaka Shrine at the base become lively with food stalls and cherry blossom viewers.

The “Cherry Blossom Trees Along the Naka River” feature around 1,200 cherry trees in full bloom along a Approx. 6 km route from the mouth of the Naka River to Osawa Onsen.
Under the cherry trees, canola flowers also bloom at their peak around the same time, creating a beautiful contrast between pale pink cherry blossoms and bright yellow canola blossoms.
With the mountains as a backdrop, the sight of cherry blossoms and canola flowers blooming wildly along the river feels like a painting.
The cherry blossoms reflected in the river and petals floating on the water are also beautiful.
During cherry blossom season, the area is illuminated, and the bluish-white blossoms reflect off the mirror-like river.

Awagatake is a 532-meter mountain that rises across Kakegawa City and Shimada City.
In spring, around 500 cherry trees—including Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura, and Satozakura—bloom in full glory.
The summit, which offers views of the city as well as Mt. Fuji and the Southern Alps, is a spectacular spot that also draws photography lovers.
Don’t miss the open, airy view of the blue sky, distant mountains, and the city below, seen through cherry blossoms.
Since cherry trees also bloom along the way, you can enjoy hanami while hiking.
Near the summit is Awawa Shrine, where the Awawa Shrine Sakura Festival is typically held.