12 Best Places to Enjoy Spectacular Spring Scenery in Shizuoka - Not Just Kawazu Sakura

According to the forecast released on January 8, 2026 by a weather information company on “Sakura Navi”, the expected opening and full-bloom dates in 2026 are as follows.
The best viewing period is around March 27–April 3.

This park was developed on the site of Sumpu Castle, which was built in 1585 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate, and where he spent his later years after retirement as “Ogosho” (retired shogun).
Located in the heart of Shizuoka City, it is a popular sightseeing spot and city park surrounded by double moats and stone walls.
Inside the park, structures such as the East Gate, Tatsumi Turret, and Hitsujisaru Turret of Sunpu Castle have been reconstructed, and you can tour the interiors (additional admission required).
In spring, over 800 cherry trees color Sunpu Castle Park in soft pink.
Enjoy a variety of spring views, including cherry blossoms in full bloom in the historic grounds, rows of blossoms along the moat, and Mt. Fuji framed by the blossoms.
After sunset, the illuminated cherry blossoms reflecting on the moat create a magical scene, so visiting both during the day and at night is highly recommended.

Hamamatsu Castle is where Tokugawa Ieyasu spent his early years before unifying Japan.
Hamamatsu Castle Park, which spreads out around the castle keep, sits in the city center yet is surrounded by lush forest, making it a relaxing retreat for locals.
Covering Approx. 10 hectares, the park is a natural haven where you can enjoy seasonal flowers all year round.
In particular, the cherry blossoms in spring are among the best in Hamamatsu, with Approx. 360 Somei Yoshino trees in bloom.
From late March to early April the park is illuminated at night, creating a stunning scene of cherry blossoms and Hamamatsu Castle. Near the castle you will also find a traditional stroll garden in the deep-mountain style, where you can admire fresh spring greenery and weeping cherry blossoms.

This flower and greenery theme park on the shores of Lake Hamana makes the most of its natural terrain, with Approx. 300,000 square meters of grounds where about 3,000 plant species bloom in turn with the seasons.
It is also one of the venues for “Lake Hamana Flower Expo 2024,” held from March 23 to June 16, 2024.
Spring is especially popular, as a wide variety of flowers such as wisterias, roses, Japanese irises and hydrangeas reach their peak like a relay of color.
One must-see highlight is the “Cherry Blossoms & Tulips Garden” from late March to mid-April.
The breathtaking display of 500,000 colorful tulips and 1,300 cherry trees in bloom is often described as “the best in the world” for good reason. During this period the park stays open at night, with illuminated cherry blossoms to enjoy after dark.

Ieyama Cherry Blossom Tunnel in Shimada is Approx. a 12-minute walk from Ieyama Station.
Around 280 cherry trees line both sides of National Route 473 for about 1 km, their pale pink and white petals forming a tunnel over the road.
The view of the blossoms from the walking path is beautiful, but if you rent a car and drive through the cherry-lined road, you can enjoy both the scenery and a refreshing sense of freedom.
Right next to Ieyama Cherry Blossom Tunnel runs a railway with steam locomotives, and when you ride the SL, you can admire the full-bloom cherry blossoms from the train window.
It is also recommended to watch the rare sight of an SL running right beside the rows of cherry trees from the outside.
From late March to early April each year, the Kawane Sakura Festival is held, featuring various events.
Food stalls line the area, so you can enjoy local gourmet specialties while viewing the blossoms.

Okuyama Park in Hamamatsu is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
In spring, this natural park is colored by about 1,000 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino.
The grounds are gently undulating, creating dynamic cherry blossom scenery that makes use of the terrain.
The main highlight is the view of the blossoms from the Yume-no-Ukihashi (“Dream Floating Bridge”) over the park’s pond.
The branches stretching out toward you are truly impressive, and their reflection on the water is equally beautiful.
Yume-no-Ukihashi extends a long way to both sides, allowing you to enjoy the blossoms from many angles.
Around the peak bloom period, the Okuhamanako Sakura Festival is held, and the park is illuminated at night.
Stroll across Yume-no-Ukihashi and soak in the magical cherry blossoms of Okuyama Park.

Izu-Kogen is a popular resort area among both domestic and international visitors, known for its rich nature and hot springs.
If you visit in spring, don’t miss the famous cherry blossom spot, the Izu-Kogen Cherry Blossom Avenue.
Around Izu-Kogen Station, Approx. 600 Okanzakura and Somei Yoshino trees line the roads for about 3km, creating a spectacular tunnel of blossoms.
Okanzakura bloom 1–2 weeks earlier than Somei Yoshino, so you can enjoy beautiful scenery over a longer period.
Their softly pink flowers hang downward, offering an especially lovely view when you look up from below.
It is only about a 1-minute walk from Izu-Kogen Station, and the trees are lit up at night, which is another highlight.

Sakura no Sato in Ito City is one of the Izu Peninsula’s top cherry blossom spots and is listed among the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Sites in Japan”.
At the foot of Mt. Omuro, an expansive 40,000m² park is colored by Approx. 40 varieties and 1,500 cherry trees.
Thanks to the many varieties, you can enjoy different blossoms over a long season, from early-blooming Kawazu-zakura and Shizuoka’s local Ito-zakura to classic Somei Yoshino.
Each variety has its own flower color and blooming style, so it’s fun to stroll around and compare them.
If you find a favorite variety, consider timing your visit to its blooming period.
The cherry blossom area is covered with grass and offers wide-open views, perfect for a relaxed hanami picnic.
During the Somei Yoshino season, an evening cherry blossom viewing event is held, where the illuminated trees create a mysteriously beautiful atmosphere.

Mishima Taisha enshrines two deities, Ōyamatsumi-no-Mikoto and Tsumihayaekotoshironushi-no-Kami, and is also known together as Mishima Daimyōjin.
Its history is ancient and the exact founding date is unknown, but the shrine name “Mishima” was adopted as the name of the surrounding city, Mishima.
The shrine is believed to bring good fortune in business and safety for families, and one of its main highlights is the size of the main hall.
It is among the largest in Japan, comparable to Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture.
The solemn and imposing appearance of the building is truly awe-inspiring.
Around 15 varieties and 200 cherry trees bloom within the grounds, welcoming worshippers.
The vivid cherry blossoms set against the shrine’s dignified atmosphere create a quintessentially Japanese scene.
From late March to early April, the grounds are lit up at night, casting a magical glow on the Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees at their peak.

At Goten-yama in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Approx. 600 cherry trees, mainly Somei Yoshino with some Oshima-zakura, come into bloom.
A walking trail leads to the summit, making it ideal for light trekking.
It’s a great choice if you want to enjoy cherry blossoms while getting some exercise.
From the Sakura Suspension Bridge along the route, you can look down over the city and Suruga Bay framed by cherry blossoms - a breathtaking view.
Even outside the cherry blossom season, the area offers sweeping views of beautiful Mt. Fuji.
During the Kanbara Goten-yama Sakura Festival, the area is illuminated, and Goten-yama Plaza and the grounds of Yasaka Shrine at the foot of the mountain are lively with food stalls and hanami visitors.

Along the Approx. 6km stretch from the mouth of the Naka River to Ōsawa Onsen, about 1,200 cherry trees line the banks in full bloom.
Bright yellow rapeseed flowers bloom beneath the trees at the same time, creating a striking contrast with the pale pink cherry blossoms.
With mountains in the background and cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers lining the river, the scenery looks like a painting.
Reflections of the blossoms on the water and petals floating on the river’s surface add to the beauty.
During the cherry blossom season, the trees are illuminated at night, and their bluish-white glow reflects on the mirror-like river.

Awagatake is a 532m-high mountain straddling Kakegawa and Shimada cities.
In spring, Approx. 500 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, wild mountain cherry, and Sato-zakura, burst into bloom.
From the summit, photographers gather to capture spectacular views over the city, Mt. Fuji, and the Southern Alps.
The open panorama of blue sky, distant mountains, and the city below, all framed by cherry blossoms, is not to be missed.
Cherry trees also bloom along the trail, so you can enjoy hanami while hiking.
Near the summit stands Awawa Shrine, where the annual Awawa Shrine Cherry Blossom Festival is held.