Kawazu Sakura

Feb-early March. While the early sakura in Atami is a rather small event, Kawazu Sakura Matsuri is huge. Rarely saw so many food stands for an event. They line up for 1-2 km along the river. The cherry blossom goes for about 4km along both sides of the river and taking a short bus ride you can even enjoy some hiking to see the seven waterfalls. It is not cheap to go from Tokyo and takes some time, but it really pays off.

Location: Kawazu is about a 2:30h train ride from Tokyo station. Once arrived stroll along the river. After 4km you might want take the bus to mizutare bus stop (hiking up there is difficult as it is a narrow road and another 5-7km away) and take a short 1h tour to see the seven waterfalls. Yozakura - lit up cherry blossoms - is nice to see but not that amazing. Given the fact that it becomes difficult (but possible) to get back to tokyo after 6pm...