Atami Sakura... in February

Late Jan - late Feb. Wait! Cherry blossoms in Kanto area bloom in late March/ early April not in February. True for most cherry trees but not for the trees in Atami. They bloom a month earlier. So in case plumblossom is not enough for you and you can't wait the cherry trees to bloom - Atami sakura matsuri might be an option. Plus: you can see plum blossom and sakura at the same time, as there is beautiful plum garden in Atami.

While Atami is a rather small event, you might want to go big and head over to Kawazu Sakura matsuri.

Location: Atami Station is just a 1:30 directly connected train ride from Shinbashi Station in Tokyo. By Shinkansen it's even faster but double price. The harbour, which is worth a visit, is about 10min on foot from station, the sakura promenade starts basically from the harbour. It's the first of thre canals. Follow the canal even if there are no chery trees any more to a very visitworthy shire and then head on to the plum garden which is about 30 min on foot. Try to be not too late in the plum garden as it is placed in a valley where sun will be gone by 3pm and the colours are much nicer with sun.