Hello! This is Atami Bay Resort Korakuen.

It is that time of year when the cold gradually eases and the season changes from winter to spring. How is everyone doing?

… What a spring-like greeting, but it is still very cold these days…
There have been so many windy days here in Atami recently that I feel like I’m freezing just being outside for a little while lol.

Somehow, I suddenly miss the warmth of spring… (´;omega;decision)

So, in this blog, we would like to introduce an event that will help you get a little ahead of the spring season.

In Atami, the 16th Atami Sakura Itokawa Cherry Blossom Festival, a heart-warming event that allows visitors to feel the arrival of spring even in the cold season, has begun.

When you think of cherry blossoms in Izu, you probably imagine “Kawazu-zakura” (Kawazu cherry blossoms)!

Kawazu-zakura are early-blooming cherry trees that begin to bloom in early February, and the blossoms along the riverside in Kawazu are simply “magnificent.
The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival attracts a large number of tourists every year.

Cherry blossoms can be seen early in Atami, and are called “Atami Sakura”. They are said to be the earliest blooming cherry trees in Japan, and start blooming in early January.

When the pink blossoms bloom, the promenade along the Itogawa River and other places in the city are filled with a sense of spring, which is unique to the cold season.

This is the only way to go! So, I actually went to the Itogawa Cherry Blossom Festival and would like to share it with you all!
(I actually went on January 19, 2026!)

This year’s “16th Atami Sakura Itokawa Cherry Blossom Festival” will be held from January 10 to February 8, 2026!

During the festival, the cherry blossoms lining the Itogawa River promenade shine in the sunlight, and at night they are illuminated from 16:30 to 23:00, creating a fantastic night view of cherry blossoms!

Itogawa is a small river in the city of Atami, but there are various stores along the promenade, and it is a wonderful place with a nostalgic atmosphere.

Walking along the promenade even when the cherry blossoms are not in bloom, it is a peaceful spot in Atami, but when you come when the Atami cherry blossoms are in bloom, the feeling of the cherry blossoms blending with the usual scenery and the clear winter air is somehow gentle to the soul.

At the time of my visit, there were still many buds and the flowers were beginning to change color considerably, if not fully bloomed.
(It was a beautiful day with no wind, calm and blue sky.

Along the Itogawa River, beautiful Atami cherry blossoms are blooming like this!

The promenade along the Itogawa River is a walking path where you can view the cherry blossoms while walking slowly, taking pictures and enjoying the scenery along the river. When you stop to look up at the cherry blossoms, the pale pink petals are reflected in the winter sky, and you can’t help but smile (**).

Atami cherry blossoms are very impressive with their gentle pink color in the still cold season. Cherry blossoms seen in the clear winter air are somewhat dignified and have a different charm from those seen in the main season of spring.

Generally speaking, “Someiyoshino” is the most famous cherry blossom, but compared to someiyoshino, which are whitish pink, I had the impression that the pink color was slightly darker.

It is so pleasant to stroll slowly along the river and look at the cherry blossoms that you can’t help but slow down your walking pace.

There is a place where there is a spring of water in the middle of the promenade, and it was lovely to see the cherry petals floating on the surface of the water (^^).

The parapets of the promenade were decorated in places with unique sea creature objects, which were distinctive.
(I think the first one is a flounder, but what kind of creature is the second one…? LOL)

The overall calm atmosphere was also impressive, with people taking pictures, enjoying conversation while looking up at the cherry blossoms, and spending time in their own way.

Rather than “hanami” (cherry blossom viewing), it may be more like “going for a walk to look for spring!

During the festival, there will be a variety of events such as street performances, band performances, cherry blossom tea ceremony, tea service, etc., although the schedule is limited!
The music you hear under the cherry blossoms and the aroma of warm tea will relax your mind and make your winter trip a memorable experience.

It was a short trip, but satisfying enough, such was the Cherry Blossom Festival!

Since we are here, we would like to introduce a few recommended model courses around the area!
How about strolling along the Itogawa River from mid-morning to around noon, taking your time to enjoy the Atami cherry blossoms, and then having lunch or a cafe in the city?

There are so many restaurants in downtown Atami that it’s hard to decide where to go… It’s a luxurious problem. lol
(By the way, Atami Bay Resort Korakuen is also open for lunch at the restaurant ” HARBOR’S W”! Dine at a restaurant with a great view! If you are thinking of having a meal at a restaurant with a great view, I recommend it.

How about taking a quick bath at OCEAN SPA Fuua in the afternoon to rest your tired body after a long day of walking?

Soaking in the onsen in the open space overlooking the ocean and thinking back to the view of the cherry blossoms seen during the day is a unique way to enjoy this time of year. The slightly cooler outdoor air makes the comfort of the onsen even more pleasant.

For those of you who plan to stay at Atami Korakuen Hotel, we recommend that you take a stroll and stop by. (15-20 minutes walk from Atami Korakuen Hotel)
There are times when you can enjoy the cherry blossoms quietly without worrying about crowds, so please take a walk and feel the unique cherry blossom scenery of Atami (^^)

Last but not least, this season is just a short transition from winter to spring.
Why not spend a moment to feel spring a little earlier with the Atami cherry blossoms?

We hope you will enjoy a special moment at the 16th Atami Cherry Blossom Itokawa Cherry Blossom Festival, where you can find a hint of spring in the cold with the early blooming cherry blossoms that will make your heart feel a little lighter!

Click here to book your stay at Atami Korakuen Hotel!