Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival

• Feb. 5, 2020 to March 8, 2020 
• Nighttime illumination starts from around 5 p.m.

From about the first week of February all the way through the first week of March, tourists both local and foreign head toward Miura Kaigan Station to see over 1,000 Cherry Blossom trees in full bloom.

Picture bright, cotton candy pink flowers hovering above you as you make your way down the street.

One of the reasons this festival is so popular is because its cherry blossoms called kawazu-zakura bloom much earlier and last much longer than the other varieties that come after it. Just south of Yokohama, and right on the edge of Tokyo Bay, Miura Kaigan is a scenic place to see these early-blooming spring flowers.

Start at Miura Kaigan Station

The festival itself stretches from Miura Kaigan Station all the way to Komatsugaike Park. Cherry blossom trees line the street for about a kilometer from the station.

Picture bright, cotton candy pink flowers hovering above you as you make your way down the street. The gentle swaying of the trees and the falling of cherry blossom petals practically set the scene for a romantic comedy. Watch out for crowds though, especially on weekends and holidays.

When you arrive at Miura Kaigan Station, you’ll see a handful of festival stalls selling snacks and alcohol. The smell of the usual festival food culprits like takoyaki, grilled chicken skewers, and dango (sweet rice dumplings) fill the air.

Depending on the time you choose to visit, the mood of the festival changes. At night, the trees are illuminated creating the perfect scenery for a nighttime hanami (cherry blossom viewing party). Usually, the light-up starts around 5 p.m.

Use the Misaki Maguro Pass for easy access

If you plan on going to the festival, consider buying the Misaki Maguro Pass at Shinagawa Station. The pass includes roundtrip transportation by train from Shinagawa Station, unlimited use of local buses within the Miura peninsula, and a sightseeing activity. Underwater sightseeing boat cruise anyone?

To top it off, you get a free meal from one of the participating local restaurants. Free food is always a good thing.

Priced at little less than ¥4,000 it’s a great option for travelers on a budget. Look for the Keikyu Line office at Shinagawa Station to buy one. Happy cherry blossom viewing!