2-Day Atami & Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival Guide: Itinerary, Food & Transport

A complete summary of the 1-night, 2-day Atami & Kawazu trip course, where you can meet the earliest cherry blossoms near Tokyo in February.

We've meticulously organized everything from Shinkansen and Odoriko seat tips (Mt. Fuji view), JR Pass usage, and cherry blossom festival schedules to local-approved restaurants and the high-value Ocean Spa (Fuua) with a night view.

Hello. This is Tokyo Mate, bringing you the first news of spring.

The winter wind in Tokyo city is still cold, but did you know there's a place where spring has already begun just an hour away by train?

It's Atami, a resort city where deep pink Kawazu-zakura petals flutter, and plum blossoms, hot springs, and gourmet food all harmonize.

Today, I'm sharing my [February Atami/Kawazu 1-night 2-day trip timetable]. Follow along for everything from complex train reservations to local-verified restaurant routes and tips for enjoying a luxury spa for just around $7.50.

🌸 1. Why visit Atami & Kawazu in February?

"A pink spring one month earlier than Tokyo, an Izu Peninsula trip"

February is a somewhat chilly and ambiguous time to travel within Tokyo city.

However, if you turn your gaze toward the Tokyo suburbs (Izu Peninsula), a completely different season unfolds.

There are exactly three reasons why you can meet spring a step ahead of others.

1️⃣ Earliest Cherry Blossoms in Japan
In the Kawazu area of Shizuoka Prefecture, you can meet Kawazu-zakura (河津桜), which blooms earliest in Japan, in February.

Unlike the pale Somei Yoshino, its characteristic deep pink color is its charm, allowing photos to remain relatively vivid even on cloudy days.

2️⃣ A "4-in-1" City, Atami ♨️
If you're reluctant to return after just seeing cherry blossoms, Atami is the answer. You can enjoy the sentiment of the plum blossom season, the atmosphere of a hot spring city, ocean views, and seasonal seafood all within a short schedule.

3️⃣ 'Value for Money' more relaxed than March 💸
Compared to the peak cherry blossom season (March-April), the range of accommodation choices is wider and the tourist density is relatively lower.

If you're a traveler who says, "I want to see cherry blossoms but don't want to be pushed around by crowds," the 2-February Atami/Kawazu combination is the most realistic choice.

📅 2. [Summary] Atami & Kawazu 1-Night 2-Day Trip Timetable

The core concept of this trip is to enjoy "cherry blossoms in Kawazu during the day and hot springs and gourmet food in Atami at night."

📍 Day 1. Cherry Blossom Festival and Atami Night (Saturday)

📍 Day 2. Plum Blossoms and Atami Gourmet Tour (Sunday)

3. Transportation Guide: Seat Tips & JR Pass

1) Tokyo → Atami: What should you take?

⚠️ JR Tokyo Wide Pass Note
The Wide Pass **CANNOT** be used for the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Atami! Holders must take the **② Limited Express Odoriko** to travel for free.

🗻 [Tip] How to see 'Mt. Fuji' from the Shinkansen

• 
• Recommended Seat: Row E (2-person window seat / Proceeding direction right)
• Note: Shinkansen has many tunnels, so sea views are rare. If you want sea views, choose the Odoriko!

2) Atami → Kawazu: Luxury vs Value

🌊 [Tip] Odoriko 'Sea View' Prime Seats

• Recommended Seats: Row A, Row B (Sea side)
• Reason: Because it runs along the coastline of the Izu Peninsula, you must secure the sea side (A, B)!

3) Train Reservation Method (Sold-out Warning)

Tickets sell out quickly during the Kawazu Sakura Festival period (February).

Reservation Open: 10:00 AM, one month prior to boarding.

Essential: Don't just book the going ticket; book the return ticket in advance too. (Level where on-site ticketing becomes impossible)

👉 Reserve via JR East Official Site (Ekinet)

👉 Preview JR Pass/Tickets on Klook

📸 4. Highlights of this trip: Major Attractions & Festival Info

These are the core landmarks and the latest 2026 festival schedules for this 1-night 2-day trip. Be sure to check them before you visit!

1) 2026 Kawazu Sakura Festival

This festival announces spring earliest on the Japanese mainland. The deep pink cherry blossom tunnel, stretching over 4km along the riverbank, is a spectacular sight.

• Period: February 7 (Sat) – March 8 (Sun), 2026
• Location: Kawazu-cho, Shizuoka (Around Kawazu Station and riverbank)
• Light-up: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Night illumination)
• Point: The collaboration of yellow canola flowers blooming under the cherry blossoms creates artistic colors.

2) Atami Plum Garden (Atami Baien)

About 470 plum trees bloom here, including ancient trees over 100 years old. It is famous as the place where "autumn leaves fall latest and plum blossoms bloom earliest in Japan."

• Festival Period: January 10 (Sat) – March 8 (Sun), 2026
• Operating Hours: 08:30 – 16:00 (Open for free outside these hours, but very dark)
• Entrance Fee: 300 yen
• 💰 Pro Tip: Guests staying in Atami city get a discount to 100 yen! Be sure to bring your receipt or proof of stay from the hotel front desk.

3) Kinomiya Shrine

The best 'Power Spot' in Atami.

• Highlight: A giant 'Camphor Tree (Okusu)' over 2,000 years old.
• Legend: There is a legend that if you walk around the tree once, your lifespan will increase by one year.
• Cafe: The cafe inside the shrine is very stylish. A 'Camphor Tree Latte' or a dessert proof shot is a must!

4) Moon Terrace & Sun Beach

The place where you can see why Atami is called the 'Naples of the East'.

• Atmosphere: An exotic landscape of palm trees, white sand, and the blue sea.
• Walk: On a day with good weather, photos taken with the sea as a backdrop at Moon Terrace guarantee a lifetime shot.

🍴 5. Core of this trip: A "Never-Boring" Gourmet Road

"Since I'm in Atami, should I eat only raw fish for two days?" NO! While it's a paradise for seafood, eating only raw food can get tiring. We've structured this with a golden balance of [Raw - Cooked - Grilled] to ensure you enjoy every meal to the end.

1️⃣ Day 1 Lunch: Beginning of Freshness [Raw]

• Restaurant: Izu-taro (伊豆太郎)
• Menu: Fresh Kaisen-don
• Reason: Located inside the Atami Station building (Lusca), so there's no travel burden right after arrival. Freshness that marks the start of the trip!
• 📍 View Google Maps Location

2️⃣ Day 1 Dinner: Warmth that Melts Fatigue [Cooked]

• Restaurant: Irori Chaya (囲炉茶屋)
• Menu: Atami specialty simmered Kinmedai & hearth hearth-grilled seafood
• Reason: For dinner, you should relieve fatigue with warm simmered dishes and a drink. The atmosphere is artistic.
• 📍 View Google Maps Location

3️⃣ Day 2 Lunch: 150-Year Tradition [Grilled]

• Restaurant: Kamatsuru (釜つる)
• Menu: Semi-dried grilled fish (Himono) set meal
• Reason: A true local restaurant where you can feel that Atami is a "fishing village city." This is the place if you want a deep taste, not just a tourist restaurant.
• 📍 View Google Maps Location

4️⃣ Day 2 Dinner: A Spectacular Finale [Visual]

• Restaurant: Washoku-dokoro Kobayashi (和食処こばやし)
• Menu: Yume Chirashi (Dream Bowl)
• Reason: That exact visual hot on Instagram! The last meal of the trip should please both eyes and mouth.
• 📍 View Google Maps Location

🍰 Atami's 3 Major Desserts You'll Regret Missing

The stomach for a meal and the stomach for dessert are separate, right? These are must-visit courses for proof shots.

① Atami Pudding (熱海プリン): Characterized by the hippopotamus character and milk bottles. A "I came to Atami" proof shot is mandatory! (If the line is long, go to the 2nd branch)

📍 View Google Maps Location

② Atami Butter-an (熱海ばたーあん): An evolution of Ang-butter. An overwhelming visual with whole butter inside freshly baked bread. Recommended for a 'hand-held shot'.

📍 View Google Maps Location

③ Ichigo BonBonBERRY: A strawberry dessert specialty shop. The entire building is a photo zone, perfect for picking a thumbnail.

📍 View Google Maps Location

💡 Tip: If the weekend lunch wait for a famous restaurant exceeds 1 hour, boldly divert to a nearby local restaurant with a Google Maps rating of 4.0 or higher.

♨️ 6. Enjoying Atami Onsen 200% (Footbath, Spa, Experience)

Atami is a hot spring city whose name means 'Hot Sea'. Even if your lodging doesn't have a large public bath, don't worry. Here are the top 3 spots to enjoy as a day trip.

1️⃣ Healing in 1 Minute: Ieyasu-no-Yu

A natural hot spring footbath located in the plaza right after exiting the Atami Station ticket gates. You can enjoy for free the hot spring water loved by Tokugawa Ieyasu.

• Location: Atami Station Plaza (1 min walk)
• Fee: Free
• Towel Essential: Prepare a hand towel in your backpack's outer pocket to wipe wet feet. (It's a disaster if it's deep inside your suitcase!)
• Don't have one? You can buy a commemorative towel for 100 yen from a vending machine. (Recommended as a souvenir)
• 📍 View Google Maps Location

2️⃣ Between Value and Luxury: Ocean Spa Fuua

An ocean-view infinity spa located at the Atami Korakuen Hotel. If your lodging has no public bath, you must go here on the evening of Day 1.

• Highlight: The 25m long 'Open-air Tachi-yu (Standing Bath)'. The feeling of floating on the sea while watching the night view of Atami is beyond words.
• 💸 Fee Tip (After 8): You can use it for less than half price when entering after 8 PM.
• After 8 Discount Ticket: 1,440 yen (approx. $10) / Regular price (weekend): 3,410 yen
• (Lounge use is not possible, but if onsen is the purpose, it's the best choice!)
• 🚌 Movement Tip: You can save on transportation costs by using the free shuttle connecting Atami Station (first bus 9:40, last 19:00) and the hotel (first 8:30, last 22:20).
• 📍 View Google Maps Location

3) The Fun of Boiling Yourself: Ozawa-no-Yu

An experiential hot spring on the Day 2 walking course. You can boil eggs yourself in the steaming hot spring steam.

• Location: Atami city (Walkable from Kinomiya Shrine)
• 🥚 Where are the eggs? There's nothing in front of the onsen. There's a liquor store called Tannaya (丹那屋) across the street that sells eggs and salt, so be sure to buy them there before crossing.
• Caution: The golden time is 7-8 minutes! They get dry if left too long, so be sure to set a timer.
• 📍 View Google Maps Location

🏨 7. Recommended Lodging: Prince Smart Inn Atami

Atami Station 3 Min Walk! Value for Money & Free Breakfast

The reason for choosing Prince Smart Inn Atami as the base camp for this 1-night 2-day trip is clear. It's closest to the station, the system is fast, and breakfast is free. There's no more rational choice for a traveler on a full schedule.

📍 View Google Maps Location

1. Overwhelming Location (3 Min from Station)

• Location: Approx. 3 min walk from JR Atami Station (17-14 Kasugacho)
• Advantage: Atami is a city with many hills. If you get far from the station, you have to hike while pulling a suitcase. This place is almost attached to the station, so it's optimal for leaving your luggage immediately upon arrival and starting your trip lightly.

2. End with a Smartphone! (App Check-in & Mobile Key)

• No Waiting: No need to wait in a long line at the front desk. Pre-check-in with the app and enter in 1 second via kiosk.
• Mobile Key: Your smartphone becomes the room key, no worries about losing card keys.
• Check-out: Check out 'Sakutto (lightly)' with the app when you leave! Perfect for travelers who value every minute and second.

3. 'Tully's Coffee' Free Breakfast (Ultimate Value)

The biggest charm of this hotel is the free breakfast provided to all guests.

• Location: Tully's Coffee on 1F
• Time: 06:30 AM – 11:30 AM
• Menu: Present the receipt (breakfast voucher) received at check-in to enjoy a freshly baked bread and coffee set for free.
• Tip: Since it opens from 6:30 AM, you can eat early and start your Day 2 schedule (Plum Garden) diligently.

4. No-Fills Room (Compact & Functional)

• Feature: A room focused on functionality rather than luxury. It's compact but has everything you need, and it's very clean as it hasn't been long since opening.
• Point: Pleasant as all rooms are non-smoking, and faithful to the essence of sleeping and resting. (Shower booth type, no public bath → That's why we planned the 'Fuua' hot spring for the evening of Day 1!)

🔍 Compare Prince Smart Inn Atami Lowest Prices (Skyscanner)

💡 One-line Review: "The smartest choice for a 1-night 2-day Atami trip, reducing complex procedures and leaving only the joy of travel."

🎒 8. Practical Prep & Outfiting Guide

Izu Peninsula in February has a spring vibe, but the sea breeze is still sharp. Here's a checklist for a failure-free trip.

👕 Clothing: Layering is the Answer

• Weather: Warm during the day (8~12℃), but the perceived temperature drops sharply when the sun goes down or you go to the beach.
• Recommended Outfit: [Heattech + Knit/Sweatshirt + Lightweight Padding/Coat + Scarf]
• Shoes: Atami is a 'city of hills'. High heels are absolutely forbidden! Wear comfortable sneakers without fail.

👉 [Reference] Tokyo February Weather & Outfit Summary

👜 Essential Checklist In Your Bag

✅ Must Have

• Small crossbody bag/backpack: Both hands must be free to eat pudding and take photos.
• Cash (1,000 yen bills): Cherry blossom festival yatai (stalls) and rural shops only take cash.
• Power bank: Battery runs out quickly from taking cherry blossom photos. Essential!
• Eco-bag: Useful when your luggage increases (souvenirs, pudding bottles, etc.).
• Hand warmers: For maintaining body temperature during train waiting or night walks.

❌ Leave Behind

• Thick long padding: Hot during the day and just a burden on the train. Recommended outer that's easy to put on and take off.
• Dress shoes/New shoes: Your feet will suffer on gravel roads and hills.
• Heavy suitcase: Minimize luggage other than moving from station to hotel.

🚌 Atami Bus & Convenience Store Tips

You'll use buses frequently when going to the Plum Garden or the beach. Don't panic counting coins on a Japanese bus! If you put 'Suica' in your iPhone, you can just tap your phone and get off without a wallet.

👉 [Tokyo Transportation Card Complete Guide | iPhone Suica & Pasmo Summary]

The planning is over, and now it's time to leave.

With this itinerary, I am confident you can experience the earliest spring, the most relaxed cherry blossoms, and the most satisfying meals in Atami and Kawazu in February.

I'll be back soon with actual scenes of the pink Kawazu cherry blossoms and vivid reviews of Atami restaurants and hot springs verified by 'My Own Money'.

If you're preparing for a February Tokyo suburb cherry blossom trip, save this itinerary and stay tuned for the next story. 🌸

🧡 Related Tokyo Travel Guides

• ✅ Is Atami warm? Check February Tokyo weather and outfit tips.
  👉 [Tokyo February Weather & Outfit Summary]
• ✅ Missed Kawazu cherry blossoms? When is the March Tokyo cherry blossom blooming?
  👉 [Official Announcement of 2026 Tokyo Cherry Blossom Blooming]
• ✅ When travel prep is overwhelming! Check everything from flights to transport passes.
  👉 [Tokyo Free Travel Preparation A to Z Checklist]