Kawazuhama Beach

BEACH

The Izu Peninsula is famous for its clear beaches and ideal surfing conditions. Kawazuhama Beach is a small beach in central Kawazu with a picturesque landscape.

There isn’t parking available, however you can use the numerous paid car parks dotted around Kawazu.

Review

I haven’t been to the beach during the summer season so I’m unsure of how busy it gets during tourist season. During the other seasons it’s pretty quiet so you have time and space to relax and enjoy the scenery. Apart from the walk along the short beach there isn’t much else to do here so definitely bundle this with the other things nearby if you’re coming to the area.

ADDRESS

Kawazuhama Beach,
Hama,
Kawazu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0513

+81558320290 (Japanese only)
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Kawazuhama Beach doesn’t have its own parking, however you are able to use the numerous car parks dotted around Kawazu for a fee. If you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Atami Station and alight at Kawazu Station. You can walk from here.

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Road

SCENIC WALK

Kawazu is famous for its early blooming cherry blossoms (late February – mid March), with this path being world famous. Every year the town holds a cherry blossom festival where you can walk along the river and admire the many cherry blossom trees in full bloom. I wouldn’t recommend visiting during any other seasons as there isn’t much to see other than the river.

There are multiple paid car parks nearby, however they get full quickly and can be a little expensive.

Review

Famous for being one of the first blooming cherry blossoms, the Kawazu sakura originate from Kawazu itself. This path lines the river with hundres of cherry blossom trees. The locals also set up stalls and sell items during the festival. Many tourists from all over the world come to enjoy this world-famous festival.

I recommend walking along the river first to take all the photos you want before heading back to try the local foods. There are also usually stalls set up from this path to the station so make sure to try many of the cherry blossom flavoured delicacies!

Please note that due to how famous this is it can be very busy. If you’re planning on driving then you need to drive here really early to try and beat the traffic jams. Last time I tried to drive here I only moved 5km in 1 hour! The car parks also fill very fast, despite the prices.

ADDRESS

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Road,
91-23 Sasahara,
Kawazu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0512

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable.

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

I do not recommend travelling here by car during the cherry blossom season as the roads can get jam packed from as far back as Izunokuni and Ito. Take the train from Atami Station and alight at Kawazu Station. The path is a short walk from here.

Kawazu Bagatelle Park

PARK

Kawazu Bagatelle Park opened in 2001 as a sister park to the Paris Bagatelle Park. Over 6,000 roses of around 1,100 varieties are planted within the park. The park is French-styled, with the roses planted in such a way that they resemble a painting being framed. They also provide a “make your own scent” experience as well as a rose-themed cafe.

There is a large free car park available.

Please note that the rose blooming seasons are between 28th April to 30th June and 1st October to 30th November. There is a discount available if you arrive during another time but you won’t be able to see any flowers.

Review

If you’re coming to Izu out of season then I definitely don’t recommend making the journey here unless you’re already in the area. There isn’t anything to see during the other times, although I think they do hold some events during summer.

You will immediately be hit with the European style just walking through the gates at the entrance. All of the buildings inside and the park layout is very heavily inspired by French gardens, with their sister park actually helping to maintain the garden. If you want to experience a bit of France outside of Europe then make a trip down to see it!

There are thousands of roses for you to enjoy if you visit during blooming season. It is popular during rose season, however the park is big enough that it doesn’t feel like there are so many people there. Take your time to explore the different varieties and take lots of pictures. There’s no rush for you to get through the park so go at your own leisure. You might even see cosplayers or dog photographers there doing their own photoshoots! Also for an added bonus make sure you head to the other end of the park for a view over Kawazu to the sea!

Unless you really like flower-flavoured items I would give the cafe a miss. The seasonal dishes are very heavily flavoured, often with actual roses inside the drinks. Japan loves its flower-themed seasonal foods so feel free to try them out. You might be pleasantly surprised! Personally I don’t like them so if you’re picky with your food/drinks then give the cafe a miss.

ADDRESS

Kawazu Bagatelle Park,
1073 Mine,
Kawazu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0511

+81558342200 (Japanese only)
http://bagatelle.co.jp/ (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

The park provides a large, free car park so I recommend visiting here by car if you can. You can take the train down to Kawazu from Atami, however, it is a 30 minute walk from the station or a taxi ride from there.