Flower viewing in Izu

Kawazu cherry blossoms line the Aono River in Minamiizu Town. The yellow rape blossoms add a lively splash of color to the pristine riverbank.

The pretty pink cherry blossom trees continue from the coast to Amagi Road. The "Kawazu Sakura" is a cherry blossom that anticipates spring and is a must-see in its birthplace. Be sure to check out the original Kawazu Sakura tree, which is about 60 years old.

Enjoy the early spring flowers in the garden of SHIMODA TOKYU HOTEL. Even though the sea breeze is a little cold, Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom one by one in the warm spring sunshine.

Shimoda Park is within walking distance of SHIMODA TOKYU HOTEL. It is famous as a hydrangea park, but in winter the camellia flowers are in full bloom. The camellias were planted as a gift from our sister city, Numata City, and have grown to be very impressive. There is a wide variety of flowers, so why not take a look around and capture them on camera?

The hanging decorations of Izu Inatori are decorated with wishes for the healthy growth of girls. In Inatori, they are on display all year round, but it's best to visit around the time of the Girls' Festival.

The Shirahama Tourist Association holds an Aloe Flower Festival around this time of year. They set up a shop at the festival selling local products such as aloe products and sanma sushi, and also serve free aloe tea.

The peak season is usually from late December to mid-January, but the best viewing times are also around that time. On weekends during the daffodil festival, a local dish called "Ikenodani miso" is served in a hot pot, and on some days there are performances by Shimoda Taiko drummers, attracting many visitors.