February 1, 2026 at 9:00 am
Event date:
March 10, 2026 at 4:00 am
Event end:

History

The Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival began in 1999 to celebrate the town’s early-blooming Kawazu-zakura trees, which were planted along the slopes of Matsuda-yama in the 1970s and 1980s. These cold-resistant hybrids, originally from Kawazu in Shizuoka, were chosen for their vibrant deep-pink flowers that appear weeks ahead of regular Somei Yoshino cherries.

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Paired with brilliant yellow nanohana (rapeseed) fields planted beneath the trees, the combination quickly became one of Kanagawa’s most photogenic early-spring scenes. The addition of clear-day Mt. Fuji views turned the festival into a major draw, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually.

Now in its 27th year, the event signals the very first wave of Japan’s cherry-blossom season while supporting local agriculture and tourism.

Overview

The Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 will run from early February to early March at Nishihirabatake Park on the slopes of Matsuda-yama. Approximately 360 Kawazu-zakura trees burst into vivid magenta-pink against carpets of golden rapeseed flowers, creating one of Japan’s earliest and most colorful hanami experiences.

Clear days offer postcard-perfect views of snow-capped Mt. Fuji rising behind the blossoms. Evening illuminations on select nights add a magical glow, while food stalls and herb-garden walks complete the relaxed atmosphere.

Highlights

Early Kawazu-zakura: 360 deep-pink trees in full bloom weeks before regular cherries—perfect for beating the crowds.
Rapeseed Flower Fields: Vibrant yellow nanohana creating striking pink-and-yellow contrast under the blossoms.
Mt. Fuji Panorama: Iconic backdrop of Japan’s tallest peak on clear days, especially stunning from higher viewpoints.
Nighttime Light-Up: Select evenings illuminate the trees and fields for romantic after-dark viewing.
Matsuda-yama Herb Garden: Stroll aromatic paths, enjoy seasonal food stalls, and pick up local herb products.

Why Jasumo Recommends?

Early Kawazu-zakura: 360 deep-pink trees in full bloom weeks before regular cherries—perfect for beating the crowds.
Rapeseed Flower Fields: Vibrant yellow nanohana creating striking pink-and-yellow contrast under the blossoms.
Mt. Fuji Panorama: Iconic backdrop of Japan’s tallest peak on clear days, especially stunning from higher viewpoints.
Nighttime Light-Up: Select evenings illuminate the trees and fields for romantic after-dark viewing.
Matsuda-yama Herb Garden: Stroll aromatic paths, enjoy seasonal food stalls, and pick up local herb products.

If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can help with custom early-spring tours, Mt. Fuji photography trips, private shuttles, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.

Schedule

Early February to early March 2026 (typically ~Feb 8 – March 9; exact dates announced in January)

Daytime: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Evening Illumination: Usually starts at 5:00 PM on select dates

Pricing

Adults (18+): ¥300
Children (6–17): ¥100
Under 6: Free
Shuttle Bus (optional from JR Matsuda Station): ¥160 one-way adults / ¥80 children

Location

Nishihirabatake Park (Matsuda-yama Herb Garden) 2951 Matsudasoryo, Matsuda, Ashigarakami District, Kanagawa 258-0003, Japan

How to Get There

By Train + Walk: 20-minute uphill walk from Shin-Matsuda Station (Odakyu Odawara Line).
By Train + Shuttle: JR Matsuda Station North Exit → shuttle bus (9:30–16:00, every 30 min, ¥160).
From Tokyo: Shinjuku → Odawara (Romancecar ~70 min) → local train to Shin-Matsuda (10 min).
By Car: 5 minutes from Oi-Matsuda IC (Tomei Expressway); parking ¥500–¥1,000.

Accommodation Options

Odawara city offers modern hotels and historic onsen ryokan from ¥12,000–¥40,000 per person with easy train access. Hakone (20–30 min away) has luxury hot-spring resorts from ¥25,000–¥70,000—perfect for combining early sakura with onsen relaxation.

Budget business hotels near Shin-Matsuda Station start at ¥7,000–¥12,000. Book early for peak bloom weekends when Mt. Fuji views draw huge crowds.

FAQs

When exactly does the 2026 Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival run?

Dates are set according to bloom forecasts—typically early February to early March (2025 was Feb 8–March 9). Official dates are announced in January.

Are the Kawazu-zakura the same as regular cherry blossoms?

No—Kawazu-zakura are an early-blooming hybrid with deeper pink flowers that last longer (2–3 weeks) and appear 6–8 weeks before Somei Yoshino.

Is Mt. Fuji visible every day?

Only on clear days (common in February). Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light and visibility.

Is the nighttime illumination every evening?

No—light-up usually happens on weekends and select days in late February/early March. Check the official website for the 2026 schedule.

Which is better: walking from Shin-Matsuda or taking the shuttle?

The shuttle from JR Matsuda Station is easier (especially with kids or luggage). The 20-minute walk from Shin-Matsuda is pleasant but uphill.

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