Kawazu Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local culture of Kawazu, Japan.
- Introduction to Kawazu
- List of Places to Visit in Kawazu
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Kawazu
- Best Things to Do in Kawazu: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Kawazu
- Food and Drink Scene of Kawazu
- Where to Stay in Kawazu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Kawazu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Kawazu
- Best Time to Visit Kawazu
- Do’s and Don’ts of Kawazu
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Kawazu: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Kawazu
- Where to Go Next from Kawazu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Kawazu
Kawazu is a beautiful small town located in the Izu Peninsula of Shizuoka Prefecture, in the Chubu region of Japan. The town is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms during the spring season, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. Besides the cherry blossoms, Kawazu offers various natural and cultural attractions, making it a perfect destination for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
List of Places to Visit in Kawazu
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Kawazu Bagatelle Park: A lovely French-style garden located in the heart of Kawazu town.
- Kawazu Castle Ruins: A historic site where you can see the remains of a castle built in the 15th century.
- Kawazu Nanadaru: Seven stunning waterfalls located 3.5 kilometers upstream from the mouth of the Kawazu River.
- Kawazu-zakura Omotenashi Museum: A museum showcasing the history and culture of Kawazu’s famous cherry blossoms.
Natural Attractions of Kawazu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Kawazu Nanadaru Loop Bridge: A suspension bridge that offers stunning views of the Kawazu Nanadaru waterfalls.
- Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival: A yearly festival held during February and March where visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing.
- Izukogen Plateau: A beautiful plateau located near Kawazu, surrounded by picturesque mountains and ocean views.
- Shirahama Beach: A popular beach in Kawazu with white sand and clear waters.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Kawazu
- Kawazu Nanadaru Hiking Trail: A beautiful hiking trail that takes you through the seven waterfalls of Kawazu Nanadaru.
- Dogashima Coast Hiking Trail: A scenic hiking trail that takes you along the beautiful coast of Dogashima.
- Izukogen Plateau Biking Route: A biking route that takes you through the beautiful mountains and ocean views of Izukogen Plateau.
Best Things to Do in Kawazu: Activities and Tours
- Kayaking in Kawazu River: A great way to explore the Kawazu River and its beautiful surroundings.
- Cycling in the Izu Peninsula: Rent a bike and explore the beautiful scenery of the Izu Peninsula.
- Visit Kawazu Nanadaru Waterfalls: A must-visit attraction that offers stunning views of seven beautiful waterfalls.
- Try Snorkeling in Shirahama Beach: Dive into the clear waters of Shirahama Beach and explore the underwater world.
Week-Long Itinerary for Kawazu
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore Kawazu town and Kawazu Bagatelle park |
| Day 2 | Visit Kawazu-zakura Omotenashi Museum and Kawazu Castle Ruins |
| Day 3 | Hike the Kawazu Nanadaru Hiking Trail |
| Day 4 | Visit the Dogashima Coast Hiking Trail and have a beach day at Shirahama Beach |
| Day 5 | Kayak in Kawazu River and cycle the Izukogen Plateau Biking Route |
| Day 6 | Visit the stunning Izukogen Plateau and enjoy the scenic views |
| Day 7 | Relax and enjoy the cherry blossoms during the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival |
Food and Drink Scene of Kawazu
Must-Try Dishes
- Sakura Shrimp: A local delicacy that can be found in various dishes such as sushi, tempura, and soba noodles.
- Wasabi: Kawazu is famous for its high-quality wasabi, which you can try in various dishes.
- Seafood: Being a coastal town, Kawazu offers delicious seafood such as sashimi, grilled fish, and seafood hot pot.
Local Beverages
- Sake: Shizuoka prefecture is famous for its high-quality sake, and Kawazu offers various local breweries where you can taste it.
- Green Tea: Shizuoka prefecture is also famous for its high-quality green tea, which is widely available in Kawazu.
Where to Stay in Kawazu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Kawazu Kaien Hotel: A luxury hotel with stunning ocean views.
- Kawazu Izu no Kagayaki Hotel: A comfortable hotel with onsen (hot spring) facilities.
- Kawazu Nanadaru Onsen Hotel: A traditional Japanese-style hotel with hot spring facilities.
What to Buy in Kawazu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Sakura Shrimp: Dried sakura shrimp makes a tasty and unique souvenir.
- Wasabi: Take home some high-quality wasabi to spice up your dishes.
- Local Crafts: Kawazu is known for its woodwork and pottery, which makes for great souvenirs.
Local Culture and Customs of Kawazu
Kawazu is a small town where the locals are friendly and hospitable. When visiting Kawazu, it is important to respect the local culture and customs. It is also important to be mindful of the environment and local wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Kawazu
The best time to visit Kawazu is during the spring season (February-March) when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. However, Kawazu offers various natural and cultural attractions that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Do’s and Don’ts of Kawazu
Do:
- Respect local culture and customs.
- Be mindful of the environment and local wildlife.
- Try local cuisine and beverages.
Don’t:
- Litter or damage the environment.
- Ignore local rules and regulations.
- Disrespect local traditions and customs.
Safety and Health
Safety in Kawazu
Kawazu is generally a safe town to visit. However, it is important to be cautious when hiking or cycling in the mountains or coastal areas.
Health in Kawazu
Kawazu offers good medical facilities, including clinics and hospitals. However, it is always recommended to have travel insurance when visiting Japan.
Getting to Kawazu: Transportation Options and Logistics
Kawazu is easily accessible by train or bus from Tokyo or other major cities in Japan.
Airports Near Kawazu
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND): The closest international airport to Kawazu, located 150 kilometers away.
Bus Stations Near Kawazu
- Kawazu Station: A bus station located in the center of Kawazu.
Other Options
- Car Rental: Car rental services are available in nearby cities such as Ito or Shimoda.
How to Get Around in Kawazu
The best way to get around Kawazu is by rental car or bicycle. There is also a local bus service that connects the town’s major attractions.
Where to Go Next from Kawazu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Izu Peninsula: A beautiful peninsula that offers stunning nature and hot springs.
- Shimoda: A historic town famous for its beaches and western influence.
- Atami: A seaside town famous for its onsen facilities and scenic views.
Conclusion
Kawazu is a beautiful small town that offers various natural and cultural attractions. With stunning cherry blossoms during the spring season and beautiful nature throughout the year, Kawazu is a perfect destination for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
