Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park on Awaji Island kicked off spring early with its annual Early Cherry Blossom Festival, running from February 21 to March 8, 2026. Around 120 Kawazu cherry trees burst into their signature deep-pink blooms weeks ahead of the standard cherry blossom season — a rare treat for early-spring visitors.
And for those who missed it: the Spring Carnival runs from March 20 through May 24, with 300 varieties of cherry trees, tulips, nemophila, and more flowering in succession.
Kawazu Cherry Blossoms and Golden Mimosa
Kawazu cherry trees are a beloved early-blooming variety known for their vivid, deep-pink petals and extended blooming period. The park’s 120 trees typically peak between late February and early March — right in the heart of the festival window.
Blooming alongside them is mimosa (silver wattle), its bright yellow pompom flowers creating a striking contrast against the pink blossoms. The combination makes for exceptional photography — and the park draws plenty of camera enthusiasts during this period.
Hands-On Activities for All Ages
The festival included a range of activities suited to families and visitors of all ages.
Craft Workshops
Held at the Visitor Building (1F):
| Activity | Price |
|---|---|
| Cardboard animal craft | From ¥150 |
| Nature wreath decoration | ¥100 (first 15 visitors per day) |
- Days: Feb 21, 22, 23, 28 / Mar 1, 7, 8
- Hours: 10:00–15:00 (make by 15:45)
Cardboard Maze
- Daily throughout the festival (Feb 21–Mar 8)
- For elementary school age and younger
- Free
Guided Garden Tours (outdoor, cancelled in rain)
Park volunteers led tours of the seasonal highlights on March 1 and 8, departing from the Awaji Gate at 11:00 and 13:30. Free to join.
Outdoor Tea Ceremony (cancelled in rain)
On March 1, a traditional noten tea ceremony was held on Harubichi Hill — matcha and Japanese sweet included for ¥300, while supplies lasted (10:00–15:00).
Cherry Blossom Natural Dyeing (cancelled in rain)
On February 28, participants used cherry blossoms for fabric dyeing on Harubichi Hill. ¥300 and up, first 20 participants per person. Sign-up from 10:30.
Recommended Ways to Enjoy the Park
Tram Car to Harubichi Hill
A tram car ran daily to Harubichi Hill (the heart of the cherry blossom area) throughout the festival. All-day pass: ¥300.
Photo Panels at the Gates
Free photo panel cutouts with seasonal flowers were installed at the Awaji Gate and Higashiura Gate during the festival.
Hanami Bento Box
The park offered an original cherry-blossom viewing bento box for pre-order during the festival period (Feb 21–Mar 8). Orders by phone by 9:45 on the day: 0799-72-2000.
Coming Up: Spring Carnival (March 20 – May 24)
The Early Cherry Blossom Festival is just the warm-up. From March 20 to May 24, the Spring Carnival continues with:
- 300 varieties of cherry trees (blooming late February through late April)
- Tulips, ranunculus, nemophila, and livingstone daisies in relay
Spring through early summer, there is always something in bloom.
Park Information
Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park (Awaji Island)
- Address: 8-10 Yumebutai, Awaji City, Hyogo 656-2306
- Hours: 9:30–16:00 (open daily during the festival)
- Phone: 0799-72-2000
- Official site: https://awaji-kaikyopark.kkr.mlit.go.jp
Admission
| Day pass | Group (20+) | 2-day pass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 15 | Free | Free | — |
| Adult (15+) | ¥450 | ¥290 | ¥500 |
| Senior (65+) | ¥210 | ¥210 | ¥250 |
Parking
- Large vehicles: ¥1,600 / Standard cars: ¥500 / Motorcycles: ¥100
- Admission also covers same-day access to Aina Satoyama Park
Getting There
By Car
- From Kobe: Take the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway to Awaji IC, then head south on Route 28 for about 5 minutes
- From Tokushima: Take the expressway to Higashiura IC, then head north on Route 28 for about 10 minutes
By Public Transport
About 60 minutes by bus from Shin-Kobe or Sannomiya, or approximately 15 minutes from the highway bus stop. Alight at “Seirei Awaji Hospital” or “Awaji Yumebutai-mae.”
Awaji Island sits just across the Akashi Strait from Kobe — close enough for a day trip, and far enough to feel like a proper escape. The early cherry blossoms here offer a quieter, less crowded alternative to the peak-season hanami crowds.
