Springtime in Japan is synonymous with cherry blossoms, and while Tokyo’s parks are beautiful, escaping the city for a more scenic, less crowded experience is always a great idea. One of the best-kept secrets for early-blooming kawazu cherry blossoms is Matsuda, a small town about 1.5 hours from Tokyo. Home to the Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival, this destination offers breathtaking pink blooms, vibrant yellow rape flowers, and an unforgettable view of Mount Fuji. Since these cherry blossoms bloom earlier than the main sakura season, the crowds are generally smaller, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect sakura day trip!
Tokyo to Matsuda Travel Guide
Getting to Matsuda from Tokyo
Matsuda is an easy day trip from Tokyo, accessible by train or car.
🚆 By Train:
- Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station to Shin-Matsuda Station (1 hour 15 minutes), then walk about 20 minutes to Nishihirabatake Park.
- Alternatively, take the Ueno-Tokyo Line from Tokyo Station to Kozu Station, switch to the Gotemba Line, and get off at Matsuda Station (1.5 hours). From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the park.
🚌 By Shuttle Bus:
- During the festival, shuttle buses run from JR Matsuda Station’s North Exit at 30-minute intervals from 9:30 to 16:00.
🚗 By Car:
Take the Tomei Expressway, exit at Oi Matsuda IC, and drive for about 5 minutes to reach the park.
Once you arrive, follow the signs and festival workers directing visitors up to Nishihirabatake Park, the main cherry blossom viewing area.
Exploring Nishihirabatake Park & The Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival
The Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival features around 360 Kawazu cherry trees, creating a pathway of pink blossoms that contrast beautifully against the bright yellow fields of rape flowers. This stunning scenery, with Mount Fuji in the background, has even been recognized by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as one of the best views in the region. Be sure to bring your camera, as the picturesque landscapes are even more breathtaking on sunny days!
🌸 Best time to visit: Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the beauty before the crowds. The cherry trees are in full bloom during February and early March, though in 2025, they bloomed later than usual, so it’s always good to check their website for updates.
🌿 Don’t miss: The Matsudayama Herb Garden inside the park, where seasonal herbs bloom alongside the cherry trees, adding a fragrant touch to your visit.
🌙 Night Illuminations: As evening falls, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, transforming the park into a magical wonderland. The pink-hued trees glowing against the night sky are a must-see if you can stay late.
🍊 Festival Highlights: Food stalls at the top of the park sell local delicacies like fresh Matsuda town mandarins, seasonal vegetables, and street food favorites. Families can also enjoy rides on the Hometown Railway mini train, making it a fun outing for all ages.
🎟️ Entrance Fee: In 2025, both Nishihirabatake Park and Aguri Park require an entrance fee of 500 yen each.
Hiking Up to Aguri Park – A Hidden Gem
Most visitors stop at Nishihirabatake Park, but if you’re up for an adventure, Aguri Park Sagayamaen is an absolute must! While I originally tried using Google Maps to go there first, I ended up on a random 40-minute hillside hike that didn’t even lead to the park—so I highly recommend following this route instead:
🥾 The best way to get to Aguri Park:
- After enjoying the festival area at Nishihirabatake Park, head to the top exit of the park.
- From there, you have two options:
- Go left to check out Kochia Village, a botanical garden and teahouse. It’s famous for its beautiful blue nemophila fields in summer, but even off-season, it’s a nice spot to relax with a cup of tea or ice cream.
- Go right and continue hiking uphill for another 20-30 minutes until you reach Aguri Park.
🎟️ Aguri Park Entrance Fee: 500 yen
🌺 Why Aguri Park is Worth the Hike
Not going to lie—the hike up to Aguri Park is steep! But trust me, it’s totally worth it. Unlike Nishihirabatake Park, Aguri Park has a much more natural, less structured layout. The paths are narrower, allowing for a more immersive experience among the flowers, and because it’s further up the hill, the vantage point is even better!
✨ What makes Aguri Park special?
- More space & fewer crowds – It’s much easier to take photos without people in the background.
- A greater variety of flowering trees – Not just cherry blossoms, but also other seasonal flowers like plum blossoms are also in bloom.
- Dirt walking paths – Instead of paved walkways, the rustic trails make you feel like you’re wandering through a hidden garden.
Between the peaceful atmosphere, vibrant blossoms, and sweeping views, I personally enjoyed Aguri Park even more than Nishihirabatake Park!
Final Thoughts: A Perfect Spring Escape
Matsuda’s cherry blossom season is a must-visit for any sakura lover looking for stunning views, vibrant colors, and a more immersive experience away from Tokyo’s crowds. Since the Kawazu cherry trees bloom earlier than the main season, you can enjoy the beauty without overwhelming crowds. Whether you stick to Nishihirabatake Park for the festival vibes or challenge yourself with the hike up to Aguri Park, this trip offers some of the most breathtaking spring scenery in Japan.
🌸 Save this for your next Japan trip and share with a friend who loves cherry blossoms! 🌸
Check out the rest of my travel blog for more Japan adventures and budget-friendly travel tips!
