The 28th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival Finale Town’s 70th Anniversary Commemoration “Night Cherry Blossoms ☆ Shooting Stars” Period: Friday, February 27, 2026; Saturday, February 28, 2026; Sunday, March 1, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM–7:30 PM Release section: a 400 m stretch from Harumachi Bridge to around Kinomiya Bridge ※The event may be canceled due to rain or other conditions. ※The Inoriboshi® will be released a little upstream from the Roadside Station. ※This event is expected to be very crowded. ↓If you want to avoid crowds, please join the tour below.↓ ・Tour organized by Minamiizu Town Tourism Association: Night Cherry Blossoms ☆ Shooting Stars Tour (until 2/28) Reserve/Apply here → https://x.gd/EGMCM... ・Vendors will be located behind the Tourist Information Center and Yunohana Chokubaijo (Yunohana Farm Stand). There will be special vendor stalls during the Night Cherry Blossoms ☆ Shooting Stars event from 2/27 to 3/1. ※The posted images are from 2015. ※The Milky Way Project🄬 is a registered trademark, so unauthorized use is prohibited. Commercial use by entities other than individuals is also prohibited. 【The 28th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival】 Held from February 1 to March 10 🌸About “The 28th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival” https://x.gd/8BXol... 🌸Bloom status (updated regularly) https://x.gd/iyca6... 🌸Parking status (updated regularly) https://x.gd/zbToA... 🌸Live camera https://x.gd/smGtI...

Updated: Thursday, February 19, 2026 The 28th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival Held February 1 – March 10 🌸 About the 28th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival https://x.gd/8BXol... 🌸 Bloom Status (updated regularly) https://x.gd/iyca6... 🌸 Parking Status (updated regularly) https://x.gd/zbToA... 🌸 Live Camera https://x.gd/smGtI... 〈If arriving by public transportation〉 Get off at Izukyu Shimoda Station and take the Tokai Bus bound for Shimogamo (Platform 3). Get off at Kujo Bridge and walk about 2 minutes to the roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, where the general information center is located. (The cherry tree avenue is behind it.) The nanohana fields are right by the Hino stop. Tokai Bus tel: 0558-22-2514 Note: Minamiizu Town has no train service and parking is limited, so please use public transportation. Services run about once per hour. Tokai Bus link https://www.tokaibus.jp// 〈If arriving by car〉 Please head for roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana. There are dedicated parking lots nearby; please use them. ⚠ When visiting or photographing the nanohana fields and the nanohana along the cherry tree avenue, please do not step on the flowers! ⚠ Some people step on the nanohana growing on river slopes near roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, but there are lighting cables and other hazards, so please do not enter these areas for your safety. Please use the festival’s designated parking lots. Do not park at shops or on private property.

The “Town’s 70th Anniversary Ise-ebi Festival” reopened registrations from 9:00 on Saturday, October 11, but due to a large number of applications it was closed on October 12. Minamiizu Town 70th Anniversary “Ise-ebi Festival” To celebrate the town’s 70th anniversary this year, we are offering a 3,000 yen discount per stay on accommodation rates so you can enjoy Minamiizu Town’s Ise-ebi, the prefecture’s top catch, at a better value. Period From Saturday, October 4, 2025 to Sunday, November 30, 2025 ※Check-out by Monday, December 1, 2025 Reservation application: Saturday, September 20 – Monday, November 17 ※Apply via the dedicated form: https://ws.formzu.net/fgen/S84600026/... ※Applicable for stays of two or more people (per one night) ※Limited to the first 500 applicants ※Discount applies to adults (junior high school students and older) and children (6 years and older) at 3,000 yen per person ※One free parking voucher for Irozaki Ocean Park will be given to one eligible group of guests per stay ※Cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts Overview ◉Accommodation reservations are accepted until Monday, November 17. ◉Rooms for stays on Friday, November 14 and Saturday, November 15 may be unavailable due to overlap with town events. ◉Ise-ebi will be provided only to adults (junior high school students and older) and children (6 years old through elementary school). ◉Each guest may select one cooking method for their Ise-ebi. ※Choose one of three cooking methods for the Ise-ebi: sashimi, boiled, or grilled in the shell. ※Cooking methods and options may vary depending on the accommodation. ◉The discount is available for the first 500 people. ※If you cancel and reapply after the quota is reached, you will not be able to apply. ◉Discount applies to adults and children (6 years old through elementary school). ※Infants (2 years to under 6 years) and babies (0 to under 2 years) are not eligible. ◉Applications will close once the discount quota is reached. ◉Only those who book accommodation through the tourism association are eligible for the discount. ◉When you pay the reservation deposit, we will mail you a reservation deposit receipt. ◉Office hours are 9:00 to 17:00. Accommodation procedure ◉Submit your accommodation application via the reception form, email, or phone. ◉Once the tourism association arranges your accommodation, we will mail the accommodation information letter. ◉After you receive the accommodation information letter, please transfer the listed accommodation fee to the specified account. ◉After confirming your transfer, we will mail the reservation deposit receipt. ◉After you receive the reservation deposit receipt, please proceed directly to the accommodation. From reservation to stay 1. Apply (via form, etc.) 2. Accommodation arranged (rooms may be unavailable) 3. Accommodation information letter mailed (shows discounted amount) 4. Guest transfers the accommodation fee 5. Reservation deposit receipt mailed 6. After receiving the reservation deposit receipt, go to the accommodation Cancellation fees 〇 From 7 to 4 days before the scheduled stay: 20% of the accommodation fee 〇 From 3 days before to the day before the scheduled stay: 50% of the accommodation fee 〇 On the day of the scheduled stay: 100% of the accommodation fee 〇 If you cancel before the scheduled date after paying the accommodation fee, a 1,000 yen handling fee will be deducted from any refund How to apply Apply via the dedicated form: https://ws.formzu.net/fgen/S84600026/... Ise-ebi Festival page → https://x.gd/Y2SYw...

Summer, here we come to Minami-Izu! Our summer pamphlet is ready! This year’s edition once again features beach and ocean information. Beach swimming periods are as follows. ◆Yumigahama Beach Period: Saturday, July 26, 2025 – Sunday, August 24, 2025 ◆Yumigahama Splash Water Park Period: Saturday, July 19, 2025 – Sunday, August 24, 2025 ◆48th Yumigahama Fireworks Festival Event date: Friday, August 8, 2025 ◆Koora Beach Period: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 – Saturday, August 16, 2025 ◆Hirizo Beach Operating period: Saturday, June 28, 2025 – Sunday, September 28, 2025 ◆Hirizo Beach Swimming Tour Scheduled dates: Saturday, July 19 – Monday, July 21; Saturday, August 9 – Sunday, August 17; Saturday, September 13 – Sunday, September 14 <Total: 14 days> Details here → https://x.gd/RrPZ6... Sign up here → https://x.gd/Egniv... ◆Mera Offshore Athletic Course Period: Saturday, July 12 – Sunday, September 7 For Minamiizu Town beach swimming updates (including current swim conditions), please refer to the link below. https://x.gd/DcYKF...

Applications are now open for the "Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2025." Please submit photos that capture the charm of Minami-Izu Town, such as seasonal landscapes, event scenes, and drone shots. This year we are also accepting high-resolution photos (over 10MB) suitable for use on posters. ※This contest accepts online submissions of digital photos only. Online entries must be photos taken with a digital camera or similar device, in JPEG format only. Please keep each photo file size within 10MB. ※Only the category for photos promoting Minami-Izu accepts high-resolution images (over 10MB). ※The submitted photos are prize-winning works from the Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2024. <Submission Period> From Sunday, June 1, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026. <Eligible Works> Only works photographed between February 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026, are eligible. <Categories> 1) Seasons of Minami-Izu Category Photos taken within Minami-Izu Town (for example: spring marguerites, summer swimming beaches, autumn spiny lobster fishing, winter’s first sunrise). ※Photos taken at town tourist facilities that clearly show the seasons are also acceptable (for example: the jade vine at Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden or aloe at minami izu aloe center). 2) Events Category Photos that convey the appeal of town events, such as the Yuigahama Fireworks Festival or the Bochibochi Marathon. 3) Drone Category Photos of Minami-Izu Town taken by drone. 4) Photos Promoting Minami-Izu Category We seek high-resolution photos (over 10MB) suitable for posters and similar uses. Each applicant may submit up to three entries per category (up to 12 entries across all four categories). <How to Apply> Apply from here https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/index.html?cn=131... ※During the submission period, please proceed by clicking the “New Registration” or “Login” button displayed below. <Prizes> Grand Prize: One winner in each category…Cash prize of 70,000 yen. Runner-up: One winner in each category…Accommodation voucher worth 15,000 yen from the Shimogamo Onsen Ryokan Cooperative. ※The accommodation voucher is valid at the following four inns: - kochu no tenshuku marubun https://www.yadomarubun.com// - hotel kawachiya https://kawatiya.net// - kiichiyu https://www.tokiichiyu.com// - ishibana sea villa kagiya https://shimogamo-kagiya.jp//

We present outing information for Minamiizu Town during Golden Week. ◆Tuesday, April 29 (National Holiday) ・14th Charity Bazaar for the Great East Japan Earthquake Recovery Event 10:00–15:00 Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden Food, crafts, local vegetables and more on sale, specialty products from Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, and photo exhibits https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ・Bridle Experience Day 10:00–15:00 Izu Shimoda Riding Club Session 1: 10:00–12:00, Session 2: 13:00–15:00 https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ◆Saturday, May 3 ・Irozaki Fashion Park 2025 10:00–16:00 at Irozaki Ocean Park Dress up and gather at Irozaki! Various stalls will be available ◆Monday, May 5 (National Holiday)–Tuesday, May 6 (National Holiday) ・Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana Golden Week Event 10:00–15:00 at Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana Ring toss, super ball scooping, and various stalls ◆Until April 30 — Ongoing ・Ihama Margaret Flower Picking https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ◆Until May 5 — Ongoing, inquire for details ・Bamboo Shoot Harvesting (Takenoko Shokudo) Ichijo Bamboo Shoot Village https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ◆Until May 6 — Ongoing, inquire for details ・Strawberry Picking at Baby Berry Farm https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry......

2024 Minamiizu Town Photo Contest Results Announced! We have selected six prize-winning works—Grand Prize and Runner-up—across three categories. Submission period: Saturday, June 1, 2024 to Friday, January 31, 2025. Eligible works: Photographs taken between February 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025. Total submissions: 310 entries (two winners chosen from each category). Thank you very much for the many entries that expressed such deep affection for Minamiizu. The results page is as follows. https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/award.html?cn=52...

February 26 Minami no Sakura (Kawazu cherry) bloom status 🌸 Behind Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (midstream of Aono River): 30–60% in bloom ※Downstream from the roadside station → In peak bloom ❁ The field of rapeseed blossoms remains in peak bloom! 🌸 Bloom updates → x.gd/l4scL 🚙 Parking map & congestion updates → x.gd/AfC9q Food trucks are also parked inside Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana and at the Hinona rapeseed field. 🌸 The 27th Minami no Sakura and Rapeseed Flower Festival https://x.gd/Albom... 🗓️ Runs Saturday, February 1, 2025 through Monday, March 10, 2025 📍 Along the Aono River in Minamiizu Town #Cherry blossom rickshaw rides: now entering the best season!! #Food truck locations are… ☕ Inside Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana 🌭 Opposite the Hinona rapeseed field ※ Services may be suspended in strong winds or severe weather.

The 27th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival Period: Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 About the event ◆Saturday, February 1 Opening ritual ◎Location: Hinona rapeseed flower field ◎10:00 — A Shinto ritual praying for the festival’s success and safety ◆Sunday, February 16 & Sunday, February 23 Spiny lobster miso soup service ◎Location: Shimogamo shopping street “Miro” parking lot ◎A generous serving of the local Minamiizu specialty, spiny lobster miso soup! ※Served twice per day (about 200 bowls per serving) ※First serving: 11:00 — Second serving: 13:00 ※Ends when supplies run out ※May be canceled due to rain or other conditions ◆Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 Night cherry blossom illumination ◎Location: Around Maehara Bridge to Kujo Bridge ◎18:00–21:00 daily! ※This event runs daily even in rain ◆Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 Minami night cherry blossoms and bamboo lanterns ◎Location: 1) Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana 2) Near Gin-no-yu Bridge ◎18:00–21:00 daily! ◆Saturday, February 1 – Monday, February 24 Lottery gachapon draw ◎Location: Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (in front of the tourist information center) ◎10:00–15:00 on weekends and holidays! ◎Participation: If a group completes one questionnaire, the group may draw once per group member. ※Prizes are currently being decided ※Prize contents may change ◆Wednesday, February 5 – Friday, February 28 Cherry blossom rickshaw rides ※May end earlier than scheduled depending on bloom conditions. Time: 9:30–16:00 Fee: 20-minute course 3,000 yen per person Notes ・The schedule may change due to weather or bloom conditions. ・Each rickshaw seats up to two people. ・The event may be canceled due to severe weather (rain, strong winds, etc.). ・Due to rickshaw operation, a single rider may be required to ride alone in one rickshaw. ・The above fee is per person for single use; there is no separate pricing for children. ◆Sunday, February 2 – Around Saturday, March 15 Rapeseed flower door and rapeseed flower maze ※Although the pamphlet lists February 1–March 10, the correct period is the one above Announcements & notes ・The pamphlet states February 1–March 10 for the Rapeseed Flower Door and Rapeseed Flower Maze, but the correct period is Sunday, February 2 – around Saturday, March 15. ・The Night Sakura Marathon will not be held. Thank you for your understanding. ・The Minamiizu Town Hall (3rd-floor observation deck) is open during the festival. You can access it via the outside stairs. ・Some visitors step on the rapeseed flowers blooming on the riverbank slopes around Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana. Because illumination wiring and other hazards are present, please refrain from entering these areas for safety. Parking — Please use public transportation where possible, as parking is limited. Hours: 8:30–15:30 ・Passenger cars (500 yen per vehicle) ※Please cooperate with the environmental conservation contribution at the Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana parking lot. ※On weekends and holidays, including substitute holidays, the Minamiizu Town Hall parking lot is open free of charge. ・Buses (2,500 yen per vehicle) ※Includes medium-sized buses (including microbuses) and large buses ・Motorcycles (200 yen per vehicle) ※If staff are not present due to rain or other reasons, parking may be free. ※During the period February 1–March 10, the Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana parking lot requests cooperation with an environmental conservation contribution. ※Total parking capacity across locations is approximately 200 vehicles. ※Because parking is limited, please use public transportation whenever possible.

Wednesday, February 19 — Minami no Sakura (Kawazu cherry) blooming status 🌸The reference tree near the town hall (upper reaches of the Aono River) is in bud. 🌸The area near Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (middle reaches of the Aono River) is from bud to 20% bloom. ❁Rapeseed flowers are at their best. Overall, the trees are mostly in bud, but blossoms have begun and some trees have reached about 20% bloom!! ⁡ 🌸The 27th Minami no Sakura and Rapeseed Flower Festival 🗓️Held February 1, 2025 (Saturday) to March 10, 2025 (Monday) 📍Along the Aono River, Minamiizu Town O-hanami rickshaw rides available Food trucks will be on site. ※Operations may be suspended in strong winds or severe weather.

The 27th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival is now running through March 10th! February 9 (Sun) — Minami Sakura blooming status The buds are currently in a “bud” stage. However, today is warm, and the buds are swelling so that the petals look ready to open at any moment. Rain is forecast around February 12, with temperatures rising to 16–18°C, so there is a possibility the flowers will begin to bloom all at once. ※From February 1 onward every day from 18:00 to 21:00 We are holding evening cherry blossom illumination, bamboo lanterns, illuminations, and nanohana (rapeseed flower) lighting. ◇Please refer to the following for the “blooming status” https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-entry&spot=162849&cat=18711&pageno=3&type=spot... ◇For information about the 27th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival, see here https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=73493&cat=18736&type=event...

The 27th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival Period: Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 About the event ◆Opening ceremony on Saturday, February 1 ◎Location: Hinona nanohana flower field ◎10:00 – A Shinto ritual to pray for the festival’s success and safety ◆Lobster miso soup service on Sunday, February 16 and Sunday, February 23 ◎Location: Shimogamo shopping street “Miro” parking lot ◎A generous serving of miso soup made with Minami Izu Town’s specialty, spiny lobster (ise ebi) ※Served twice a day (about 200 bowls per service) ※First service: 11:00 – Second service: 13:00 ※Ends when supplies run out ※May be canceled due to rain or other conditions ◆Night hanami SUP on Saturday, February 15 – Sunday, February 16 ◎Details will be posted here once they are finalized ◆Nighttime cherry blossom illumination on Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 ◎Location: Around Maebara Bridge to Kujo Bridge ◎18:00–21:00 every night ※The illumination runs every night, even in rain ◆Minami night cherry blossoms and bamboo lanterns on Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 ◎Location: 1) Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana 2) Around Gin no Yu Bridge ◎18:00–21:00 every night ◆Gachapon lottery on Saturday, February 1 – Monday, February 24 ◎Location: Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (in front of the tourist information desk) ◎10:00–15:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays ◎Participation: If one person in a group completes the questionnaire, the whole group may draw the number of times equal to the group size. ※Prizes are currently under consideration ※Prize contents may change ◆Hanami rickshaw service on Wednesday, February 5 – Friday, February 28 ※May end earlier than scheduled depending on blooming conditions Time: 9:30–16:00 Fee: 20-minute course 3,000 yen per person Notes ・The period may change due to weather or blooming conditions. ・Each boat/rickshaw (unit) accommodates up to two people. ・Events may be canceled due to bad weather (rain, strong wind, etc.). ・Due to rickshaw operation, you may be asked to ride alone in one unit. ・The above fee is for single-person use; there is no separate pricing for children. ◆Nanohana Door & Nanohana Maze from Tuesday, February 2 – around Saturday, March 15 ※The pamphlet lists February 1–March 10, but the correct period is the one above Announcements & notes ・Although the pamphlet states the Nanohana Door and Nanohana Maze run from Saturday, February 1 to Monday, March 10, the correct period is Sunday, February 2 to around Saturday, March 15. ・The night cherry blossom marathon will not be held. Thank you for your understanding. ・Minami Izu Town Hall (3rd floor observation deck) will be open during the cherry blossom festival. It can be accessed via the outside stairs. ・Some people step on the nanohana (rapeseed flowers) blooming on the riverbank slopes near Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana, but there are light-up cables and other hazards, so please refrain from entering those areas for safety. ◆Parking — Parking is limited, so please use public transportation where possible. Hours: 8:30–15:30 ・Standard car (500 yen per vehicle) ※Please cooperate with the environmental preservation fee (contribution) at the Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana parking lot only. ※On weekends and holidays, including substitute holidays, the Minami Izu Town Hall parking lot is open free of charge. ・Bus (2,500 yen per vehicle) ※Includes medium-sized buses (including microbuses) and large buses ・Motorcycle (200 yen per vehicle) ※If staff are not present due to rain or other conditions, parking may be free. ※During February 1–March 10, the Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana parking lot requests cooperation with the environmental preservation fee (contribution). ※Total parking capacity, including all lots, is approximately 200 vehicles. ※Because the number of parking spaces is limited, please use public transportation whenever possible.

We created the poster "Here We Go! Summer in Minami-Izu". It comes in two sizes: B1 728×1030 mm and B2 515×728 mm. Please use it for this summer’s promotions. *The B2 size can be used double-sided.*

Notice of Appreciation and Report for the 26th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival. The 26th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival, held from February 1 to March 10, 2024, drew approximately 255,000 visitors. We extend our deep gratitude to all visitors and everyone involved whose support allowed the festival to conclude safely and successfully. The environmental conservation contributions collected at roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, totaling ¥4,013,768, will be used for cherry tree pruning, disinfection, and other costs, as well as environmental maintenance related to the Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival. We offer our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed. We will continue working to ensure this event lets visitors enjoy the early-blooming cherry blossoms and nanohana flowers in their full beauty, and we appreciate your ongoing support. We look forward to welcoming you again next year. March, 2024 Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival Executive Committee Photographed in February 2024 📷 taken by Tokiya Otsuka.

The 26th Minami Cherry and Canola Flower Festival Bloom update for Wednesday, February 21 Overall, the blossoms have passed their peak and leaves are starting to show more prominently. Also, the canola fields are still in their peak viewing period.

The 26th Minami Cherry Blossoms and Rape Blossom Festival February 17 Evening Cherry Blossom Lighting and Bamboo Lantern Night Photo by Tokiya Otsuka

The 26th Minami Cherry and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Bloom Report for Sunday, February 18 Overall, the flowers are still in full bloom *In areas that bloomed earlier, petals are drifting on the wind*

The 26th Minami Cherry and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Period: February 1 to March 10 (now ongoing) Photo: Otsuka Tokiya

The 26th Minami Cherry and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Bloom update for February 16 Overall, the flowers are in full bloom. * In areas that bloomed earlier, the petals are fluttering down. * The parking lot at Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana is very crowded.

The 26th Minami Sakura and Rape Blossom Festival February 10 Night Cherry Blossom Illumination: Minami’s Night Cherry Blossoms and Bamboo Lanterns Photo by Otsuka Tokiya

The 26th Minami Cherry Blossoms and Canola Flower Festival February 11 (Sun) Bloom Report and Parking Congestion Update 〇 Bloom Report Behind Minami-Izu Town Hall → 50–70% bloom Behind Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana → 80% bloom to full bloom ※The flowers are now at their best. 〇 Parking Congestion Status Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (main venue) → Full (cars are continuously filling the lot) ※A voluntary contribution is requested as an environmental conservation fee.

The 26th Minami Sakura and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Blooming and Parking Update for Saturday, February 10 Blooming Update Behind Minami-Izu Town Hall → 50–70% in bloom Behind Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana → 70% to full bloom Hino rapeseed field → At peak bloom ※The flowers are now at their best. Parking Congestion Status Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana → Full (remains full at all times) Kinomiya Bridge Parking Lot → Busy to full ※From February 10 to 12, the Minami-Izu Town Hall parking lot will be open free of charge (no attendants will be on duty).

The 26th Minami Cherry and Canola Flower Festival Bloom report for February 9 Areas where flowers have not yet opened are at 50–70% bloom, while the main venue area is at 70% to full bloom and is now at its best viewing time. We recommend changing your plans when you go out.

2.7 Minami no sakura (Kawazu cherry blossoms) In areas where they bloom late, they are 30–50% open In earlier-blooming spots, they are at their best (80%–full bloom) Those planning a visit around late February will be disappointed, as there is a high chance they will have fallen by February.

February 6th: 26th Minami no Sakura and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Bloom Report The cherry blossoms are early this year. Behind the town hall → 20–30% in bloom Behind Roadside Station → 50–70% in bloom (peak viewing) Overall, the downstream areas are also steadily reaching peak bloom. They are likely to fall by late February.

The 26th Minami Cherry and Rapeseed Flower Festival On Saturday, February 3, six stalls will be open at the vendor area! Each stall offers items carefully made with selected ingredients, so quantities are limited. Open only on weekends and public holidays! Feel free to join the Garagara Pon lottery and win prizes! Tonight, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the cherry blossoms will be illuminated and bamboo lanterns will be lit!

This is the Minami-Izu Town Tourism Association in Shizuoka Prefecture. Minami-Izu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, sits at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, a natural treasure where verdant mountains meet crystal-clear seas. In upcoming Cool Japan videos, we will fully introduce the charms of this small town of about 8,000 residents, leaving nothing out. Stay tuned! For this first post, we will briefly share recommended spots and travel information for Minami-Izu Town, and we plan to introduce as many places as possible. ■■■ Introducing sightseeing spots in Minami-Izu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture ■■■ Minami-Izu Town offers many spots to enjoy the beauty of nature! You are sure to find a favorite place of your own. ◇ Irozaki Ocean Park Irouzaki Ocean Park opened in 2019 on a 100-meter cliff as a facility to better enjoy Irouzaki. Parking and rest facilities are available, and the Minami Izu Visitor Center inside the park provides geo-site explanations and tours. Irouzaki is also popular as a power spot for matchmaking. ◇ Yuigahama Beach This beach stretches 1.2 kilometers of pure white sand. It has a gently sloping seabed and calm waves, and it is busy with swimmers in summer. The stunning sunsets over the open sea make it a popular photo spot. ◇ Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana This roadside station at the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula offers fresh local vegetables and specialty products. It’s a great place to find souvenirs and local gourmet food, so be sure to stop by when visiting Minami-Izu Town. The facility also features a footbath using Shimogamo Onsen water to soothe your travel fatigue. ◇ Hagachizaki Monkey Bay At Hagachizaki, a wild monkey park attracts about 300 monkeys that come to feed, allowing close observation of their behavior. It is one of the largest monkey parks in eastern Japan. ◇ Hirizo Beach Hidden between Irouzaki and Nakagi, this beach is accessible only by boat and boasts exceptional water clarity. The area is part of a national park, preserving vast, unchanging natural scenery. ■■■ Local specialties and gourmet foods of Minami-Izu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture ■■■ Surrounded by the sea, Minami-Izu Town is blessed with seafood, letting you fully savor the ocean’s bounty. ◇ Spiny lobster (ise-ebi) Minami-Izu Town ranks first in Shizuoka Prefecture and ninth nationwide for spiny lobster catch volume. The spiny lobster caught here is known for its size and rich flavor. ◇ Turban shell (sazae) and abalone The coastal waters around Minami-Izu Town are rich in seaweed, producing nutritious, flavorful turban shells and abalone. Sazae-meshi, a dish that lavishly uses the meaty local turban shell, won the top prize at the 2012 Izu Specialty Market. ■■■ Events and festivals in Minami-Izu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture ■■■ Minami-Izu Town hosts various events and festivals throughout the seasons. ◇ Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival About 800 cherry trees line the banks of the Aono River and reach full bloom a little earlier than elsewhere. Along the river by Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana, the festival features lotteries, food stalls, and nighttime cherry blossom illuminations timed with the blooms. The carpet of pink cherry blossoms and yellow rape blossoms together is a sight worth seeing. ◇ Yuigahama Fireworks Festival This fireworks festival takes place at Yuigahama, selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Beaches, where powerful offshore fireworks can be enjoyed from the sand. ■■■ Hot springs and accommodations in Minami-Izu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture ■■■ Shimogamo Onsen is a historic and beloved hot spring; soaking there lets you forget daily noise and refresh both body and mind. With the sea nearby, hotels, minshuku, and ryokan at Shimogamo Onsen serve exquisite dishes featuring abundant seafood and local ingredients. We will continue to share attractive information about recommended spots to inspire viewers of Cool Japan videos to visit Minami-Izu Town. We warmly await your visit! Please enjoy a wonderful trip to Minami-Izu Town!