In March, the cherry blossom forecast and other ‘spring news’ arrives and we feel the cycling season has arrived.
We enjoyed an early cherry blossom cycling tour in search of the Kawazu cherry blossoms, which are known for their early blooming.
Here we introduce a 26km course that offers not only cherry blossoms, but also sweets, the sea, photo spots and steep slopes.

Miura Coast Cherry Blossom Festival

Misakiguchi Station is the last stop on Keikyu Kurihama Line, approximately 1hour 15minutes by express from Keikyu Shinagawa Station.
Kawazu cherry trees are in beautiful bloom around Misakiguchi Station bus stop in early March 2025.

If you ride towards Miura-kaigan Station, one stop ahead, about 1km along the railway line is planted with about 1,000kawazu cherry trees.

The Cherry Blossom Festival, which has been held in this area since 2003, is an early spring event in Miura that attracts many tourists.

The deep pink of the Kawazu cherry trees and the yellow of canola flowers remind us of the arrival of spring.

Cafe & Shop Kayama Farm

Along with cherry blossoms, you can also feel spring with strawberries. Cafe & Shop Kayama Farm is located in Yokosuka City, about 3.5km north of Misakiguchi Station on National Route134, and is attached to Strawberry House Kayama Farm.

From the many strawberry sweets available in the brightly lit shop, we chose the Strawberry Parfait (medium). The sweetness of the strawberries that fills your mouth makes you feel the arrival of spring.

This volume is (medium).

You can also pick strawberries at the farm. It is said to be particularly popular on weekends, so it is recommended to make a reservation before visiting. (Reservations can also be made at the café.)

Tenjinjima Waterfront Nature Education Park

Take Route134 north, past the JGSDF Takeyama Camp, and turn west towards Sajima. Cross the small bridge onto Tenjinjima and you will soon come to Tenjinjima Coastal Nature Education Park.

This is one of the few natural beaches left on the Miura Peninsula, home to many marine plants and coastal animals, and on clear days you can see Mt.Fuji in front of it.

The white clouds in front are over Mt.Fuji.

The small bridge connecting Miura Peninsula and Tenjin Island is the 14.5m long Tenjin Bridge. The view of the sea from the bridge is very beautiful and the scenery with the stylish cafés gives a slightly European feel.

Chojagasaki Coast

From Sashima, return to Route134 and further north is Chojagasaki coast.
In the parking lot of Chojagasaki coast is one of the eight milestones (photo monuments) on Miura Peninsula, with a representation of a yacht.

The town of Hayama, where Chojagasaki is located, is known as the ‘birthplace of yachting in Japan’, with one of the oldest and most traditional marinas in Japan, as well as numerous yachting schools.

Photo spots in Hayama

Isshiki Beach is located north of the Hayama Imperial Villa. The path leading from Shiosai Park to Isshiki coast on its northern side is known as a great photo spot.
Manase coast is located 1km north of Isshiki coast. Manase bus stop here is also a popular photo spot.

Morito Daimyojin

Located to the north of Manase coast and south of Morito coast, Morito Daimyojin (Morito Shrine) has long been known as the god of marriage.

A small island 700m offshore from the coast behind the shrine is Najima Island, on which stands the red torii (gateway) of Morito Daimyojin.

Hayama Church’s strenuous slope

After cycling along the seafront, head to Hayama Church, which is a very steep hill for those in the know.

The 200m slope leading up to the church has an average gradient of around 20%, with some parts as steep as 25%. The pastor of the association is a cyclist and will issue a certificate to cyclists who have completed the hill.


Unfortunately, we gave up halfway up the hill. We could not get a certificate.

You cannot visit the inside of the church, but it is beautiful from the outside.

Lunch at Under the Palmo

Back along the coast again for lunch at the Italian café and restaurant Under the Palmo.

The pizzas served in the restaurant overlooking Sagami bay will make you feel like you are in authentic Italy.

Terrace seating is also recommended when the weather gets warmer.

After lunch, ride 3km north to JR Zushi Station and cycle home.

Course Introduction

Distance: 26.3km Elevation Gain (Up): 238m

Summary

We enjoyed an early cherry blossom cycling tour, but the real cherry blossom season starts in late March.
Cherry blossom trees are best reached by bicycle, as it is difficult to find a parking space if you go by car, and many of them are quite a distance to walk around.
Where should you go by bicycle, keeping an eye on the cherry blossom and full-bloom forecasts? Please check it out on TABIRIN.

Text: Yasushi Hanada