The enjoyment at the four seasons
[Spring] Kanogawa Sakura Festival
The Kanogawa Sakura Festival is held in conjunction with the cherry blossom season at the beginning of April. Those come to view the blossoms gather along the river side where approximately 150 cherry trees grow, and the night time cherry tree illumination is very impressive.
[Spring] Strawberry picking
Strawberries are the main produce of the town. Sweet and full of nutrients, these strawberries are grown in hot houses and available from December through to May. From winter through to spring, you can pick and eat your own strawberries.
[Spring] Azaleas of Mt. Katsuragi
Ascend to the top of the mountain on the ropeway for a 360? panoramic view. There is also a perfect spot for viewing Mt. Fuji. From late April, rhododendrons bloom in lovely red and white along the mountain face.
[Spring] Tea picking
Shizuoka Prefecture is famous for its tea. The tea fields turn a beautiful green color, and you can experience tea leave picking from the end of April through to the end of June. Why not bring back some tea made with your own hand-picked tea leaves for your friends?
[Spring] Mt. Fuji in spring
This time of year the mountain is still covered in snow. The scenery is dreamily peaceful and romantic, with flower-covered countryside and views of Mt. Fuji through the hazy clouds. In spring, the symbols of Japanese beauty, cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji, compete against one another.
[Summer] Firefly Festival
Fireflies seem to chat about love as they give off their tiny light. The town is full of spots where you can see these fireflies, who only live in clear-flowing streams. In June, the Firefly Festival is held at the Reverberatory Furnace and Shiroike Shinsui Park.
[Summer] Genji Ayame Festival
The Ayame Festival (or Iris Festival) commemorates the princess Ayame Gozen, born in Izu over 800 years ago, and who is said to have been unrivaled in beauty. The whole town turns into a historic scene with costumed processions and a variety of special events. The festival is held on the 1st Saturday and Sunday of July.
[Summer] Kanogawa Takigi Noh
Noh is one of the classical forms of Japanese entertainment. The play is performed on a stage set out on the riverbed. Light from the nearby bonfires shines on the stage, turning it into a fantastical world. This event is held in summer every year.
[Summer] Summer Festival (fireworks display)
Every year at the beginning of August, a fireworks display is held at each area along the Kano River. On a special stage erected on the riverbed, elaborate events are held. There is plenty to see at the Izu-Nagaoka Warring States Fireworks Display, including men dressed as warriors firing guns and hand-made armor. Other festivals include the Ginyanne Ohito Summer Festival and the Izu National Kanogawa Festival.
[Summer] Blueberry picking
These blueberries are grown in a warm and very wet climate all year round. They can be freshly picked only during the summer months. Blueberry picking can be enjoyed at three different farms. Open from the middle of June through to the middle of August.
[Summer] Mt. Fuji in summer
The skyline of Mt. Fuji is ruggedly masculine without a covering of snow. The mountain appears as if ablaze at sunrise. Dynamic scenes, such as Mt. Fuji at midday or surrounded by white thunder clouds, leave a lasting impression.
[Autumn] Geta Dancing Contest
Rhythmical dancing similar to tap dancing, but performed on hard-to-balance geta. The fabulous sound of this dancing will cheer you up as it resonates throughout the hall.
[Autumn] Geisha Festival
These colorful and hospitable women dressed in kimono entertain guests at evening banquets. On the stage, their singing and dancing is splendid.
[Autumn] Mandarin orange picking
Sweet and delicious mandarins grown in plenty of sunlight on the mountain slopes. Why not try picking some for yourself? The real juicy taste of the fruit will fill your mouth. Mandarin picking can be enjoyed from October through to the beginning of January.
[Autumn] Mt. Fuji in autumn
Dusk scenes are typical of autumn. Covered with a light first snowfall, the sinking evening sun dyes Mt. Fuji red. You will be filled with a sense of desolation as you gaze up at Mt. Fuji from the harvested rice paddies, and will be charged by the emotional atmosphere.
[Winter] Strawberry picking
Strawberries are the main produce of the town. Sweet and full of nutrients, these strawberries are grown in hot houses and available from December through to May. From winter through to spring, you can pick and eat your own strawberries.
[Winter] Tsurushibina
This is a traditional Japanese "doll festival" in celebration of girls. Colorful miniature dolls are hung from bamboo frames and string, and the effect is very beautiful. The dolls are made in the hope that the children will grow up healthy.
[Winter] Nuebarai
The nue, a monster with the head of a monkey, the body of a tiger, and a snake's tail, is said to have been slain by Minamoto-no Yorimasa. Every year on January 28, this scene is reenacted in a prayer for the health and safety of the people.
[Winter] Ohito Plum Garden
A forest of plum trees covers the mountain at the back of Ohito Shrine. In February, hundreds of plum trees come into flower, and the garden becomes crowded with viewing platforms. In June, the flowers turn into fruit, which you can enjoy picking for yourself.
[Winter] Mt. Fuji in winter
A white Mt. Fuji covered completely in snow. Against the clear blue sky, the mountain's beauty is especially striking. We recommend the glorious views Mt. Fuji provides as it glows red in the morning and evening.