Apr 13
~
May 26

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

8:00am – 4:00pm
¥1,000 – ¥1,300

Japan is an anthophile’s dream: chrysanthemums, camellias, wisteria, and the mighty cherry blossom abound, and it seems that every region and city has a gorgeous formal garden landscaped to showcase the bloom of the moment. In Yamanashi Prefecture, the star is shibazakura.

What is shibazakura?

Moss phlox is a small ground cover native to the United States. Its Japanese name, shibazakura, roughly translates to “lawn-cherry,” and that’s the secret to its popularity in the archipelago: the low-growing shrub comes in a dozen or more shades of pink, and when it is in full bloom it creates vistas of pink blossoms that rival the splendor of sakura.

What happens at the Fuji Shibazakura Festival

The Fuji Shibazakura Festival happens at Fuji Motosuko Resort, near the base of Mt. Fuji (hence the name). With 800,000 plants packed into 2.4 hectares, the festival promises only the most spectacular views of a number of varietals of phlox subulata, set around a small lake (that, according to legend, is home to a tamed dragon), against the backdrop of Japan’s most famous landmark (Mt. Fuji, obviously).

Should you ever get your fill of the flowers, there’s also a tea picking area and footbaths — strategically placed so you can soak your soul in the view and your feet in the water at the same time.

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Can I picnic there?

Sadly, no tarps are allowed. However! There are benches and restaurants on-site, and there will also be food trucks especially for the Fuji Shibazakura Festival. Promised treats include fried chicken made to look like Mt Fuji lava rocks and yakisoba (fried noodles) with pretty pink sakura ebi (literally “cherry blossom shrimp”).

How much does it cost?

Prices fluctuate throughout the event and cost between ¥1,000 and ¥1,300 for adults.

Under 3s go for free.

Getting to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Lake Motosuko is part of the Fuji Five Lakes, an outdoor resort area at the base of Mount Fuji. Kawaguchiko is the main transport hub for the area, with easy bus and train links to Tokyo. As always, it’s a good idea to use public transport, and luckily we have a guide on getting from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko.

From Kawaguchiko Station, a shuttle bus will run direct to the festival venue roughly every half hour. The cost in 2023 was adult/child ¥2,350/¥1,150 round-trip, and this covered admission to the festival as well.

Pro-tip: Want to pack in a lot without worrying about local transport? Book a one-day tour from Tokyo that includes strawberry picking, entry to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, a ride up to the Saiko Iyashi no Sato traditional village, and Lake Yamanakako.

Note that the area is in a highland region and can still be chilly in April, so check the weather before you go. It won’t close if it’s raining. Event organizers recommend wearing sensible shoes. No pets.

Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.

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