The Fuji Shibazakura Festival: pink fields under Mt Fuji
Every spring, near Lake Motosu at the foot of Mt Fuji, hundreds of thousands of shibazakura plants, moss phlox, cover the fields in patterns of pink, white and purple, with the snow-capped mountain rising directly behind. It is one of the most photographed views in Japan, and one where timing is everything.
When it blooms
The festival usually runs from mid April to late May, with the flowers at their best from late April to mid May. The exact dates and the entrance fee are set each year, so check the official site before planning. Golden Week, at the turn of April and May, is the most crowded period.
The best time of day
Mt Fuji is most often clear in the early morning, and clouds tend to gather by late morning, especially as spring turns warmer. Arriving at opening time gives the best chance of the classic view of pink fields with the mountain behind, and the smallest crowds.
Getting there, and the traffic
The festival site is about two hours from central Tokyo by car. On peak weekends, the narrow roads around the lakes back up and car parks fill, so leave Tokyo early. By public transport, shuttle buses run from Kawaguchiko station during the festival, after a train or highway bus from Tokyo.
What to add nearby
The festival fits easily into a Fuji day: Lake Kawaguchiko and its north shore, the Chureito Pagoda with its view of Fuji, or the spring water ponds of Oshino Hakkai. In late April the cherry blossoms around the lakes can still be in bloom, so a single day can hold both seasons.
By car, and the price
With a car you can leave at dawn, be at the fields when the mountain is clear, and move on before the coaches arrive. Our Mt Fuji private tour, built around the festival in spring, takes about ten hours from your Tokyo hotel, from ¥157,500 for the Toyota Alphard with up to four guests, tolls, parking and fuel included. Your chauffeur can speak English, Italian, Spanish, French or Japanese, at the same price.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Fuji Shibazakura Festival?
Usually from mid April to late May, with the flowers at their best from late April to mid May. Dates are set each year on the official site.
What time of day is best for the Fuji Shibazakura Festival?
Early morning, when Mt Fuji is most often clear and the crowds are smallest.
How do I get to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival from Tokyo?
About two hours by car, or by train or highway bus to Kawaguchiko and then the festival shuttle bus.
What can I combine with the Fuji Shibazakura Festival?
Lake Kawaguchiko, the Chureito Pagoda and Oshino Hakkai, all a short drive away.