Japan is famous for its beautiful spring blossoms, especially cherry blossoms or sakura. However, did you know that there’s another gorgeous pink plant in the springtime that’s very similar to sakura? The difference is…it grows on the ground!
Shibazakura, or phlox moss, are not true sakura flowers, but a kind of moss. However, they look similar to sakura with 5 elegant petals! There are several colored varieties of shibazakura, but my favorite is the bright hot pink variety that blankets the grounds of Fujigoko. Each year from April to May, the 800,000 blooming pink shibazakura become a stunning must-visit attraction with Mt. Fuji in the background. In fact, the Mt. Fuji Shibazakura Festival is the largest shibazakura matsuri or festival in all of Japan!
The sight of blankets of bright pink shibazakura with Mt. Fuji in the background is truly stunning. In fact, visiting this spot in the spring is one of my top 10 things to do in Mt. Fuji!
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Like all flowers, the shibazakura peak bloom varies from year to year due to seasonal conditions. However, consistently the best time to visit tends to be around the end of April to the beginning of May. The festival is open usually through all of April and May, however, so don’t be concerned if you aren’t visiting at the exact right time.
Fuji in the spring can also be finicky weather-wise, and it’s important to visit on a clear day. Otherwise, you may not be able to see Mt. Fuji at all! Make sure to periodically check the weather leading up to your visit. Also, the best time to see Mt. Fuji is in the morning as it tends to get cloudier in the afternoon. Show up early for the best odds!
The best way to find the exact festival dates and peak bloom updates is by checking the official website.
Where is the Mt. Fuji Shibazakura Festival Located?
To reach the Mt. Fuji Shibazakura Festival, you will have to navigate to Fuji Motosuko Resort. This hotel is located close to the base of Mt. Fuji, about 3 kilometers from Lake Motosuko.
If you also just type in “Mt. Fuji Shibazakura Festival” into Google Maps, it’ll also take you to the correct place.
How to Get to the Mt. Fuji Shibazakura Festival
The easiest way to reach the Mt. Fuji Shibazakura Festival is by car. Many visitors rent a car when visiting the Fuji area because public transportation is limited, especially outside of the east Fuji (Fujiyoshida/Kawaguchiko) area. If you don’t have a car, you can take a taxi or public transit.
For public transit, the easiest way is by the Shibazakura Liner which shuttles visitors to and from Kawaguchiko Station about every hour for 1500 yen per person. It’s pricey compared to regular public transit, but certainly less than a taxi (we took one from Fujiyoshida and it was almost 10,000 yen!)
If all of these options are too much of a hassle, it’s also possible to book a tour. Especially in the spring, many tour companies will offer excursions to this beautiful garden.
What to do at the Mt. Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Obviously, the main draw here is to admire the shibazakura. There are not many activities on the festival grounds besides walking around and looking at the bright pink blossoms. However, there are plenty of fun photo ops, including a small wooden observatory and this cute wooden boat.
Beyond that, there is a charming little river and a garden walk that winds behind the lake that is perfect for relaxing walks. There is also a small section with food stalls if you wish to eat.
But let’s be honest…you’re mostly just here to see these views!
Interested in other things to do while visiting Mt. Fuji? Check out my list of personal top 10 favorite activities in the area, each with a spectacular view of Fuji-san!
Hours, Admission, and Other Info
The Mt. Fuji Shibazakura Festival hours are 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. The first tours tend to arrive around 8:30 or 9:00 in the morning, so if you want to enjoy the shibazakura with fewer crowds, try to arrive first thing.
Admission is 1200 yen for adults during peak season and 1000 during off-peak season. Parking is extra: regular cars and bikes are 500 yen, and large vehicles are 2000 yen.
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