The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is held each spring near Lake Motosuko at the foot of Mount Fuji, when hundreds of thousands of shibazakura (moss phlox) plants bloom in sweeping carpets of pink, white and purple across the ground, set directly beneath the snow-capped mountain. Running roughly from mid-April to late May, it is one of Japan’s most spectacular flower festivals, with the low-growing blooms creating a vivid foreground to Fuji, alongside food stalls, viewpoints and photo spots that draw large crowds during its short season.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Fujikawaguchiko (Lake Motosuko area), Yamanashi |
| Hours | ~8:00–17:00 during the festival |
| Admission | Around ¥600–1,000; parking/shuttle extra |
| Time needed | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Best time | Mid-April–late May; check peak bloom timing |
What to See
- Sweeping carpets of pink, white and purple moss phlox.
- The snow-capped Mount Fuji rising directly behind the blooms.
- Viewpoints, photo spots and food stalls across the festival grounds.
- One of Japan’s most spectacular spring flower festivals.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Kawaguchiko & Fuji Five Lakes sightseeing nearby.
- Pair with Chureito Pagoda for more Fuji views.
- Read our Yamanashi overview .
Getting There
- By bus: festival shuttle buses run from Kawaguchiko and Fujisan stations during the event.
- By car: parking available on site, though expect heavy traffic in peak season.
Tips
Bloom timing varies year to year, so check the current status before visiting, as arriving too early or late can mean a less full display. Clear mornings offer the best combination of flowers and unobscured Fuji, and using the festival shuttle bus avoids the heavy traffic and parking congestion common on peak-season weekends.
