Chubu Spring Travel Guide

Cherry Blossom in the Fuji Five Lakes Area

If you are to explore the incredible display of cherry blossoms around the Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko) area, you would be interested in knowing the spots that are worth visiting to do that.

Fujigoko is a renowned touristic area that lies at the northern base of Mount Fuji and comprises five distinct beautiful lakes: Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, Motosuko, Saiko, and Shojiko.

The area is designated as a perfect place to view Mount Fuji from a close distance. Those who dream of viewing the iconic Mount Fuji in spring should pay a visit to the Fuji Five Lakes area.

Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi in Spring. Photo Credit: skyseeker at Flickr.

Many foreign tourists wish to climb Fuji-san, but they cannot do it until summer arrives. So it is impossible for you to climb it when you visit Japan in the springtime. That’s poor and disappointing!

Although you can’t make it, still you could experience the breathtaking view of the mountain from various close distances. Besides, you will be delighted seeing majestic cherry blossoms and the surrounding scenic beauty.

In the eyes of most travelers, Fujigoko is one of the most famous hanami spots in Japan. Let’s explore the area and find out the best locations to view both the Mount Fuji and sakura.

What is the Best Time to See Sakura in Fujigoko Area?

Sakura and Mount Fuji. Photo Credit: TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋) at Flickr.

This is crucial! Don’t you think so? Fujigoko area’s cherry blossoms start to bloom in early April and reach to their peak around mid April.

According to my previous trips and experience, mid April is the best time to see cherry blossom in the Fuji Five Lakes area. You better check out the cherry blossom forecast here.

You don’t expect to see sakura blossoms here before Tokyo. In fact, cherry trees planted across the area here burst into life later than Tokyo and Kyoto.

So the cherry trees here at the Fuji Five Lakes area reach at their peak when the sakura season ends in those two popular destinations.

1) Northern Shores of Kawaguchiko

Beautiful Sakura and Mt. Fuji, Northern Shores of Kawaguchiko. Photo Credit: Mountain Autumn at Flickr.

Japan’s diverse natural beauty is as impressive as its astounding culture. If you agree with it, mind-boggling natural beauty in spring around the Fuji Five Lake area would surly make your trip a wonderful adventure. I am telling this especially for nature lovers.

Please note that the Northern shore of Kawaguchiko is one of the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan.

It is very enjoying walking along the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko underneath cherry trees and viewing the real image of the iconic snow-capped Mount Fuji.

This notable hanami spot is home to several hundred cherry trees. In addition, you will be impressed seeing the pink shibazakura along the lakeshore.

The Fujikawaguchiko cherry blossom festival is held there when all the cherry trees are at full bloom. It feels really good to spend some hours roaming around the area.

2) Chureito Pagoda

A stunning view of the Chureito Pagoda, Mount Fuji and Cherry Blossoms. Photo Credit: Reginald Pentinio at Flickr.

Chureito Pagoda is another great tourist spot that becomes so lively during spring. You will be thrilled by its surrounding natural beauty it offers when most of the sakura trees reach to their peak season.

Autumn colors beauty here is arguably wonderful to experience and that makes this spot worth returning for. Would you like to visit it in the fall? If possible take a trip to this beautiful landmark and be yourself enthralled by the adventure.

The Chureito Pagoda is a 5 storied pagoda, part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine, and located in Fujiyoshida. It was built in 1963 as a peace memorial.

The sight has been recognized as one of the best locations to enjoy the view of Mount Fuji with the cherry blossoms.

There is an observation deck on the mountainside; especially it was built for visitors so that they can get some awesome photographs of Mount Fuji with the sakura. Try to visit the pagoda early in the morning before it gets packed with a lot of crowds.

3) Eastern Shores of Kawaguchiko

Weeping cherry trees and Mt. Fuji, Eastern Shore of Kawaguchiko. Photo Credit: japan-guide.com

You have already got some ideas of the spring beauty that Northern Shore of Kawaguchiko could offer you. Now you explore the breathtaking views of eastern shores of the lake.

In the Fuji Five Lakes region, there are only two places to see weeping cherry blossoms, they are: Eastern Shores of Kawaguchiko, and Iyashi no Sato.

Therefore, anyone who wants to admire the utmost beauty of weeping cherry blossoms should visit these two hanami spots. As you walk along the walkway on the eastern side of the lake you will find a great display of several rows of weeping cherry trees.

The area showcases a beautiful natural arena in which you are bound to admire its surrounding tranquil atmosphere.

4) Ubuyagasaki Peninsula

Mount Fuji from the Ubuyagasaki Peninsula – Beautifully framed! Photo Credit: Mountain Autumn at Flickr.

When the locals seek a great place for enjoying the beauty of Mount Fuji, they first think of Ubuyagashi Peninsula, located next to the Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge.

This is definitely one of the famous places to enjoy the view of the mountain with cherry blossoms. You will be disappointed if your intention is to see abundance of cherry trees there.

Although there you see a small group of cherry trees, the views of Mount Fuji in combination with Lake Kawaguchiko and the sakura blossoms are just majestic and very fascinating. Just take a look at the photograph above, if you think that I am exaggerating it.

5) Oshino Hakkai

Cherry trees along the river, nearby Oshino Hakkai. Photo Credit: www.lei-project.jp

Viewing sakura and the peak of Mt. Fuji from the area of Oshino Hakkai is different than what you experience from the grounds of Fuji View Hotel.

I admit that the hotel grounds provide a great place to enjoy the sakura blossoms but may disappoint you when it comes to viewing Mount Fuji from a close distance with cherry blossom in the background.

Oshino Hakkai is a popular tourist attraction in the Fuji Five Lakes region and home to eight distinct springs/ponds with traditional thatched roof houses. It is very interesting to discover this historic landmark when spring rolls in there.

At that time, hundreds of cherry trees dominate the area like they have not been discovered by anyone before! Please don’t forget to explore the open air museum known as the Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan.

6) Iyashi no Sato

This view looks very gorgeous! Photo Credit: Saiko Iyashino-Sato Nenba.

Have you ever dreamed of staying in one of those Japanese traditional thatched roofed houses you see on travel website and blogs?

In general, not all the old preserved villages with thatched roofed houses across Japan provide accommodation as they are treated like important cultural properties of the nation.

But your dream would come true if you visit Shirakawago! Iyashi no Sato is an open air museum and traditional craft village, and one of the most visited places around the Fujigoko area, located on the western shores of Lake Saiko.

It is an awe-inspiring place to discover the impressive architecture of Japanese traditional looking old village.

It features many interesting facilities that include craft shops, restaurants, museum and galleries. The area of Iyashi no Sato is also a great place to walk around.

The walkways are just great to take a leisurely stroll. It is certain that if you don’t walk around it you will not be able to see the beautiful weeping cherry blossoms displays and the Mt. Fuji in the background.

Welcome to Fuji Five Lakes Area!

A trip to Fujigoko area during the hanami would bd unforgettable! Photo Credit: tenugui at Flickr.

Fujigoko area is at its best when most of the sakura trees reach their full glory in mid April. If you miss viewing the sakura blossoms in Tokyo, then you are welcome to discover this gorgeous area of Japan.

It is not hard to plan a trip to cover the above hanami spots on your own because you are offered the best & efficient transportation network along with world-class accommodation services.

Seriously, if you want to explore the area during its hanami season then staying in Fujikawaguchiko is highly recommended. Below are the best hotels and onsen that I you could recommend you to stay overnight.

1) Lakeland Hotel Mizunosato

2) Rakuyu

3) Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso

4) Fuji Onsenji Yumedono

I love the area very much as it is so inspiring and there is always something peaceful to look at! And sometimes the best thing about Fujigoko is how easy it is to travel around with the good sunny weather.

I hope sooner or later you will be visiting the area of Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko).

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