Japan’s spring season is very brightly colored not only for of its ume, sakura, and tulips, but also for Shibazakura (moss phlox).
There is a renowned Shibazakura matsuri in Hokkaido, I won’t discuss it here, but today I will share a travel guide that tells you about the country’s largest Shibazakura festival called “Fuji Shibazakura Matsuri”.
It is located at Fuji Motosuko Resort, near at the base of Mt. Fuji and just about 3 km away from Lake Motosuko (One of the Fuji Five Lakes) in Yamanashi prefecture. Have you ever heard of this floral festival before?
Perhaps you have heard of it and also you have seen photographs of this yearly spring flower matsuri where the majestic view of Mt. Fuji peak looks gorgeous with millions of pink moss phlox. The scenery you see there is just unforgettable even when you are allergic to pink color.
Take a quick note that in 2025, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival will be held from April 12 to May 25. The festival date is informed to you, now you have got to make a plan to visit it in right time.
Make sure you always keep an eye on the weather forecast almost every day before you set up your mind. Unpredictable spring weather may cause you some trouble, not that much serious though. It may spoil your day trip to this resort, if you can’t see the Mt. Fuji!
Therefore my advice to you is check the weather conditions before you head out.
I mean if the weather conditions is cloudy then you would hardly see the Mt. Fuji snow cap. I am sure you don’t want to miss it, do you? In fact, the place where the festival takes place is seen one of the best places to view Mt. Fuji.
Go there on a clear sunny day and something special is really waiting for you to make you just “WOW” and of course much more than that.
Shibazakura has Five Petals like Sakura
Shibazakura and Cherry blossom (Sakura) both have a similar characteristic. What’s that? Shibazakura blooms in five petals just like cherry flower. It is interesting! Though, my favorite one is sakura than Shibazakura.
I can’t sit underneath it to have an outdoor picnic party, but a cherry blossom tree offers me to have this amusing moment.
Shibazakura plants grow quickly and cover the grounds like a lawn. Usually, Shibazakura start blooming from early April that comes in many varieties.
The festival grounds only feature 6 (six) distinct varieties of Shibazakura known as Scarlet Frame, Mcdaniel’s Cushion, Little Dot, Autumn Rose, Tama-no-Nagare, and Oakington Blue-Eyes.
About the Festival
The festival gives insight into real Mount Fuji beauty as well as the natural beauty of Japan in spring.
Approximately 800,000 Shibazakura – covering 2.4 hectors of land, burst into life and ready to show their absolute beauty from mid April to mid May. The best time see shibazakura here is between late April and the first week of May.
On the other hand, the festival location offers gorgeous views of Mt. Fuji in combination with the pink carpet of millions pink phlox mosses. How incredible – when both can be experienced at the same time!
It sounds like a crazy flower festival as you have a great opportunity to view Mt. Fuji snow peak in the background.
It is creates an amazing picturesque landscape featuring a flower carpet of pink, red, light blue, purple, pure white blossoms, a pond, green hills, and Mt. Fuji peak which reflects the outstanding natural beauty of Yamanashi prefecture. Does it make sense?
Yes, it does make sense because nature at its best when millions of flowers offer you a peaceful environment to enjoy an outdoor nature beauty.
When most people think of traveling to Japan, they certainly wish to see the world’s most beautiful Mt. Fuji peak, don’t they?
This festival could satisfy your real Mt. fuji including miniature Mt. Fuji (made out of shibazakura) view desire and delightful shibazakura.
There is a observatory, looks like a little bridge though – you are advised to get there to see the whole festival area with Mt Fuji snow cap. It is typical seeing visitors roaming around and walking through different trials inside the festival area.
I have seen some foreign visitors were trying to take some photographs of Mt Fuji from different angles as the day was very sunny and clear. Whether you believe it or not that I was asked to take some group photos of them!
They were very excited. “Our Japan spring trip would not have been much better if we had not visited this flower festival” – said one of the group members. I think he is bloody right!
There is a nice footbath, called Panorama footbath, offering you soak your feet in hot water while experiencing breathtaking view of surrounding scenery.
I was there, soaked my feet for a while and it was just a relaxing moment for me. I thoroughly enjoyed that and I am sure you would do the same.
Walk through the trials, if feel a bit tired then head to this footbath and have some rest. You know, it is expensive staying in a hotel that is located near at the base of Mt. Fuji.
Why? – Because, over there you can easily enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji from its Onsen (hot springs). Take this sort of chance just soaking your feet at this Panorama footbath.
Find some other most recommended places to see Mt. Fuji, including Lake Kawaguchi, and Chureito pagoda.
What to Buy and Eat?
I have forgotten to mention you earlier that there is a food festival, called “The Mt. Fuji Delicious Food Festival” held at the same place.
There is a wide variety of yummy foods coming from Mt. Fuji region in one place. If you are a foodie lover then I guess you thinking like “can I see the menu please?” Yes you can but go there first.
By the way, here I will just tell you few famous dishes you could try there. Many food stalls, cafe and restaurant in the park offer you dishes like famous Fujinomiya yakisoba, Koshu chicken giblet stew, Fuji-yoshida udon, Fujiyama Sweet bean buns, Fujizakura Pork Soup, Shibazakura Ramen, Fujiyama Taiyaki, Shibazakura Croquettes, Koshu Fujizakura Pork Buns, Chimaki, Goehi Mochi, and many more.
When it comes to buying things like so called souvenir. Not a spring holiday goes by without me dropping into my favorite flower festivals throughout Japan.
I don’t have enough money to visit them all in one season though; I skip places which I can’t afford. Apart from transportation and accommodation cost I do have something to buy as souvenir for my family.
They wait for it while I have to hunt for the best ones to make them happy. However, the Shibazakura festival lets you buy some unique shibazakura themed souvenirs from the shops located there.
I bought few packs of Fujiyama cookies and Sakura macaroons. All of my family members like my parents and brothers enjoyed eating these delicious foods.
Important Travel Tips to Fuji Shibazakura Festival
The most important travel tip to this festival is the weather condition. Earlier in this article, I have told you to check out the weather before you head to this festival.
Take it seriously if you really want to see Mt. Fuji snow cap view along with pink Shibazakura fields.
As the festival will be held for more than a week you have more of days to visit it. What does this message mean to you?
The message indicates you that you should avoid the weekends and Golden Week (end of April to few days of early May). During this time a lot of local visitors come from various parts of Japan. It gets crowded even beyond your imagination.
I request you not to visit the festival earlier because you may experience that all the shibazakura are not in full bloom. Go there at the end of the Golden Week.
The festival is one of the famous photogenic spots in Japan. So take a good advantage of this opportunity. In fact, a lot of professional photographers gather there to carry out their task and profession. In fact, the festival provides photo services for visitors.
Do the things that I said like soaking your feet at the footbath, eating local delicacies, buying cute souvenirs and roaming around the flower park.
I suggest you to wear the shoes that are easy to walk and please avoid high heeled shoes. They would not be comfortable to walk around.
Except visiting the festival site you can visit other popular sightseeing spots such as Lake Shojiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Kawaguchiko, local shops, Mount Tenjo, Grinpa Tulip Festival, temple & shrines and etc.
How to get there?
To enjoy a comfortable hassle free ride on budget around Mt. Fuji sounding areas bus is the best option.
There is an exclusive direct highway bus service from Tokyo’s Shinjuku expressway bus terminal to the festival site (Approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes ride) and it is only available during the festival time. If you are coming from Tokyo then take this exclusive bus ride. Please take a look at the route map.
Besides, you can take direct buses to Kawaguchiko Station from Shinjuku expressway bus terminal. From Kawaguchiko station you hop on the Shibzakura Liner and enjoy a 30-mintue ride to the festival site.
If you don’t care about money then, who cares! Take a taxi and get to the site safely. You can read this page that will describe other available options.
Find 1-Day Bus Tour to Mt. Fuji and Shibazakura.
Important Things to Know
Place & Address: Fuji Motosuko Resort in Minami Tsuru, Yamanashi Prefecture
Festival Date: April 12 – May 25, 2025
Best view: From Late April to the first week of May
Parking lot: Yes, about 1000 average size cars
Pet: No pets are allowed inside the park
Ticket counter: Two
Admission fee: ¥1000-1300 yen for adults, ¥500-700 yen for children
Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (no illumination)
Tel: 0555-89-3031
Official website: www.shibazakura.jp
April-May is a perfectly good month to visit in Japan especially for nature lover who loves flowers and festivals.
A lot of spring festivals throughout Japan gloriously make you mad to hunt every one of them, but due to limited time and budget you may not experience them all.
However, in the end I would say that if you come here during hanami, don’t miss visiting this unique flower festival.
After having a great time in the Kansai region please get back to Tokyo and experience this splendid shibazakura where the Mt. Fuji may tickle you and say “wanna climb me?”. Thanks for reading.
Hi, I’m planning to visit the Sibazakura Festival on 7th May 2020 right after the Golden Week. Should I take the bus (Shibzukura Liner) or the JR train to avoid the crowd. What about package Klook day tour. Which only allowed 60 minutes. Is it enough? I will be staying near Shinjuku station. Which transport should I take. Is it easy to go on my own. I’m thinking of buying the
JR tokyo Wide Pass so that I can also visit Hitachi Seaside Park and Ashikaga Flower Park too. Does this pass cover all these three flower places. I am afraid of the jam and journey to Shibazakura by our own as my husband and myself are in our late fifties and might get confused with the train and buses. What would be your advise. Thank you.
Hi,
You can use a JR Tokyo Wide Pass to get to Fuji Shibzakaura Festival, Hitachi Seaside Park and Ashikaga Flower Park. Though from a specific train station, you will have to use a local bus to get to the main attraction. For more info, read my message that I have sent you today. Thank you.
Hi I will be visiting Tokyo from May 25 to 27th this year. Would the flowers still be blooming then? Is it still worthwhile to visit? Thanks for your help.
Hi, the best time to see the flowers there is over, though if the weather is good and sunny, you can still think of visiting the attraction. At least you will be happy to see the beautiful Mount Fuji! Thank you.
Hi, given the snow these few days, will there be chance that we still can see the Shibazakura on 31 May this year? Thanks!
Hi, Thank you very much for your information. I see a link from the Shiba Sakura website for “Online Tickets” but this link hasn’t worked for the past 1 month or so. Do you know if tickets are needed in advance or can you just go to the festival and buy tickets at the door?
Thanks!
Hi Jeff, there is no need to by ticket in advance though that depends. I actually have sent you a message today, please read that for more info.
Thank you.
Hi, understand that Fuji Shibazakura Festival 2019 is from 13 May to 26 May 2019.
Will there still be flowers on 30 May 2019? Is it still good to visit? Thanks.
Hello,
The Fuji Shibazakura Festival will be held from April 13 to May 26, 2019.
Usually, the best time to visit the area is from late April to the first week of May.
So, I won’t recommend you to get there on May 30. I hope this helps.
Thank you.
We are arriving on 31st May 2019, can we still catch the last bit of the shibazakura?
Hi,
I won’t suggest you visit the area on May 31st. That’s too late to visit.
Thank you.
Hi, we will be in Japan during 2-6 June, are those lovely pink moss still blooming? Is it still good to visit?
Hi,
Thanks for your message.
Well, you are late! And it’s not good to visit during early June.
Hello, it seems very interesting to visit there but unfortunately we will arrive in Tokyo exactly when the festival ends. We plan to visit somewhere in Shizuoka to see mt.Fuji on 1st June. Is there any change to still see the pink moss on that time?
Gr, Erika
Hello Erika,
Kindly check your email to see the answer of your question. Thank you.
Hello, thanks so much for the information. .I will be in Japan early June and like to go see the pink plox moss. Am I still able to see the flower there when the festival already over?
Hello Chinh, I have sent you a message to your email address, so check your email inbox. Thank you.
Hello!
I just booked a trip to Japan and will be there from march 26th until april 16th. It might be too early for this festival? It is my dream to see this view from Mt Fuji with all the pink moss around!
Also, do you think these dates will be good for hanami season?
Thank you!
Hello Luiza,
I did reply your message, please check it.
Thanks a lot.
How much time should I spend at the Pink Moss festival?
It depends on you. Though it would be great if you could spend at least 3 hours at the Fuji Shibazakura Festival venue. Thank you!
Hi! Thanks for all the detailed information! I plan to go to Japan Mid-April. I will spend the first 3 days in Tokyo and on my way to Kyoto I would like to make a stop to the Fuji Shibazakura festival. Do I need to spend a night there of if I leave Tokyo early in the morning, can I spend the day to the festival and then take the train to go to Kyoto?
Thanks!
Hi, I appreciate it! No, you don’t need to spend a night there. After spending a lovely day there you can take the train to go to Kyoto, I mean in the evening.
Thanks for all the information. I plan to spend 2 nights in the Mt. Fuji area so that I can fully enjoy the Shibuzakura and Mt. Fuji. Where should I book my hotels? Does Lake Motosuko have hotels? Will I be able to get to them easily? Will I be able to travel to the other lakes as well?
Hi, it is my pleasure, thanks. Well, you better book your hotel room near Lake Kawaguchiko. It will be very easy to get to the festival venue by the direct shuttle bus called Shibazakura Liner (30 minutes ride). It is a very convenient way to reach to the festival venue from Kawaguchiko station. The cost of a round trip ticket and entrance fee is 2000 yen.
No there is no hotel near Lake Motosuko but I could recommend two hotels located nearby Lake Shoji, they are Yamadaya Hotel and Shoji Mount Hotel. Yes of course, you are able to travel to the other lakes and they can be accessed easily from Lake Kawaguchiko area. Please book a room at Plaza Inn Kawaguchiko as it is located very near to Kawaguchiko Train Station. Thanks again, and have a good day!
Can you recommend any ryokans at lake kawaguchiko? I stayed at enough hotels and ryokans seems alot funner. The Mt. Shoji recommendations seem far. Would they be convenient to lake Motosuko?
Hi,
Yes of course I can. Please check out the following ryokans:
1) Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso
2) Maruei
3) Fujinoyado Ohashi
When you visit Fuji Shibazakura venue from Lake Shoji it is not that much far. Yes they would be convenient to Lake Motosuko as there is a network of regular buses. Though, I believe it would best for you to stay two nights at a ryokan located near Lake Kawaguchiko and explore the Fuji Five Lakes and other attractions from there. Thanks.