By the MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Department

Two major shibazakura festivals in the Kanto region are in full swing this season. One is the Chichibu Shibazakura Hill, which began on April 11, and the other is the Fuji Shibazakura Festival at Kawaguchiko by Lake Kawaguchi, which started on April 19. Although the cherry blossom season is gradually winding down, the stunning beauty of the pinkish-red shibazakura is no less captivating. Each year, it draws many visitors, and this year, Mount Fuji is welcoming the shibazakura festival for the first time as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Fuji Shibazakura Festival (Fuji Shibazakura Matsuri) is a floral extravaganza that began in 2008. It typically starts in mid-to-late April and peaks in May. This year’s festival runs from April 19 to June 1. The main venue is the Fujizono Lake Resort, open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. With approximately 800,000 shibazakura plants in full bloom, their vibrant pink hues complement the silhouette of Mount Fuji and the surrounding grasslands, creating a rare and beautiful early summer landscape. Admission is required: 520 yen for adults and 210 yen for children aged 3 and above. Note that pets are not allowed. Food stalls are also available on-site for visitors to enjoy meals while admiring the flowers.

Shibazakura are not actual cherry blossoms but rather a type of perennial plant belonging to the Apocynaceae family. Their blooming season is between April and May, and they originally come from North America. Because they grow low to the ground like a lawn, they are called "shibazakura" (where "shiba" means lawn in Japanese). The Fuji Shibazakura Festival features six main varieties of shibazakura, ranging in color from white to light pink, deep pink, and peach. These layers create a breathtaking pink floral carpet. Visitors who love cherry blossom viewing in Japan may want to plan a trip to the foothills of Mount Fuji next time to enjoy the unique beauty of shibazakura and take in a different kind of flower sea view—all while marveling at the majestic Mount Fuji.

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