A Must-See Spring Trip to Japan: The Fuji Shibazakura Festival’s Pink Carpet Is Pure Magic

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team

Starting April 18, 2015, at the Fuji Bessho Lake Resort in the Bessho Lake area—one of the Fuji Five Lakes—the "Fuji Shibazakura Festival," a flower carnival where around 800,000 Shibazakura bloom across the plains at the foot of Mount Fuji, will be held. Now in its 8th year, this event is the largest Shibazakura festival in the Kanto region.

The Fuji Shibazakura Festival (富士芝桜まつり) is a floral spectacle that began in 2008. It typically runs from mid-to-late April through May, peaking in May. This year’s festival runs from April 18 to May 31. The main venue is the Fuji Bessho Lake Resort, open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. With around 800,000 Shibazakua plants in full bloom, the vibrant pink hues complement Mount Fuji and the surrounding grasslands, creating a rare and stunning early summer sight. Admission is required: 520 yen for adults and 210 yen for children aged 3 and above. Pets are not allowed. Food stalls are also available for visitors to enjoy while admiring the flowers.

Shibazakura are not actually cherry blossoms but a type of perennial plant belonging to the Apocynaceae family. They bloom between April and May and are native to North America. Due to their low growth habit, which resembles a lawn, they are called “Shibazakura” (where “shiba” means lawn in Japanese). The Fuji Shibazakura Festival features six main varieties, ranging from white and light pink to deep pink and peach tones, creating a layered effect that looks like a giant pink floral carpet. Visitors who love cherry blossom viewing in Japan may want to plan a trip to the foot of Mount Fuji to enjoy these beautiful Shibazakura and experience a unique sea of flowers, all while taking in the majestic views of Mount Fuji.