Tripbaa Funbar!Asia’s Free Travel Expert
When talking about Japan’s cherry blossom season, must-visit spots include Tokyo, Mount Fuji, and Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera Temple. But if you want to enjoy cherry blossoms without the crowds, then the Mount Fuji area on the outskirts of Tokyo could be a great choice. With its vast land area, Mount Fuji not only disperses the cherry blossom crowds but also offers expansive, breathtaking views of the blossoms. Now, let’s set off for Mount Fuji together with us.
The Somei Yoshino cherry is a unique species found around Mount Fuji, with petals ranging from white to light pink and stamens that bloom downward, also known as the “Fuji cherry.”
The Somei Yoshino cherry is the most common type of cherry blossom in Japan and serves as the indicator for the Japan Meteorological Agency’s cherry blossom front. Its petals are light pinkish-white, and due to its fast growth rate, it is frequently seen across Japan during the cherry blossom season.
Shibazakura is a ground-hugging flower resembling cherry blossoms, blooming in shades of pink, white, and purple. It flowers about a week later than cherry blossoms. At Kawaguchiko Town at the foot of Mount Fuji, there are approximately 800,000 shibazakura plants, making it one of the largest shibazakura viewing spots in Japan.
Cherry Blossom Spot at Mount Fuji – Somei Yoshino Cherry. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbar!Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
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The Shin-Kurumayama Asama Shrine is located near Mount Fuji and has about 650 cherry trees within its grounds. It is known as the only cherry blossom spot where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of both Mount Fuji and the blossoms. It has even been selected as one of the 21 must-visit places for photographers before they die.
However, to witness this stunning cherry blossom view, you first have to climb 398 stone steps. This staircase leading to the best viewing platform is called “Tōfū no Saka,” named after a local mountain priest who came up with the idea. It is inspired by the Japanese ideals of beauty, poetry, and artistry, and offers a view where cherry blossoms, poetry, and art blend harmoniously — a scene that never fails to impress.
Cherry Blossom Spot at Mount Fuji – Shin-Kurumayama Asama Shrine. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbar!Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
The Oshino Hakkai is located in Oshino Village, Yamanashi Prefecture. It consists of eight natural springs formed by melting snow from Mount Fuji flowing down the mountainside. The spring water is exceptionally clear and blue, and some ponds even have blue carp swimming in them. Because of this, Oshino Hakkai has been designated as a Natural Monument and is one of the New Fuji-Hakone Eight Views.
During Japan’s cherry blossom season, the scenic beauty of the ponds, small bridges, flowing streams, and cherry blossoms at Oshino Hakkai, along with the majestic backdrop of Mount Fuji, creates a dreamlike scene. Nearby, the Shinfuji River banks are lined with up to 200 cherry trees that bloom together, forming a truly once-in-a-lifetime picturesque view.
Cherry Blossom Spot at Mount Fuji – Oshino Hakkai. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbar!Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
If you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider visiting Nagasaki Park near the Music Box Forest Art Museum. While there are no bustling tourist attractions or large cherry tree groves here, you can enjoy the endless view of Lake Kawaguchi and the distant Mount Fuji, accented by a few pink cherry trees by the lakeside. Though not grand in scale, it offers a serene and romantic atmosphere.
■ Address: Oishi/Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
■ Transportation: Take the bus to “SUNNIDE Mae Nagasaki Park Iriguchi” from Kawaguchiko Station via the “Kawaguchiko Nature Life Museum” bus line, then walk for 3 minutes.
Cherry Blossoms at Mount Fuji. (Photo /
The Fuji Shibazakura Festival (Fuji Shibazakura Festival) is held annually from late April to mid-May at Lake Motosu at the foot of Mount Fuji.The festival grounds are home to about 800,000 Shibazakura (moss phlox) plants, making it the largest Shibazakura viewing spot in Japan. The varying shades of pink and purple flowers bloom together, as if colors have been brushed across the land, adorning the distant Mount Fuji with its most beautiful attire.
Aside from the vast fields of Shibazakura, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival venue also features a temporary "Fujigoko Post Office" selling limited-edition stamps commemorating the festival, as well as an "ashiyu" (foot onsen) where you can relax your feet while enjoying the blossoms. If you’d rather avoid the crowds in the city centers or find the ticket prices for the March cherry blossom season too high, visiting here a little later could be a wonderful alternative for cherry blossom appreciation.
■ Event Period: 2019/4/13 to 5/26
■ Official Website: Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Japanese cherry blossom season attraction – Fuji Shibazakura. (Photo /
During Japan's cherry blossom season, many shops and brands launch "cherry blossom limited-edition" products, and the Fuji Shibazakura Festival also features a grand "Fuji Food Carnival," allowing visitors to enjoy the blossoms while indulging in delicious food. Today, we’re introducing several cherry blossom-themed treats related to Japan’s sakura season—perfect for enjoying on-site or taking home as souvenirs!
Besides etching the image of Mount Fuji in your heart, you should also take home some adorable Fuji Mountain cookies (Fujiyama Cookies).These cookies not only have an appealing look but also come in various flavors. Every year during sakura season, limited-edition "cherry blossom" flavors are released. Their unique packaging makes them stand out, and the pastries are infused with the sweet fragrance of sakura. They taste incredibly delicious and are very photogenic—no one will dislike them!
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This is a limited-edition dessert available only at the cherry blossom café "FUJIYAMA SWEETS" inside the Fuji Food Carnival. The pink-hued cherry blossom cream puffs are filled with red bean paste, whipped cream, and plump, juicy strawberries—just looking at them makes your mouth water.
There’s also the Fuji Shibazakura Sweet Cookie, another limited-edition treat from the Fuji Food Carnival. It’s a pink Japanese-style cookie shaped like Mount Fuji. With its round, chubby, and adorable appearance, it has a chewy texture similar to mochi. These are Japanese cherry blossom season sweets from the Fuji Shibazakura Festival that you might have to wait until next year to try again if you miss them this time!
Japanese Mount Fuji cherry blossom food—Fuji Sakura Éclair. (Photo/Photographer: emiemiemi905, Instagram)
This "White Sakura - shirozakura" rice cracker is a limited-edition item for Japan’s cherry blossom season. It’s actually a soy sauce-flavored rice cracker coated in pure white chocolate and then decorated with salt-preserved cherry blossoms. The overall pink-and-white color scheme is very appealing, and the combination of sweet and salty flavors makes it especially popular with Japanese travelers. If you forget to buy omiyage (souvenirs) while cherry blossom viewing at Mount Fuji, you can pick some of these up in Tokyo to enjoy or give as gifts.
Japanese Mount Fuji cherry blossom food - Fujimido cherry blossom rice cracker. (Photo / Fujimido)
[Authorized repost from Tripbaa]Original source: [A sneak peek at how to enjoy cherry blossoms at Mount Fuji, Japan in 2019: Recommended cherry blossom spots and food]