Fuji Shibazakura Festival at Fuji Motosuko Resort 2026: Dates, Tickets & Access Guide
However, in my opinion, simply seeing Mount Fuji and heading back would be a missed opportunity. The surrounding area is filled with stunning nature, historic shrines and temples, and countless spots where you can enjoy exceptional food and sake.
That said, Mount Fuji is enormous, and the number and scale of nearby attractions are vast.
That’s why I recommend exploring the area with locals who truly know the real Mount Fuji region. With tours from Magical Trip—winner of Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best in both 2024 and 2025—you can leave the Mount Fuji area with unforgettable memories.
The “Mt. Fuji Full-day Day Trip Tour from Tokyo with a Private Car & Guide” is a private hire tour that lets you fully enjoy the beautiful scenery around Mount Fuji, the perfect harmony between nature and the mountain itself, and a variety of dishes that showcase the area’s rich food culture.
With round-trip transportation from Tokyo included, you can spend a full day exploring the Mount Fuji area on an itinerary carefully crafted by local guides.
For those staying in Tokyo, The Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku—also a back-to-back Best of the Best winner for two consecutive years—lets you safely enjoy spots loved by locals in well-known Shinjuku areas such as Kabukicho and Omoide Yokocho.
Introduction
Mt. Fuji, which stands at 3,776 meters above sea level, is Japan's highest mountain. It is cherished as a symbol of Japan for its overwhelming presence and beauty.
The area around Mt. Fuji is blessed with beautiful nature, and there are many spots where you can enjoy viewing Mt. Fuji while appreciating seasonal flowers and plants. This time, we will introduce the overview and highlights of the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, where you can enjoy beautiful Shibazakura held at Lake Motosuko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes.
We will also introduce tourist spots around Lake Motosuko, so please enjoy the article as if you're enjoying sightseeing together!
Table of Contents
-Fuji Shibazakura Festival: A Spring Mt. Fuji Event Held at Fuji Motosuko Lake Resort
-The 5 Attractions of Fuji Shibazakura Festival Explained in Detail by the Author Who Actually Experienced It
-Lake Motosuko's Appeal Isn't Just About Events! A Detailed Explanation of Surrounding Tourist Spots and Their Attractions
Fuji Shibazakura Festival 2026: Dates, Hours & Tickets
The Shibazakura Festival in Motosuko Resort runs from April 11 to May 24, 2026. During the event period, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of approximately 500,000 shibazakura (moss phlox) in full bloom, as well as kimono and matcha experiences. Exclusive limited-edition merchandise inspired by Mt. Fuji and the pink hues of the shibazakura is also available for purchase, making it a perfect spot to pick up distinctly Japanese souvenirs.
Since the event period may shift depending on the blooming conditions of the shibazakura, be sure to check the official Fujimotosuko Resort website and other sources before your visit.
Fujimotosuko Resort Official Website (https://www.fujimotosuko-resort.jp/)
Entrance Fees & Tickets
Admission fees for the Shibazakura Festival in Motosuko Resort vary depending on the date of your visit. Adult pricing applies to visitors in junior high school and above, while child pricing applies to those aged 3 and older. Admission fees by date can also be confirmed on the official Fujimotosuko Resort website.
Shibazakura Festival Admission Fees:
- April 11–24 and May 11–24: Adults ¥1,000 / Children ¥500
- April 25–May 10: Adults ¥1,300 / Children ¥700
Online tickets purchased by the day before your visit are discounted by ¥100 off the regular price, making them a great deal. You'll also be able to enter smoothly without waiting in line at the ticket booth on the day of your visit, so if you've already decided on a date, be sure to check the official website in advance.
Fujimotosuko Resort Official Website (https://www.fujimotosuko-resort.jp/)
Opening Hours
The Shibazakura Festival in Motosuko Resort is generally open from 8:00 to 16:00, with hours varying by date. On weekends and public holidays in particular, lines begin forming before the gates open, and many locals make a point of arriving in the early morning when crowds are thinner. The crowd also thins out near closing time, so personally, I also enjoy heading over in the afternoon for a more relaxed visit.
Shibazakura Festival Opening Hours:
- April 11–28 and May 7–24: 8:00–16:00
- April 29–May 6: 6:00–17:00
How to get to Fuji Shibazakura Festival?
| Access Method | Time to Take | Cost | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus from Shinjuku | Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes | Round-trip bus fare + Fuji Shibazakura Festival admission fee Adult: ¥6,400 Child: ¥3,160 | Those who want to travel comfortably without transfers Those who do not plan to sightsee around the area beyond the Shibazakura Festival |
| Car from Tokyo | Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes | Highway toll (one way: Tokyo IC – Fuji IC) Approx. ¥3,500 | Those who want to plan their itinerary freely Those who also want to sightsee around the area beyond the Shibazakura Festival |
| Shuttle Bus from Kawaguchiko Station | Approximately 40 minutes | Round-trip bus fare + Fuji Shibazakura Festival admission fee Adult: ¥3,000 Child: ¥1,500 | Those who want to travel on a budget Those who want to explore the area around Lake Kawaguchi |
The most common way to reach Fujimotosuko Resort, the venue for the Shibazakura Festival in Motosuko Resort, is by dedicated shuttle bus from the nearest station, Kawaguchiko Station. If you plan to use the shuttle bus, a combined ticket that includes both the shuttle bus fare and festival admission is highly recommended.
As someone who lives in Tokyo, I traveled by direct bus from Shinjuku. I particularly enjoy this option because it allows for a comfortable, transfer-free journey to the venue, with plenty of time to take in the scenery along the way.
The sections below cover the details of each access option.
By Direct Bus from Shinjuku
Those heading to the Shibazakura Festival in Motosuko Resort from the Tokyo area will find it convenient to take a direct bus departing from Busta Shinjuku, the highway bus terminal directly connected to the south exit of Shinjuku Station. The highway bus travels from Shinjuku Station via expressway and goes directly to Fujimotosuko Resort, the festival venue.
Since the direct bus requires no transfers, it reduces the stress of navigating unfamiliar routes. On clear days, you can also enjoy sweeping views of Mt. Fuji from inside the bus, making it a great option for those who want to take in the scenery at a leisurely pace. Do note, however, that highway congestion — particularly on weekends — can cause delays, so it's a good idea to build some extra time into your schedule.
By Car from Tokyo
For those who prefer a flexible schedule or are traveling with family, accessing the venue by rental car or private vehicle is also a good option. From Tokyo IC to Fuji IC, the nearest interchange to the venue, the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes via the Tomei Expressway. After exiting Fuji IC, continue along National Route 139 for about 50 minutes to reach the venue.
Traveling by car offers the advantage of freely combining nearby sightseeing spots into your route and stopping for breaks whenever you like. Keep in mind, however, that the venue's parking lot tends to fill up quickly during the peak blooming season, so be prepared for the possibility of a wait before finding a spot.
By Shuttle Bus from Kawaguchiko Station
For those staying around the Kawaguchiko area or visiting the Mt. Fuji region by train, the dedicated shuttle bus "Fuji Shibazakura Liner," departing from Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyu Railway Line, is highly recommended. A combined ticket that includes a round-trip bus fare and festival admission is available, offering an affordable way to travel the approximately 40-minute journey from Kawaguchiko Station to the venue.
Kawaguchiko Station can be reached from Shinjuku Station in as little as 1 hour and 54 minutes via the limited express train "FUJI EXCURSION," or by highway bus services operating from Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, Haneda Airport, and other locations. For those coming from the Tokyo area who would rather not worry about expressway traffic, the limited express train is well worth considering.
The 5 Attractions of Fuji Shibazakura Festival Explained in Detail by the Author Who Actually Experienced It
The Carpet of Shibazakura Boasting Overwhelming Beauty You Can't See Anywhere Else
At the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, you can enjoy one of the largest magnificent views of Shibazakura accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area. While you can see Shibazakura in Tokyo, the breathtaking scenery of them blooming like a carpet can only be encountered here.
The sight of 500,000 Shibazakura blooming all at once is overwhelming, and every time I see this scenery, I feel happy thinking, "Ah, spring has arrived."
Additionally, the charm of the Fuji Shibazakura Festival is that you can enjoy the collaboration between Shibazakura and Mt. Fuji. The contrast between the pink Shibazakura and the blue of Mt. Fuji is impressive and captivates visitors.
Numerous Photo Spots Perfect for Instagram
When it comes to my favorite points about the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, it's that there are plenty of photogenic spots that are likely to become trending topics on SNS platforms like Instagram.
The festival is famous for being able to take photos of the overwhelming flower fields and the collaboration with Mt. Fuji, but at the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, there are many unique objects installed that make the scenery even more attractive.
One of the attractions is that you can enter the flower fields and enjoy taking photos with objects such as yellow doors and heart-shaped benches. Among them, my recommended object is the canoe floating in the flower field. The scenery of traveling through a pink sea will surely become a wonderful photo to remember.
For those who want to enjoy photography primarily, the relatively uncrowded morning hours are recommended.
In Addition to Shibazakura, Various Beautiful Flowers Bloom Throughout the Garden
Inside the grounds, in addition to Shibazakura, various flowers that can be enjoyed in spring are blooming. Besides Cherry Blossoms, which represent Japanese spring, you can see colorful flowers that bloom from April to May throughout the grounds, such as Anemones and Azaleas.
Additionally, Fuji Motosuko Lake Resort has an adjoining "PETER RABBIT™ ENGLISH GARDEN" where you can enjoy approximately 300 types of seasonal flowers throughout the year. The English garden that recreates the world of PETER RABBIT offers a rustic beauty that differs from the Shibazakura Festival.
Many Food Trucks Are Present, Allowing You to Enjoy the Festival Atmosphere
Another attraction of the Fuji Shibazakura Festival is the food trucks where you can casually enjoy local gourmet food and one-hand foods.
With more than 10 food trucks lined up, you can enjoy a lively atmosphere like a food festival. A wide range of genres are available, including coffee, sweets, and meat, and eating while viewing the flowers is one of the highlights of the Fuji Shibazakura Festival.
Among them, my recommended food is Fujinomiya Yakisoba, which features a chewy texture. The seafood powder topping also blends well with the noodles, allowing you to enjoy an exquisite flavor. The salt-grilled rainbow trout raised in Yamanashi's beautiful rivers is also a dish that lets you experience the charm of Yamanashi.
Since the food trucks change depending on the day, please find your favorite.
You Can Purchase Souvenirs Only Available at This Event
Inside the grounds, you can purchase limited souvenirs that can only be obtained at the event venue.
The limited souvenirs are wrapped in vibrant pink packaging that symbolizes Fujizakura, and have a warmth that reminds you of the fragrance of flowers even after you return home.
"FUJIYAMA COOKIE" in an adorable Mt. Fuji-shaped can is one of the representative souvenirs of the Fuji Shibazakura Festival that makes a delightful gift.
"Shingen Mochi," a representative souvenir of Yamanashi prefecture, and "THE HEREN's Baumkuchen" are also wrapped in pink packaging here, allowing you to enjoy both photogenic beauty and delicious sweets.
Best Time to Visit & Bloom Forecast
The blooming conditions and crowd levels at the Shibazakura Festival in Motosuko Resort can vary greatly depending on when you visit and what time of day you arrive.
In particular, since the peak bloom of the shibazakura can shift earlier or later depending on weather conditions, keeping up with the latest bloom forecasts is essential. The official Instagram account of Fujimotosuko Resort provides daily updates on local temperatures and blooming conditions, making it a useful resource for checking the most current information.
Additionally, since this period coincides with Japan's major national holiday season, some planning around the time of your visit and your choice of transportation will be necessary to avoid the crowds. The sections below provide a detailed look at the best time to see the shibazakura in bloom, along with tips for enjoying the Shibazakura Festival in Motosuko Resort comfortably while steering clear of the busiest periods.
Fujimotosuko Resort Official Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fujimotosuko/)
Peak Bloom Period (Late April – Mid-May)
The peak bloom period, when the most stunning scenery can be seen at the Shibazakura Festival in Motosuko Resort, typically falls between late April and mid-May each year. During this time, the density of the shibazakura reaches its height, and visitors can enjoy the spectacular sight of what looks like a pink carpet spread across the entire venue. The vivid contrast between the bright pink shibazakura and the blue silhouette of Mt. Fuji stands out beautifully, offering a chance to capture one of Japan's most iconic natural landscapes in photographs.
To check on the peak bloom, I often turn to the live camera feed from Fujimotosuko Resort. A fixed-point camera streams live footage of Mt. Fuji rising beyond the shibazakura, so anyone hoping to time their visit with the peak bloom should definitely make use of it.
Fujimotosuko Resort Live Camera (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGyGoXlKZmw)
Tips to Avoid Golden Week Crowds
During the Golden Week holiday period (late April to early May), the vast majority of schools and companies across Japan go on consecutive holidays, making the area extremely crowded even with domestic travelers alone. Since this period overlaps with the peak blooming season of the Shibazakura Festival in Motosuko Resort, a little extra planning is needed to enjoy the festival without the crowds.
The best way to avoid the crowds is to visit early in the morning, right when the gates open. During the most congested period (April 29 to May 6 in 2026), the venue is scheduled to open at 6:00, two hours earlier than usual. Arriving in the early morning before visitor numbers build up allows for a more relaxed stroll through a comparatively uncrowded venue.
During Golden Week, traffic congestion also tends to build up around the venue, and those arriving by car may find themselves caught in long lines waiting for parking. For those traveling from the Tokyo area, combining options such as the limited express train and the dedicated shuttle bus from Kawaguchiko Station can be an effective way to navigate the crowds.
During Golden Week, making full use of public transportation as your primary means of travel will help you stay clear of the congestion and enjoy the spectacular scenery to your heart's content.
At Lake Motosuko, the "Rainbow Flower Festival" is Held in Summer
Fuji Motosuko Lake Resort holds the RAINBOW FLOWER FESTIVAL from late August to mid-October. The venue is filled with approximately 10 varieties of warm-colored zinnias and rudbeckias in red, orange, and other hues.
The scene resembles a rainbow, which is the origin of the festival's name. Looking up from the flower fields, you'll see the magnificent view of Mt. Fuji spreading out, allowing you to experience the grand nature of Mt. Fuji.
Within the venue, photo spot objects that were popular at the Fuji Shibazakura Festival are installed, allowing you to enjoy photography. Among them, the collaboration of the flower fields seen through the yellow door and Mt. Fuji is fantastical and provides peace of mind to visitors.
Lake Motosuko's Appeal Isn't Just About Events! A Detailed Explanation of Surrounding Tourist Spots and Their Attractions
Around Lake Motosuko, there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy activities such as hot springs and trails. When you visit Fuji Motosuko Lake Resort, here are three recommended spots you should definitely visit together.
Mt. Ryugatake
Mt. Ryugatake is a mountain with an elevation of 1,485m located on the south side of Lake Motosuko. It is famous as a mountain with excellent views from the summit, where you can overlook dynamically spreading mountains including Mt. Fuji, the Southern Alps, and Yatsugatake.
During the season from early December to late January, it is also popular as a spot where you can see "Diamond Fuji," where the sun rises over the summit of Mt. Fuji.
You can reach the summit in about 2 hours from the trailhead. The hiking trail is well-maintained, but since snow accumulates in winter, it's reassuring to prepare crampons and other equipment.
<Basic Information>
-Access: From Mt. Fuji Station (Fuji Yoshida station), take the Fujikyu Shizuoka Bus "Shin-Fuji line" and get off at "Motoshuko," then walk approximately 45 minutes to the trailhead
-Phone: 0555-28-5177 (Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism Association)
-Official Website: https://yamanashi--hiking100-jp.translate.goog/course/detail/5?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en
Fujiten Resort
Fujiten Resort is a facility where you can enjoy outdoor activities at the foot of Mt. Fuji. In summer, you can enjoy mountain biking and sledding on the grass. There is also an artificial slope where you can slide with the same sensation as on snow, making it a recommended spot for those who want to enjoy skiing or snowboarding in summer.
In winter, you can also enjoy it as a full-fledged ski slope. With seven courses available from beginner to advanced levels, you can enjoy skiing according to your own skill level. There is also a children's area where you can enjoy sledding and snow play, making it a recommended spot for family trips as well.
<Basic Information>
-Address: 8545-1 Narusawamura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
-Summer season: May to October
-Operating hours: 9:00-17:00
-Closed: Weekdays and specific days (check official website)
-Winter season: Mid-December to early April
-Operating hours: 8:30-17:00 / 16:00-21:30 (Night skiing on weekends only)
-Closed: None
-Phone: 0555-85-2000
-Official Website: https://www.fujiten.net/?hl=en
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fujitenresort/
Fuji Yurari Hot Spring (Fuji Chobo-no-yu Yurari)
Fuji Yurari Hot Spring (Fuji Chobo-no-yu Yurari) is a day-trip hot spring where you can bathe while viewing the vast Mt. Fuji.
Inside the facility with its Japanese atmosphere, you can enjoy 16 types of baths, including an open-air bath with a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji, saunas, and carbonated baths. Among them, the cave bath is my favorite, and you can experience the feeling of bathing in a hot spring inside a wind cave.
In the summer open-air bath at night, you can even see the lights of climbers on Mt. Fuji and the lights of mountain huts. In Japan, going to hot springs to heal fatigue after enjoying activities such as mountain climbing or skiing is a standard way to enjoy yourself. Please enjoy the perfect end to a day of sightseeing.
<Basic Information>
-Address: 8532-5 Narusawamura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
-Operating hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-21:00 / Weekends and holidays 10:00-22:00 -Closed: None
-Phone: 0555-85-3126
-Official Website: https://www.fuji-yurari.jp/
For Those Who Want to Efficiently Tour the Mt. Fuji Area, the "Mt. Fuji Nature meets Culture Tour with a Private Hire Car" is Also Recommended!
For those who have read this article and thought "I want to tour the Mt. Fuji area!", the "Mt. Fuji Full-day Day Trip Tour" provided by Magical trip is recommended.
In this tour, you will visit spots around Mt. Fuji by private taxi together with a local guide knowledgeable about history and culture. The tour includes visits to shrines where you can enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Fuji that are also famous on social media, as well as Oshino Hakkai where you can experience the blessings of water, and wasabi farms.
There are many areas around Mt. Fuji with inconvenient transportation access, and you cannot visit so many spots in one day on an individual trip. Lunch is also included in the tour, and it is a recommended tour where you can enjoy a fulfilling Mt. Fuji sightseeing experience without any preparation.
<Information>
Meeting point: Shinjuku or hotel pick-up
Tour area: Mt. Fuji area
Start time: 8:00
