Experience the Fuji Shibazakura Festival at Fuji Motosuko Resort: A Guide to Lake Motosuko
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: A Spring Mt. Fuji Event Held at Fuji Motosuko Lake Resort
The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is a spring tradition held annually at Fuji Motosuko Lake Resort. It is a festival held from mid-April to late May each year, and in 2025, it celebrated its 18th year.
At the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, approximately 500,000 Shibazakura plants cover the ground, creating a scene like a pink carpet spreading across the hills. Above it, the dynamic view of Mt. Fuji unfolds, offering a spectacular contrast between Shibazakura and Mt. Fuji that can only be experienced during this season.
<Information>
Period: Mid-April to late May
Access: From Mt. Fuji Station (Fuji Yoshida Station), take the Fujikyu Shizuoka Bus "Shin-Fuji Line" and get off at "Fuji Motosuko Lake Resort"
Admission Fee: 1,000 yen to 1,300 yen
Website: https://www.fujimotosuko-resort.jp/en/
What is Shibazakura?
Shibazakura (Phlox subulata) is a flower that blooms from April to May.
It produces flowers resembling Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) in pink, white, purple, and other colors, with a diameter of about 1.5 cm. It is called Shibazakura because it blooms spreading across the ground like "Shibafu," which means lawn in Japanese.
At the Fuji Shibazakura Festival held at Fuji Motosuko Lake Resort, seven unique varieties of Shibazakura, including "McDaniel Cushion" characterized by its vivid pink hue and the pure white "Mont-Blanc," adorn the venue.
Why is Sakura So Cherished in Japan?
In Japan, Sakura has long been loved as a flower that heralds the arrival of spring. The Japanese custom of loving Sakura is said to date back to the Yayoi Era, when agriculture began in the pre-Christian era. Sakura, which blooms in spring when the long winter ends and the breath of life can be felt, is also a symbol of budding and renewal.
Furthermore, in the Heian Era (from 794 AD), many Waka (Japanese poems) celebrating the scenery of Sakura were already being composed. The elegant and beautiful scenery of Sakura brings graceful feelings along with the budding of spring.
Although Shibazakura has no academic relationship with Sakura, it is cherished as "Sakura that blooms on the ground," announcing the arrival of spring.
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
source:Official website
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
source:Official website
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
source:Official website
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
source:Official website
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
source:Official website
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.
At Lake Motosuko, the "Rainbow Flower Festival" is Held in Summer
Source:Official website
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
Source:Yamanashi
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
Source:FUJIKAWAGUCHIKO
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)
Source:Official website
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.
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Meeting point: Shinjuku or hotel pick-up
Tour area: Mt. Fuji area
Start time: 8:00