Fuji Shibazakura Festival

3/28/2023

If you are looking for an occasion to explore the Mount Fuji area, the Shibazakura festival is the perfect opportunity.

Fuji Shibazakura is an annual festival that showcases large fields of pink moss against the backdrop of Mount Fuji, Japan's most famous landmark.

If you are going, make sure to check the dates and plan ahead, as the festival lasts only a little over a month. (Watch A YouTube Video)

Fuji Shibazakura Matsuri Flower Festival

The Fuji Shibazakura (富士芝桜まつり, Fuji Shibazakura Matsuri) is a flower festival that takes place every year around Ryujin Pond, with snow-capped Mount Fuji in the background, which would be visible on clear days. The venue of the festival covers 2.4 hectares of land, located three kilometers south of Lake Motosuko in the Fuji Five Lakes area.

The Fuji shibazakura festival features the blooming of a beautiful flower, the shibazakura, which is also known as moss phlox. The festival is held from mid-April to late May. During this time, approximately 800,000 shibazakura of various colors spread across the venue, creating a stunning carpet of pink, purple, and white. In addition to the shibazakura, several other types of flowers can be seen on the field as well.

The restaurants, cafes, and food trucks offer a good number of options, from traditional Japanese dishes like yakitori (fried noodles) to regional favorites like mochi ice cream. Whether you are looking for a quick snack or a full meal, there is something for everyone. Even though there are usually a variety of food options, people with dietary restrictions may still have difficulty finding satisfactory meals.

If you are a vegetarian, vegan, or Muslim and not sure whether there will be suitable food options for you, the smartest and most convenient choice is to pack yourself a homemade sandwich. This simple solution can actually save you time, allowing you to explore the area freely and enjoy the experience.

Note that the venue of the Fuji shibazakura Festival is one of the most popular tourist destinations, and it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and over the Golden Week holidays. Also, check the weather forecast; as the area is in a highland region, it can still be chilly in April and you may need to wear a light jacket.

Hours & Fees

Time and prices fluctuate throughout the event. Normally:

Hours: From April 15 to May 28 - 8:00 to 16:00 (longer hours during peak season; shorter hours during shoulder season)
Admission: Adults, 1200 yen (1000 yen in the shoulder seasons).

For more information, visit the official website of the Fuji Shibazkura Festival.

Fuji Shibazakura Festival Venue Access

From Kawaguchiko station, which is the main transport hub for the area, an hourly shuttle bus called the Shibazakura Liner runs directly to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival's venue in about 40 minutes during the festival period.

Highway buses like WILLER Express offer a bus tour to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival and other sightseeing spots around Mt. Fuji, which needs an early reservation. It is a 1-Day Mount Fuji Shibazakura Tour and available for about two weeks during the peak season; usually, from April 27 to May 9. Depending on your preferences, you can also opt for:

If you would like to travel to the area at your own pace, Viator also offers one-day private and customizable tours that you might prefer.

If you plan on spending more than one day in the Mt. Fuji area, there are some Muslim-friendly Restaurants and a Hotel that can accommodate you.

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