See spectacular 'shibazakura' in bloom at base of Mount Fuji

The 9th annual Fuji Shibazakura Festival opened last week and will run until May 29, with the flowers expected to reach peak bloom towards the end of Golden Week.

Around 800,000 flowers of 10 different varieties can be seen across the festival site which lies three kilometers south of Lake Motsuko in the Fuji Five Lakes region, Yamanashi Prefecture.

Recently replanted, the colorful carpet of pink, purple and white moss phlox ("shibazakura" in Japanese) spreads out in swirl patterns with Mount Fuji as the majestic backdrop. Visitors can take panoramic photographs of the flowers and surrounding scenery from the "Panorama Plaza" raised viewing deck. There’s also a hot spring footbath for admiring the view while soaking your podiatric troubles away.

As part of the festival, a collection of food and drinks stalls have been set up around the site offering regional specialities like Yoshida udon (udon noodles served with horse meat) as well as the usual flower-themed fare, including "shibazakura" ramen and "fujizakura" pork buns. The Sakura Cafe Fujiyama Sweets serves "shibazakura" inspired confectionery created by the head pastry chef at the nearby Highland Resort Hotel & Spa. 

Shibukawa-en, a tea service in Shizuoka, are also running an "All-you-can-fill" tea picking event daily during the festival period.

Opening times: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until May 29. Entrance: Adults 600 yen, Children age 3 and above 250 yen. Group discounts available.

Access: Fuji Kyuko operates the Fujikyu local train, the Fujisan Express and the recently launched Fujisan View Express, which includes a restaurant car. Both trains depart from Otsuki station on the Chuo line terminating at Kawaguchiko.
 Dedicated shuttle buses take passengers to and from Kawaguchiko to the festival site (approx 30 minutes). The combined Shibazakura Liner return ticket (2,000 yen) also includes entrance to the festival. 
Direct buses run from Tokyo (about 2 1/2 hours), Nagano (3 hours) and Shizuoka (1 1/2 hours) to the festival site. 



For more information on the festival, click here.