Best places to catch sakura around Mount Fuji 🌸
As the footsteps of Spring gently approach, a vibrant pink spectacle unfolds beneath Mount Fuji - the blooming of cherry blossoms. Renowned for its unique geographical location and breathtaking beauty, sakura around Mount Fuji captivates visitors from around the world.
Set against the majestic Mount Fuji, it's easy to see why Kawaguchiko and the Fuji Five Lakes area is one of the best cherry blossom spots in Japan. These pink blooms not only offer a visual feast but also a spiritual cleansing. Let's take a look at some of the best spots around Mount Fuji that will wow you with unparalleled beauty and experiences!
When will Cherry Blossoms bloom at Mount Fuji?
While the exact timing can vary slightly from year to year, cherry blossoms typically bloom around Mount Fuji, including the Kawaguchiko area, in late March to early April.
Based on the official 2024 cherry blossom forecast, you can expect to see sakura bloom in the Kawaguchiko area starting 20 March, peaking around 29 March. The iconic sight of Mount Fuji framed by delicate pink blossoms is a popular draw for visitors during this short window, so be prepared for potential crowds.
How to get to Mount Fuji to view Cherry Blossoms?
Cherry Blossom in Mt.Fuji
Getting to Mount Fuji by Car
Driving to Mt. Fuji is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to explore the area leisurely. You can easily rent a car in Tokyo and take a scenic 2-hour car journey to the Kawaguchiko area. Do note, however, that you may incur some toll fees of approximately ¥3000 per way.
Simply input the phone number for the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji (0555-72-2121) into your navigation system to start.
Getting to Mount Fuji by Train
The Fuji Excursion Limited Express train service operated by JR East is the only direct train service connecting Tokyo with the awe-inspiring Mt Fuji region. There are up to 4 return train trips between Shinjuku Station and Kawaguchiko Station daily. They depart Shinjuku Station in the morning and return from Kawaguchiko Station in the afternoon. The usual timings are as follows:
- Shinjuku Station towards Kawaguchiko: 7:30am, 8:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am
- Kawaguchiko Station towards Shinjuku: 3:03pm, 4:25pm, 4:51pm, 5:36pm
As the train schedule might differ, do check for the latest train schedule on Klook.
Getting to Mount Fuji by Bus
Taking the bus allows you to enjoy scenic views along the way. If you're departing from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, take a high-speed bus from the bus terminal at the west exit of Shinjuku Station to either "Kawaguchiko Station" or "Fuji Five Lakes." Get off at the "5th Station Climbing Entrance."
From Kawaguchiko Station to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji, the journey takes about 60 minutes. However, the ticket prices are relatively higher (round trip: ¥2100 for adults, ¥1050 for children). There is only one bus per hour, and waiting time may be a factor.
Getting to Mount Fuji by Private Car Charter or a Guided Tour
For a more relaxed Mt. Fuji experience, consider joining a one-day tour. It covers multiple destinations, eliminating the need to navigate stations and ticket counters. You can leisurely enjoy the scenery on the bus, with an English-speaking guide explaining points of interest along the way. It's genuinely more convenient than organizing your itinerary independently.
Mount Fuji Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
Lake Kawaguchi in Fuji Five Lakes
Cherry Blossoms with Mt.fuji
Lake Kawaguchi is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots near Mount Fuji! Its distinctive feature is the perfect combination of cherry blossoms and the lake, providing you with an incredibly poetic natural landscape - absolutely stunning!
When cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the delicate pink flowers complement the clear ripples of the lake, creating a picturesque scene.
- Suitable for: Photography enthusiasts, families, couples, nature lovers
- Cherry Blossom Highlights: The beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms around Lake Kawaguchi, complemented by the majestic backdrop of Mount Fuji, offers you an unforgettable cherry blossom viewing experience. Additionally, the nighttime cherry blossom light show is a spectacle not to be missed.
Lake Yamanaka in Fuji Five Lakes
Lake Yamanaka in Oshino Hakkai
Lake Yamanaka is renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty, making it an extremely popular cherry blossom viewing spot around Mount Fuji. Cherry blossoms surround the lake, harmonizing with the water and the surrounding natural landscape to create a serene and beautiful environment.
The cherry blossom experience here is not only a visual delight but also a purification of the soul, ideal for those seeking tranquility and the beauty of nature.
- Suitable for: Families, groups of friends, outdoor enthusiasts
- Cherry Blossom Highlights: Lake Yamanaka offers a more tranquil cherry blossom viewing environment. The cherry blossoms here seamlessly blend with the natural landscape, making it perfect for those who appreciate tranquility and the beauty of nature. In addition to cherry blossom viewing, you can also engage in various outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and more, enjoying the pleasures of intimate contact with nature.
Shinfujiyama Asama Park in Fuji Five Lakes
Shinfujiyama Asama Park is the perfect fusion of cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji, offering an excellent spot for photography and admiration. The cherry trees in the park form a beautiful tunnel, creating a mesmerizing experience as if walking through a sea of flowers.
The park also features observation decks, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent view of Mount Fuji while appreciating the blooming cherry blossoms. It is a must-visit for those who love photography, culture, history, and families.
- Suitable for: Photography enthusiasts, culture and history lovers, families
- Cherry Blossom Highlights: Shinfujiyama Asama Park is renowned for its unique geographical location, providing an exceptional view of Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms. The cherry trees in the park, coupled with the historically significant Asama Shrine, create a culturally rich cherry blossom viewing spot that attracts photography enthusiasts and visitors alike.
Mount Fuji Cherry Blossom Itinerary Recommendation
Enjoy the pink season of cherry blossoms with friends and families.
Mount Fuji Cherry Blossom Viewing Day 1: Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, is renowned for its cherry blossom scenery along the lakeshore. Here, you can witness cherry blossoms framing the majestic Mount Fuji. During the day, take a leisurely stroll along the lake, enjoying the beauty brought by the sea of flowers. In the evening, you can dine at a lakeside restaurant to savor local cuisine while admiring the night view of Mount Fuji.
Mount Fuji Cherry Blossom Viewing Day 2: Lake Yamanaka
On the second day, it is recommended to visit Lake Yamanaka. The cherry blossoms here complement the serene and poetic scenery of Lake Yamanaka. You can rent a bicycle by the lake, cycle around it, or take a boat cruise to appreciate the harmonious beauty of the lake and cherry blossoms up close.
Mount Fuji Cherry Blossom Viewing Day 3: Shinfujiyama Asama Park
Shinfujiyama Asama Park is another excellent cherry blossom viewing spot, featuring a famous cherry blossom tunnel. You can stroll through the park and appreciate the perfect combination of cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji. Additionally, the park has multiple observation decks, allowing you to admire Mount Fuji and the cherry blossoms from different angles.
🌸 Renting a car to visit Mount Fuji for cherry blossom viewing is also a great option. You can tailor your itinerary according to your preferences and choose suitable locations, providing exceptional flexibility!
🌸 2024 Tokyo Cherry Blossom Recommendations
- Tokyo Kimono & Yukata Rental | Dress up in beautiful kimono or yukata and capture the moment with cherry blossoms!
- Classic Mt. Fuji Route Day Tour (Guided in Chinese/English) | The most unforgettable cherry blossom journey to Mt. Fuji 🌸
- Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival | Departing from Tokyo! Enjoy cherry blossoms and hot springs, pure bliss ♨️
- Tokyo Yanaka Stroll | Explore deep into the heart of Tokyo, as if transported back to ancient times
- Watarase Keikoku Railway Cherry Blossom Viewing | A journey of cherry blossoms and strawberry picking 🍓
- Izu Atami Day Tour | Departing from Tokyo!
- Izu Kawazu Cherry Blossoms & Strawberry Picking Day Tour 🍓 | Departing from Tokyo
Where to stay around Mount Fuji for Cherry Blossom Viewing
When viewing cherry blossom at Mount Fuji, choosing the right place to stay is equally important. Here are several recommended hotels, each with its unique features, conveniently located at a moderate distance from cherry blossom viewing spots, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mount Fuji's cherry blossoms.
Lake Kawaguchi Hotels
For a truly immersive experience, consider staying at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, during your visit to Lake Kawaguchiko. Be sure to book your stay well in advance, especially during cherry blossom season, as popular ryokans tend to fill up quickly.
Suitable for: Tourists, photography enthusiasts, nature lovers
Features: Diverse accommodation options, including luxury hotels and hot spring resorts, convenient transportation.
Lake Yamanaka Hotels
While Lake Kawaguchiko is the most popular spot for cherry blossom viewing near Mount Fuji, Lake Yamanaka offers a unique and less crowded alternative. You can relax away from the crowd in a range of hotels and ryokans as well.
Suitable for: Families, group of friends, outdoor activity enthusiasts
Features: Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, perfect for cherry blossom viewing and outdoor activities such as camping and boating.
