Spring is the perfect season to visit Japan to witness the beauty of the cherry blossoms（Sakura） in full bloom.
If you head to Shizuoka or Yamanashi, you can enjoy a sweeping landscape of  cherry blossoms with Mt. Fuji for good photographing opportunities. In the area around Fuji's Five Lakes, cherry blossoms usually begin to bloom from the beginning of April to middle April.
There are numerous places to enjoy the lovely combination of beautiful cherry blossoms and Mt Fuji, such as the picturesque Kotokuji-temple (Shizuoka), Iyashinosato Ancient Japanese Village (Yamanashi), and Lake Ashi and Onshi-Hakone Park!

 

 

Crimson five-story pagodas and Mt. Fuji 

Arakurayama Sengen Park (Yamanashi)

 

This popular spot lets you enjoy Mt. Fuji, five-story pagodas, and cherry blossoms all in one place. There are around 650 Yoshino sakura trees growing in the gardens, and when their blossoms are in full bloom, a cherry blossom festival is held in the park. The sakura trees generally begin to bloom in mid-April depending on the year.

 

 

Since the pagoda is nestled in between the mountains of Arakurayama, you will have to hike up 398 steps to reach the observation deck, but the breathtaking view alone makes it worth it. There is even a light hiking course up Arakurayama for those who want to enjoy a brisk stroll, so we recommend checking it out on your trip to Arakurayama Sengen Park.

 

 

Arakurayama Sengen Park
Address: 2-3353 Arakura Sengen, Fuji Yoshida City, Yamanashi
Access: a 20-minute walk from Shimoyoshida Station

 

Enjoy the popular Fuji Shibazakura Festival!

Kawaguchi Lake (Yamanashi)

 

Kawaguchi Lake is one of the five lakes located at the base of Mt. Fuji. On its northern shore grow around 100 cherry blossom trees that create the perfect spot to capture Mt. Fuji, Kawaguchi Lake, and beautiful cherry blossom all in one. Visitors can enjoy viewing the cherry blossom tree-laden paths while taking a stroll along the lakeshore. There are nearly 200 Yoshino cherry trees growing on the lakefront. The entire area brightens up with colours when the cherry blossom reach full bloom, making for a beautiful scene in front of Mt. Fuji during the Fuji-Kawaguchi Lake Cherry Blossom Festival held near Kawaguchi Lake Enkei Hall.

 

 

The Fuji Shiba-sakura Festival is also held annually from mid-April to late May at the nearby Fuji Motosu Lake Resort. The blooming of approximately 800,000 Shiba-sakura at the base of Mt. Fuji resembles a magnificent carpet of flowers you will not want to miss!

 

• Kawaguchi Lake
• Address: Fuji-kawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi
• Access: From Kawaguchiko Station, ride the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus（Red Line） for about 10 minutes until you reach Lake Kawaguchi’s northern shore.

※During the “The Fuji Shiba-sakura Festival,” the Shiba-sakura Liner is also in operation

Click on this link to check out other cherry blossom festivals throughout Japan!
「Enjoy Famous Castles and Sakura Spots Simultaneously! Experience Japan’s Spring with Cherry Blossom Festivals」
URL:https://japanbyjapan.com/blog/enjoy-famous-castles-and-sakura-cherry-blossom-festivals

 

Do not miss this combination of Mt. Fuji's reflection and Cherry Trees!
Tanuki Lake (Shizuoka)

 

Tanuki Lake occupies approximately 3.3 kilometres of Asagiri Kogen in the northern reaches of Yamanashi's Fuji City. During the peak of Hanami season, visitors can enjoy the views of cherry blossoms blooming on the backdrop of Mt. Fuji.

 

 

Tanuki Lake is known for its unique “upside-down” reflection of Mt. Fuji, as well as how the sunlight shining above the summit of Mt. Fuji resembles a diamond.
Depending on the time and weather of your visit, you may be able to get a shot of both of these phenomena as well as cherry blossoms all in one shot! There is even a cycling road near this spot, so renting a bicycle and taking a trip around the area could make for an unique and amazing Hanami experience!

 

 

• Tanuki Lake (Camp Site)
• Address: 634-1 Saori, Fujimiya City, Shizuoka
• Access: From Minobu Line Fujimiya Station, ride　on the bus bound for Kyukamura, get off at the “Tanukiko Campsite” bus stop

 

Click on this link to check out other cherry blossom festivals throughout Japan!
「Enjoy Famous Castles and Sakura Spots Simultaneously! Experience Japan’s Spring with Cherry Blossom Festivals」
URL:https://japanbyjapan.com/blog/enjoy-famous-castles-and-sakura-cherry-blossom-festivals