
From mid-April through late May, over 500,000 shibazakura (moss phlox) bloom near Lake Motosu in the Fuji Five Lakes region. This creates vibrant carpets of pink, purple, and white against the iconic backdrop of Mount Fuji. The event coincides with the Mt. Fuji Delicious Food Festival, featuring regional specialties like Koshu pork soup and Fujinomiya Yakisoba. Similar to Hitsujiyama Park in Saitama, this site is immensely popular. The intricate floral patterns and panoramic mountain views make it one of Japan’s most photographed spring destinations.

The most direct route is the Fuji Kyuko Highway Bus, which operates a seasonal service from Shinjuku directly to the festival grounds in approximately 2.5 hours. Alternatively, travelers can take the JR Chuo Line or the “Fuji Excursion” limited express train to Kawaguchiko Station. From there, the Shibazakura Liner shuttle bus departs every 30 minutes, providing a 40-minute connection to the park. The shuttle typically offers a combined ticket that includes both the round-trip fare and the festival entrance fee. To avoid the heaviest traffic, visiting on a weekday outside of the Golden Week holiday period is recommended.