Mount Fuji During Cherry Blossom Season: Best Spots + Tips

Visiting Mount Fuji during cherry blossom season is quite the experience, and I’m so happy it fell into my lap.

On a whim, my friend and I planned a quick jaunt to Japan, which happened to be the perfect timing for chasing Sakura.

Here’s a guide to making the most of your visit to Mount Fuji during cherry blossom season!

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Mount Fuji

While cherry blossoms can be found sprinkled around the area, nothing beats seeing them around Lake Kawaguchi and Arakurayama Sengen Park.

You can visit all of these spots in one day if you’re low on time too!

1. Arakurayama Sengen Park + Chureito Pagoda

Arakurayama Sengen Park is a must-visit for cherry blossom lovers. From Shimoyoshida Station, it’s about a 30-minute trek to the top, where the famous Chureito Pagoda stands.

The climb is totally worth it for the stunning views of Mount Fuji surrounded by cherry blossoms. If you take the steps, be prepared for a bit of a workout, but there’s a paved road for an easier ascent.

The photo spot at the top is quite popular, so expect to wait in line for your turn and only have five minutes to capture that perfect shot!

2. Kogamasao Memorial Park

Kogamasao Memorial Park is another fantastic spot for cherry blossom viewing. This park skirts around Lake Kawaguchi and offers a peaceful stroll with cherry blossoms lining your path.

You might also find cute craft tents and local vendors along the lakeshore during the cherry blossom festival.

3. Nagasaki Park

Nagasaki Park is ideal for a tranquil stop for cherry blossoms, but most people seem to skip it.

It’s not the coolest park around, but we had the area to ourselves during our visit.

4. Oishi Park

Oishi Park is a flower lover’s paradise. In addition to cherry blossoms, the park is home to a variety of flowers like tulips and hydrangeas.

The well-maintained gardens have insane views of Mount Fuji and the lake, so get there early to avoid the crowds.

Don’t forget to try the sakura and lavender ice cream from the local food stalls—it’s light, tasty, and not overly sweet.

Tips For Visiting Mount Fuji in Cherry Blossom Season

You’ll need these tips before you start chasing Sakura in Mount Fuji!

Best Times to Visit

Cherry blossoms at Mount Fuji typically bloom from late March to early April. The peak bloom can vary slightly each year, so it’s a good idea to check local forecasts or websites for the most accurate timing.

We were insanely lucky to have two days of Mount Fuji views. While April is sakura season, it is also one of the worst months to actually see Mount Fuji. I’m hoping you get as lucky as we did!

Tracking the Cherry Blossoms

Hands down this is the best tracker for cherry blossoms around Japan! I visited this site religiously leading up to my visit. Cherry blossoms are pretty fragile and their window is very short.

There’s chance they wont be at peak bloom when you get here or if a bad weather comes through, the flowers could be gone in a flash. Speaking of which…

Finicky Flowers

Cherry blossoms are famously fickle, with a very short peak season that can be affected by weather conditions such as rain and wind.

This means the blossoms can come and go quickly, sometimes within a week. To maximize your chances of catching the blossoms at their best, flexibility is key to making the most of this beautiful but fleeting season.

Booking Accommodations

Talking about flexibility, cherry blossom season is a prime time to visit Mount Fuji, so accommodations can fill up quickly, and prices will be high!

The problem is that it’s not totally possible to predict when the flowers are coming, so it’s a bit hard to book in advance.

If it makes you feel any better, I found a hotel just four days before my visit when we had a better idea of the cherry blossom’s progress.

Navigating the Crowds

Cherry blossom season is a popular time to visit Mount Fuji, so expect crowds, especially at famous spots like Chureito Pagoda and Oishi Park.

To beat the crowds, try to visit early in the morning or on weekdays but really, at this prime time of visiting, it’s a bit hard to avoid.

Transport from Tokyo

During cherry blossom season, transportation from Tokyo to Mount Fuji can get very busy.

Trains and buses may fill up quickly, especially since the blossoms’ peak can be short and unpredictable, spurring many to make last-minute travel plans.

Get The Mount Fuji Pass

In many cases, getting the Mount Fuji bus pass is more convenient and cheaper depending on how far you’re going and how much you’re using the bus system.

Check out my Mount Fuji itinerary to see if it makes sense for you to get it.

It made sense to pay as we used it our first day but the Mount Fuji pass was more worth it for our second day in town. You can buy it from the bus driver.

Essential Items to Bring

• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you plan to climb to Chureito Pagoda.
• Snacks and Water: While there are plenty of places to eat, having some snacks and water on hand is always a good idea as you’ll be on the go and sometimes the lines are a little insane.
• Layers: The weather can be unpredictable, so having a light jacket or sweater is handy. When I was here in April, it was pretty cold at night but warm during the day, so make sure you wear layers.

READ MORE: 7 Things to Do at Mount Fuji in 2 Days

Additional Attractions

• Tenku no Torii: This scenic spot features a Torii gate perfectly framing Mount Fuji in the background!
• Kawaguchi Asama Shrine: A lovely shrine with towering cedar trees and a serene pond. Even if it’s not peak cherry blossom season, it’s a beautiful spot to explore.
• Boat Rides on Lake Kawaguchi: For a different perspective of Mount Fuji and the cherry blossoms, take a boat ride. The Ensoleille Excursion Ship offers great views and a relaxing experience on the water.
• Cave Exploration: If you’re up for a bit of adventure, visit the Ice Cave and Wind Cave connected by the Aokigahara Forest. It’s a unique experience and adds a touch of mystery to your trip.

Mount Fuji during cherry blossom season was awesome! I hope this guide helped you plan your trip.

Pin this post for later!