Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2013

Though Golden Week may be a little late for sakura viewing, the months of April and May are prime time to see the spectacular shibazakura blooming in the Motosuko, Mount Fuji area.

The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is famous for those amazing picture postcard photos you may have seen of a snow-capped—and soon-to-be world heritage site—Mount Fuji framed by a lush carpet of cherry blossom moss in red, white, pink and purple as far as the eye can see.

Located at the foot of Mount Fuji, soon to be a world heritage site, this yearly festival makes a perfect day trip away from the crowded streets of Tokyo.

After a scenic train ride to Kawaguchiko station from Shinjuku, a local shuttle will take you to the viewing area. If you prefer, there is also a bus that will take you directly to the area from Shinjuku station.

Once in the Motosuko area, you can enjoy the stunning natural landscape and relax after the long journey with your toes in Mother Nature’s colorful pink carpet set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji.

A local food festival is also held each year at the same time, so you can enjoy traditional homegrown delicacies while you traipse amid the area’s natural splendor. Some popular traditional dishes from the area are Yoshida udon and Fujinomiya yakisoba. You can also try nikuman (steamed buns with meat filling) or chimaki (rice cake wrapped in bamboo leaves) made with the Yamanashi-brand Fujizakura pork. Follow them up with a sweet sakura-flavored roll cake or shibazakura manju—another popular treat made with pickled sakura leaf dough and filled with azuki beans.

Getting There

Take the JR Chuo and Fujikyuko lines to Kawaguchiko station to grab the 30-minute shuttle bus to Fujimotosuko. Or take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Fuji station and a shuttle bus 75 minutes to the hanami area. The bus that leaves directly from Shinjuku station takes about two hours and 25 minutes.

• Fuji Shibazakura Festival at Fujimotosuko Resort
• Apr 13-June 2, 8am-5pm
• 212 Motosu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minami Tsuru district, Yamanashi. ¥500 (over JHS), ¥200 (over 3)
• Tel: 0555-89-3031 (Japanese only)
• www.shibazakura.jp