Things to know – Enjoying Mt. Fuji in Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter

* The following article discusses events limited to Yamanashi Prefecture.

* Countermeasures taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) may disrupt or even cancel these events. Please be sure to check the latest information in advance of your trip.

* The following information is correct as of July 2022.

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The Mt. Fuji area has numerous seasonal events that attract hundreds of people throughout the year. Several of these events have their beginnings in the Edo period, enabling visitors to experience a slice of history while enjoying the scenery. This article provides carefully selected specific seasonal events that we think you will enjoy. The author, a local to the area, hopes that this provides you with useful information for your trip.

CONTENTS

Spring Events
Summer Events
Autumn Events
- Safe Childbirth Festival
- Autumn Leaves Festival
Winter Events
Conclusion

Spring Events

The area around Mt. Fuji’s north face is located at an altitude of 800-1000m and as such has a cooler climate than the likes of Tokyo and Osaka. In March, the eagerly-awaited arrival of spring is marked with the blooming of plum blossoms. The cherry blossom blooming season is delayed to just beyond that of Tokyo and Osaka.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Here are two events related to cherry blossoms; “Fuji-Kawaguchiko Sakura Festival” and “Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival”. Both of these festivals are valuable opportunities to witness two of Japan’s most iconic symbols, the sakura blossoms and Mt. Fuji, side-by-side.

Fuji-Kawaguchiko Sakura Festival

Enjoy viewing the around 200 Yoshino cherry blossoms trees planted along Lake Kawaguchiko’s northern shore, set against the backdrop of the iconic Mt. Fuji. The main venue surrounds the Kawaguchiko Circular Hall where craft market stalls can be found.

From sunset to 9pm, the cherry blossoms will be illuminated so that you can view them day or night.

Period – Around 10 days in early to mid-April (varies depending on when the flowers bloom)
Admission – Free
Parking – There is free parking nearby.

Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival

Arakurayama Sengen Park is best known as the location of the five-story pagoda, ‘Chureito Pagoda’. The event is widely known not just to Japanese people but also to foreigners, since at this time and place you can view Mt. Fuji, the pagoda and the sakura all at once.

Depending on the time of year, admission to the observation deck may be reserved in advance. On some occasions, admission is on a first-come, first-serve basis and may even be restricted, so it is recommended that you check the most up-to-date information in advance of your trip.

Period – Early to mid-April for about two weeks (varies depending on when the flowers bloom)
Admission – Free
Parking – There is a paid parking lot nearby.

Official Fujiyoshida Travel Guide – Cherry Blossom Festival 2021

Please note that the venue is located in a residential area and as such the roads in this area are very narrow. The parking lot in the nearby Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, adjacent to the venue, is typically very crowded. Please take care when arriving by car.

When you reach the front of the park, enter through the torii gate and climb the 398 steps to where the Chureito Pagoda is located. It takes a bit of effort to reach the top and take in the scenery – climb with care and at your own pace.

Fuji Shiba-sakura Festival

Held at Fuji Motosuko resort since 2008, this is the largest Shibazakura Festival in the Tokyo Metropolitan area. Here you can take in the highly colourful scenery formed from several different types of floral moss. The best time to see the flowers varies depending on the weather, but you can check the flowering status on the official website.

The moss, known as moss phlox, is covered with many white and pink flowers similar to cherry blossoms, but the plants are technically classified as azaleas, a different species. Cherry blossoms meanwhile are in the same order of plants as roses.

Period – Mid-April to late May (varies depending on when the flowers bloom)
Parking – There is a paid parking lot inside the venue.

To reach the venue, take Route 139. Since there is only one lane each for traffic to and from this location, traffic jams are common during weekends and during national holidays. Make sure you set off with time to spare.

Kai-no-Katsuyama Yabusame Festival

【Cancelled in 2022】

This festival is held on April 29^th at Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine and Shikkogo Park on the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko. The “Takeda-Ryu Yabusame” event held here has a legacy of more than 900 years.

After an initial ceremony and Shinto ritual, the exciting main event – horse archery – begins. The archers set off at speed on their horses while taking aim at several targets. You can’t fail to be inspired by the riders’ talent and ability.

Period – 29^th April
Admission – Free
Parking – Available but limited – we recommend using public transportation. From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Saiko Sightseeing Bus (“Green Line”) and get off at the “Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine” bus stop.

Summer Events

When spring has passed, the rainy season comes to Kawaguchiko. Though you might not feel like going out in the rain, you might be interested in the flowers that bloom to meet it. Grab an umbrella and set out to see the colourful lavender and hydrangeas that appear during this time.

In July, the Mt. Fuji climbing season begins and the foot of Mt. Fuji will be bustling with events until August.

Kawaguchiko Herb Festival

The venue for the festival, Oishi Park, is located on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko. Set against the backdrop of Lake Kawaguchiko with Mt. Fuji towering in the background, the sight of lavender in full bloom really makes you feel like summer is approaching. Souvenirs, drinks and sweets are available from the shops and cafes in the nearby Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center, and a special booth will be opened there during the event.

Period – Mid-June to Mid-July
Admission – Free
Parking – Free

Climbing Mt. Fuji

Of the Mt. Fuji mountain trails, the only one on the Yamanashi side is the Yoshida trail, which is open from July 1^st to September 10^th. On June 30^th, the day before the beginning of the mountain climbing season, a night festival and ceremony is held in Fujiyoshida. The festival is held between Kanadorii City Park and Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine – the starting point of the Yoshida trail.

Many people of all skill levels climb Mt. Fuji every year, but advance preparation and information gathering are vital for every climber. Please check all relevant information, such as the updates on the official Fuji climbing website, to make sure it’s safe to climb the mountain. We have created a page full of easy-to-understand information for climbing Mt. Fuji, so please take a look:

Something you need to know before climbing Mt. Fuji

Something you need to know before climbing Mt. FujiWhen you think of Japan, what comes to mind? Samurai, geisha or sushi...

Fuji Five Lakes Fireworks Festival

photo courtesy of the Fuji Five Lakes Tourism Federation

With August, the rainy season ends, and summer truly begins! Escape the hot, humid air of the cities and come to the foot of Mt. Fuji – an unbelievably refreshing breeze during the day and cooler evenings are waiting for you.

Fireworks festivals are held every day from the 1^st to the 5^th of August at each of the Five Lakes in sequence. This might be the most lively and exciting part of summer in the area.

August 1^st – Hoko Festival (Lake Yamanakako)

August 2^nd – Ryugu Festival (Lake Saiko)

August 3^rd – Shinko Festival (Lake Motosuko)

August 4^th – Ryoko Festival (Lake Shojiko)

August 5^th – Kojo Festival (Lake Kawaguchiko)

The last of these festivals is probably the most exciting. It has its origins in the Kawaguchi Asama Shrine Festival called “Misogi Festival”. The tradition of holding this festival began in 1917 – over 100 years ago.

Admission – Free
Parking – Free (at designated parking lots)

The roads and parking lots will be very crowded during the festivals. Traffic restrictions will be in place in some areas and during certain times. Please check the traffic and parking situation in advance.

It takes about 10 minutes to walk from Kawaguchiko Station to the fireworks viewing venues at the Kawaguchiko lakeside.

Yoshida Fire Festival

One of the three ‘Unique Festivals’ of Japan, the Yoshida Fire Festival is dedicated to Mt. Fuji and is held on August 26^th and 27^th every year. On the first day, portable shrines that were just used in Shinto rituals at the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine and the Suwa Shrine are paraded through Fujiyoshida town at dusk. Seventy torches that line the main street, each three metres tall, are lit one by one, lending the centre of the town a spectacular atmosphere resembling a sea of fire.

The second day is known as the ‘Susuki Festival’. In sharp contrast to the fiery spectacle of the previous day, patrons take the portable shrine that was just paraded into the shrine and carry it around the Takamagahara shrine in the middle of the night. This event can be considered the peak of the festival. This marks the end of the Fuji north face’s short summer and beginning of autumn.

Admission – Free
Parking – Free (Temporary designated parking lots for the Fire and Suzuki festivals will be made available)

Official Fujiyoshida Travel Guide – Yoshida Fire Festival

Traffic restrictions will be in place in some areas and at certain times during the festival. Parking lots will be crowded. We recommend checking event information in advance. Consider using public transportation.

Autumn Events

With the short summer’s end, signs of autumn come rushing in. The autumn leaves of the Japanese Larch are in full colour around Mt. Fuji 5^th Station in early October. As the days proceed, the best altitude for viewing the autumn colours will lower until the latter half of October and early November, when the Fuji Five Lakes have autumn leaves and the colours are at their peak.

Safe Childbirth Festival

photo courtesy of Official Travel Guide Yamanashi

Held every year from September 4^th to 6^th at a Yamanaka Suwa Shrine, this festival is said to offer blessings of safety and ease in childbirth, and as such many pregnant and newly-wed women gather here. The highlight of the festival is on the 5^th day, when the portable shrine is returned to the temple grounds and carried around the sacred tree three times.

Admission – Free
Parking – Free (Free parking lot on the shore of Lake Yamanakako)

Autumn Leaves Festival

In the latter half of October, the autumn leaves will be in full bloom around the Fuji Five Lakes. The best viewing locations are at Lake Yamanakako, which is the highest of the Fuji Five Lakes in altitude, and Lake Kawaguchiko. Thus we will introduce two events; the Yuyake-no-Nagisa/Autumn Leaves Festival (Lake Yamanakako) and Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival (Lake Kawaguchiko).

If you plan to take the bus to the Autumn Leaves Festival for the night illumination, please be sure to check the return bus timetable in advance.

The low daytime temperatures here can be pleasant, but during the night-time illumination it will be significantly cooler, so its best to bring warm clothes just in case.

Yuyake–no–Nagisa/Autumn Leaves Festival

Located on the shore of Lake Yamanakako, which has been selected as one of the 100 best beaches in Japan, Asahigaoka Lakeside Parkland is the venue for the ‘Yuyake-no-Nagisa’ festival. You could lose yourself completely in the moment while taking a stroll along the park promenade surrounded by the beautiful autumn leaves. Another way to enjoy the leaves is through the illumination that occurs between 4:30 and 9pm.

Period – From the end of October for about 2 weeks.
Admission – Free
Parking – Available (Free)

Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival

This event is held in November and is centred around the ‘Maple Corridor’ on Kawaguchiko’s northern shore. A number of stores open in the area for the event, creating a lively atmosphere. The trees that line the lakeside road are lovely, but the Maple Corridor is definitely the best place to experience the autumn colours. By day, the leaves are beautifully lit by the sunlight. By night, the corridor is illuminated, and the contrast between the darkness and the colour of the bright autumn leaves is breathtaking.

Period – From the beginning of November for about 3 weeks.
Admission – Free
Parking – The Maple Corridor 1st parking lot (Free)

The lakeside roads, where you can see the autumn colours of the roadside trees, are very crowded during the event, especially during weekends and national holidays. If you are driving to the parking lot, try setting your GPS to avoid the lakeside roads.

Winter Events

When all the red and yellow leaves fall, winter finally arrives. Let’s make one thing clear – it’s going to be cold. However, there are still good reasons to visit the Mt. Fuji area in winter. Here’s why we recommend it:

Very high rate of clear and sunny weather = high chance of good Mt. Fuji viewing.
Few visitors = easy to avoid crowds (excluding year-end and New Year holidays).

Since Mt. Fuji usually doesn’t have much snow until late autumn, your chance of seeing Mt. Fuji’s top half covered in snow is quite high in winter.

However, there are also some things to be cautious of that we will note here:

The roads can be very slippery. When travelling by car, we strongly recommend installing studless winter tires.
The temperatures here will be around 6-7°C colder than places on the plains, such as Tokyo. Don’t forget to take proper precautionary measures for cold weather.
The road to the 5^thstation of Mt. Fuji (Fuji Subaru Line) may be closed due to road surface freezing, snowfall, avalanche warning, etc.
You cannot climb Mt. Fuji in winter (this is not a joke – many people are seriously under the impression that it is possible to climb Mt. Fuji in winter).

If you prepare appropriately, you’ll have nothing to worry about!

Now let’s introduce our author’s carefully selected events!

Saiko Ice Festival

[Cancelled in 2022]

Taking advantage of the cold climate of the Fuji Five Lakes area, themed works of art are created by sprinkling water over frames and then artificially freezing it. The maximum height of the works can be up to 10m, so they can be truly impressive! The way they match up with Mt. Fuji in the background is also a highlight. When the sun sets, the works will be illuminated for night-time viewing.

The venue, Saiko Wild Bird’s Park, is located in a forest where many wild birds live, so sometimes you can enjoy bird-spotting and enjoy their calls.

Period – Late January for three weeks
Admission – Free
Parking – Free

Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks

Photo courtesy of Fujikawaguchiko Channel

For many, fireworks are a summer thing, but Lake Kawaguchiko also holds fireworks displays in winter. In winter, the skies are often clear with few clouds, so the conditions might be considered very suitable for fireworks after all. The display is not long, just 20 minutes per day, so prepare some hot clothes and hot drinks, relax and enjoy.

Period – From mid-January on Saturdays and Sunday, with the final day being February 23^rd (Mt. Fuji Day)
　* The 2022 schedule was Friday, Saturday and Sunday from March 11^th to 27^th.
Admission – Free
Parking – Free (Free parking lot on the shore of Lake Kawaguchiko)

Ide Sake Brewery ‘Kai–no–kaiun’ Opening

With its origins in the middle of the Edo Era (around 1700) and brewing in the late Edo era (around 1850), Ide Sake Brewery, known as the only sake brewery in the Fuji Five Lakes, hosts this annual event.

Period – the second Saturday and Sunday of February
* In 2022, the schedule of the store opening is 14th and 15th May (Reservation is required by 30th April). Please check the further information on the official website of Ide Sake Brewery (Japanese).
Parking – Not available for the event (Available for visits to the brewery)

Ide Sake Brewery also conducts tours of the brewery. Please see the following article for more details.

Fancy a glass of sake made from Mt.Fuji water?

Have you ever joined a sake brewery tour?More than a few people have tried "sake" (Japanese rice wine) on thei...

Conclusion

There’s plenty of fun to be had in the Mt. Fuji area in every season. If you haven’t been there yet, please visit first in your favourite season. If you’ve been before, come in a different season and bring home new memories. Some of the events introduced here are very popular, so another good idea is to deliberately visit when there aren’t any events.

In any case, I hope this article will help you plan your next trip.

The staff at our accommodations, K’s House Mt. Fuji and K’s House Fuji View, don’t just answer the guests’ questions. We also love to listen to guests’ stories about their experiences in the area. Readers, we hope to welcome and talk to you too someday!