Where to See Moss Phlox: 5 Top Shibazakura Spots in Japan

The Magic of Shibazakura Season

Of all Japan's spring blooms, shibazakura (moss phlox) is a favorite for the vibrant, carpet-like landscapes it creates.

Literally translating to "lawn cherry blossoms," moss phlox flowers begin to bloom just as the traditional cherry blossom season fades, painting hillsides in shades of pink from April to May.

From the iconic Fuji Shibazakura Festival near Mt. Fuji to hidden gems closer to Tokyo, here are five locations perfect for capturing that flawless shot.

• Table of Contents
• 1. Fuji Shibazakura Festival: Moss Phlox and Mt. Fuji
• 2. Hitsujiyama Park Shibazakura Hill in Chichibu: Near Tokyo!
• 3. OZORA Higashimotoko Shibazakura Park in Hokkaido
• 4. Mt. Chausu Highlands: Moss Phlox in the Clouds
• 5. Sera Kogen Shibazakura in Hiroshima

1. Fuji Shibazakura Festival: Moss Phlox and Mt. Fuji

Photo by Pixta

As one of Japan's most iconic moss phlox destinations, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival is held annually from mid-April to late May at the Fuji Motosuko Resort.

The event is famous for its meticulously designed landscapes, where over 500,000 moss phlox plants form vibrant, intricate patterns that lead the eye toward the horizon, where Mt. Fuji stands perfectly framed by a sea of flowers.

The resort boasts the region’s highest density of shibazakura, featuring a variety of cultivars like the vibrant pink McDaniel’s Cushion and delicate white blooms such as Mont-Blanc and Little Dot.

To help visitors fully immerse themselves in the landscape, the resort installs several interactive photo spots each year. These range from the Mini Mt. Fuji—an adorable moss phlox recreation of the iconic peak—to the famous Rowing Boat, which creates the illusion of rowing through a sea of pink flowers.

Visitors can also enjoy a heart-shaped bench, the whimsical Yellow Door of Happiness, Peter Rabbit’s English Garden, and a 3.8-meter observation deck for a panoramic view of the entire scene.

The resort is conveniently located about 90 minutes from central Tokyo. For a stress-free excursion, consider joining a bus tour; this allows you to bundle your travel costs and relax during the journey, sparing you the hassle of driving or navigating complex train transfers.

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Dates: April 11 - May 24, 2026
Venue: Fuji Motosuko Resort (MAP)
Admission Fee: Adults (junior high school and older) 1,000 yen - 1,300 yen, Children 500 - 700 yen
Official website: https://www.fujimotosuko-resort.jp/en/

2. Hitsujiyama Park Shibazakura Hill in Chichibu: Near Tokyo!

Photo by Pixta

Located in Chichibu—just a short trip from Tokyo—Hitsujiyama Park is one of the region’s premier destinations for shibazakura. Each spring, the park transforms into a floral paradise as over 400,000 blossoms across 10 different varieties blanket its 17,600-square-meter grounds.

The landscape features swirling carpets of vibrant pink, purple, and soft white, creating a stunning contrast against the rugged backdrop of Mt. Buko and the surrounding green hills. Be sure to examine the blooms up close, where you might even spot the delicate, heart-shaped petals of certain varieties.

Hitsujiyama Park—also known as Shibazakura Hill—in Chichibu makes for an excellent day trip from Tokyo.

The park is easy to reach: simply take a direct train from Ikebukuro to Yokoze Station (about 80 minutes), followed by a pleasant 20-minute walk.

Chichibu Hitsujiyama Park - Pink Moss Hill

Moss Phlox Festival Dates: April 4 - May 6, 2026
Location: Hitsujiyama Park Shibazakura Hill (MAP)
Admission Fee: Adults 500 yen, Junior High and younger: Free
Official website: https://navi.city.chichibu.lg.jp/p_flower/1808/ (Japanese)

3. OZORA Higashimotoko Shibazakura Park in Hokkaido

Photo by Pixta

Hokkaido offers several stunning shibazakura sites, including spots in Niseko and Takinoue Shibazakura Park in the region’s northeast.

However, the most iconic destination is OZORA Higashimotoko Shibazakura Park. Located in the Ozora district, near Abashiri and the Shiretoko Peninsula, it serves as an excellent addition to a trip through the nearby Akan-Mashu National Park.

Throughout May, the park’s 10-hectare hillside is blanketed in intricate, artful displays of moss phlox. This site is also home to the Yamatsumi Shrine’s vibrant pink torii gate, a picturesque landmark that has become a sensation on social media.

During the peak blooming season, the park hosts a variety of festivities, including live music performances, making it an especially vibrant destination for visitors.

With an on-site campground and pet-friendly policies, it is an ideal spot for a relaxing outdoor escape.

OZORA Higashimotoko Shibazakura Park

Moss Phlox Blooming Period: May
Location: Hokkaido, Ozora district (MAP)
Website: https://shibazakura.net/

4. Mt. Chausu Highlands: Moss Phlox in the Clouds

Photo by Pixta

Experience a "sky-high" floral display at the Mt. Chausu Highlands in eastern Aichi Prefecture.

At 1,358 meters above sea level, this is the highest moss phlox garden in central Japan, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Alps.

The 400,000 blooms blanket the hillside in vibrant, swirling patterns—including a charming heart-shaped design—that seem to paint the landscape right up to the horizon.

The journey begins with a scenic gondola ride to the summit, where you can explore charming photo spots like the “pink doorway” and the swinging chair. For a refreshing meal after your visit, nearby Toyone Village offers several excellent local dining options.

Mt. Chausu Highland Moss Phlox Festival

Dates: April 9 - May 7, 2026
Location: Mt. Chausu Highland Shibazakura Hill (MAP)
Admission Fee: Free
Official Website: https://aichinow.pref.aichi.jp/spots/detail/167/

5. Sera Kogen Shibazakura in Hiroshima

Photo by Pixta

A hidden gem in Hiroshima’s Sera Highlands, Sera Farm is a year-round floral sanctuary. While the farm boasts seasonal highlights—ranging from spring cherry blossoms and summer sunflowers to autumn kochia and winter illuminations—it is particularly stunning in the spring.

From April to May, the park’s Flower Village Kamu no Sato transforms into a vibrant tapestry of blue, white, purple, and pink blooms across its 40,000-square-meter grounds.

Visitors can marvel at a million nemophila (Baby Blue Eyes) that seem to mirror the clear spring sky, while 50,000 moss phlox plants form dazzling, intricate patterns that gleam in the sunlight.

As one of the largest floral displays in western Japan, the park invites guests to wander through its expansive fields and pose at charming photo spots, such as the "flower dress" in the Princess Garden or the whimsical "Happy Bus Stop," which sits among the sea of blue blooms.

Sera Kogen Shibazakura

Moss Phlox Festival Dates: March 28 - May 10, 2026
Location: Sera Kogen Farm (MAP)
Admission Fee: Adult (Junior high school and older) 700 yen - 1,200 yen, Child 300 yen - 600 yen, Age 3 and under / Pets: free
Official Website: https://sera.ne.jp/km/shibazakura/

Enjoy the Vibrant Pink Moss Phlox

Whether you are seeking an iconic Mt. Fuji backdrop or a hidden floral escape in the Sera Highlands, Japan’s shibazakura (moss phlox) festivals provide a breathtaking bridge between the fleeting cherry blossoms of early spring and the arrival of summer’s lush greenery.