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Near Mt. Fuji! Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2023

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Arakurayama Sengen Park in Yamanashi is known as one of the best spots to see Mt. Fuji, a beautiful five-story pagoda, and cherry blossom trees. April is the best time to take photos of this iconic scenery during the cherry blossom festival.

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By Mt. Fuji! The Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival

Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms

Picture courtesy of Fuji Yoshida City

Located in Fuji Yoshida City in Yamanashi, Arakurayama Sengen Park is known for being a spectacular spot to see Mt. Fuji, cherry blossoms, and a five-story pagoda all at once.

An ideal time to visit is during the cherry blossom season around early April. Catering to visitors who come for the stunning view, the park started the Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival in 2016. In 2023, the festival is held between Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 16.

During the festival season, there are many outdoor food stalls and information booths on the shrine grounds. There's also a food and music event in Fuji Yoshida City held during this time.

Arakurayama Sengen Park Area Guide

Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms

Picture courtesy of Fuji Yoshida City

Arakurayama Sengen Park extends across the mountain slope and is divided into the following areas:

- The parking lot to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine grounds

- The stairs from the shrine to the observatory deck

- Chureito Five-story Pagoda and the observation deck

The best location to see Mt. Fuji, cherry blossoms, and the five-story pagoda is from the observation deck located behind the five-story pagoda. Please note that you need to climb 398 steps to the top of the observatory deck.

The observation deck has been renovated through crowdfunding in February 2022; it is now wider and offers amazing views!

How to Enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival

The Best Time to Visit

Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms

If you are going to the cherry blossom festival, you likely want to see and capture Mt. Fuji at its best condition. The recommended time to take photos is during the morning or at sunset. During this time, the air is the clearest and you have a higher chance of seeing Mt. Fuji without clouds or fog.

However, there are many photographers who come the early morning and the observation deck can get crowded. The weekends get extremely crowded so it is advised to go between 8:00-10:00 or 17:00-18:00 on weekdays.

Recommended Photo Spots

Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms

The best spot to snap a picture of cherry blossoms, Mt. Fuji, and the five-story pagoda is at the observation deck seen on the lower right-hand corner in the photo above. The deck is located on a slope and the space is limited. Please be courteous to other people when taking photos.

Note that in order to avoid crowds and for safety reasons, tripods for cameras and saving spots for other people is strictly prohibited. Be cautious of your surroundings when using selfie sticks. When it gets extremely crowded, a your time may be limited to 5 minutes.

Enjoy Local Food and Music at the Cherry Blossom Festival

Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms

Picture courtesy of Fuji Yoshida City

During the cherry blossom festival, there are snacks such as french fries and soft serve ice cream at stalls, and also information booths for visitors. There are English-speaking staff and guides written in English.

On April 6 and 7, there was a local food and music festival called Sakura Marche with products from Fuji Yoshida City.

Festival-goers could enjoy local dishes such as Yoshida no Udon (*1) and Fujiyama Beer (*2) along with traditional woven products and crafts from Yamanashi.

A stage event with a musical performance using Japanese drums allowed visitors to enjoy spring at Fuji Yoshida by seeing, listening and tasting to the wonderful treats.

*1 Yoshida no Udon: A local dish of Fuji Yoshida City. It is a firm udon noodle made using the spring water from Mt. Fuji.

*2 Fujiyama Beer: Beer made at the Fuji Yoshida brewery using natural spring water from Mt. Fuji.

Have Fun at Nearby Sightseeing Spots!

Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms

Kanadorii Gates

There are plenty of unique eateries in Fuji Yoshida City where the Arakurayama Sengen Park is located. You can walk around while eating or drinking around Shinsekai Kanpai Street. There is also the Kanadorii gates (shown in the picture) that mark the start of the Yoshidaguchi Mountain Trail. Other sightseeing spots include Kitaguchi Hongu Sengen Shrine and Fuji-Q Highland Park where you can ride Guinness record-breaking thrill rides.

Rifure Fuji Yoshida is another recommended spot to visit. There is a museum where you can learn the history of Mt. Fuji, try local delicacies at a beer factory and restaurant, and pick up a few souvenirs at the Michi no Eki Fuji Yoshida. This is a perfect spot to visit to spend time and explore.

Access to the Cherry Blossom Festival at Arakurayama Sengen Park

Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms

Yoshida Station

To get to the cherry blossom festival held at the Arakurayama Sengen Park, ride the JR Fujikyuko Line or the express bus from Shinjuku. It is a ten-minute walk from Shimoyoshida Station and a twenty-minute walk from Shimoyoshida bus stop. This article explains the details on how to get there.

If you go by car, it is advised to use the temporary parking lot. There is a shuttle bus that will take you from the temporary parking lot to the festival. Considering parking fees and heavy traffic, it is recommended to use the train or public transportation to get there rather than by private vehicle.

For more information regarding parking, shuttle buses and other ways to get to the park, please check the Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival website (Japanese only).



In cooperation with Fuji Yoshida City Hall - Mt. Fuji Division

Written by

Born in Yamagata Prefecture. I have experience working in community development at the foot of Mt. Fuji and PR for local products across the country, and am currently working in Tokyo to disseminate information about Yamanashi Prefecture. A mother of one who loves local gourmet food and alcohol.

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