Both symbols of natural beauty, cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji reflect the elegance of Japan’s springtime. Here are the best places to witness and photograph spring in all its glory.
Fans of Japan’s cherry blossoms know—the joy of seeing these beautiful flowers up close, especially during their peak bloom, is unlike any other. Looking at the delicate pink trees all lined up in parks, outside temples, or by a river is sure to fill your heart with childlike bliss and fascination.
They create fairytale-like landscapes in Tokyo, Osaka, Nara, and many other prefectures in Japan. Out of all these, nothing captures the glory of Japan’s springtime quite like cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji all in one frame.
The combination creates a stunning visual contrast, with the vibrant pink blossoms in the foreground and the majestic, snow-capped mountain in the background. Apart from that, this iconic Japanese imagery highlights two of the country’s beloved icons: cherry blossoms or sakura, which symbolize the arrival of spring, while Mount Fuji is the epitome of Japan’s natural beauty.
Capturing postcard images of both cherry blossoms and the iconic Mt. Fuji sure is a bucket-list moment for many. If you’re searching for the best spots to achieve that, The POST has rounded up some of the most iconic places around the mountain that turn into a magical pink wonderland every spring. These tourist spots complement the beauty of sakura, creating stunning backdrops for your portraits.
So, scroll down below and pin these destinations to capture the best of springtime in Japan this year and beyond.
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1. Lake Kawaguchiko
Touted as the best place to capture perfect views of cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji is Lake Kawaguchiko in Yamanashi prefecture. In springtime, the lake’s northern shores are lined with approximately 200 cherry trees, creating a stunning view that frames the mountain with pretty blossoms.
The most famous viewing spot on the shore is Oishi Park, which offers not only an unobstructed view of Japan’s tallest peak and cherry blossoms but also a carpet of many other colorful blooms. It also offers boat rides for a postcard-pretty landscape from different angles.
Cherry blossoms in Yamanashi usually reach peak bloom in late March to early April. For a more romantic experience, visit the lake during the Fuji Kawaguchiko Sakura Festival where cherry trees are illuminated from sunset until 9 pm.
How to get there: One way is to book a car rental service or a day trip to Mount Fuji via Klook. The other is to travel from Tokyo or Osaka via bus or train. Details on the link below.
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2. Nagasaki Park
Located on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi is Nagasaki Park, where you can photograph the iconic peak veiled in soft mist or the golden light of sunset, surrounded by the delicate and vibrant petals of sakura trees.
The park gives a view of the balance between the iconic mountain, the tranquil Lake Kawaguchi, and bright blue skies with cherry blossom trees lined up along the road. To get the perfect shot, visit the park in late March or early April, along with the rest of Kawaguchi.
How to get there: From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Retro Bus Kawaguchiko Line and alight at Shimadzu Yashiki-mae.
3. Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
For those looking to level up their shots, the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway is worth the trip. The ropeway takes visitors 400 meters above the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, up to an observation deck near Mount Tenjo.
Perched 1,000 meters above sea level, the observation deck offers panoramic views of the lake, the surrounding town, and Mount Fuji in the distance. During sakura season, pink and white petals create a pretty, fluffy foreground that provides a beautiful contrast to the breathtaking scenery.
How to get there: Take the Omni Bus Red Line from Kawaguchiko Station and alight at the Yurangsen Ropeway Iriguchi bus stop. You can also walk for 15 to 20 minutes from Kawaguchiko Station.
4. Arakurayama Sengen Park
Just when you thought you have reached peak photographer for capturing Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms in one shot, wait till you get to Arakurayama Sengen Park. A popular spot for tourists and photographers, Arakurayama is where you can capture not only two but three of Japan’s icons: Mount Fuji, cherry blossoms, and the Chureito Pagoda.
The park, located on the hillside of Mount Arakura in Yamanashi, is flocked by tourists for offering stunning panoramic views of Mount Fuji with its red five-story pagoda in the foreground. In springtime, over 650 cherry trees surround the pagoda, creating a vibrant and magical view you wouldn’t find anywhere else.
For the best photos, visit the park on the first week of April when the cherry blossoms usually reach peak bloom.
How to get there: Head to the Shimoyoshida Station either from Otsuki Station in Tokyo or Kawaguchiko Station in Yamanashi. From Shimoyoshida Station, walk around 10 minutes to Arakurayama Sengen Park.
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5. Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai is a small village near Mount Fuji where the beauty of the majestic mountain, the magic of cherry blossoms, and Japan’s rural charm all meet. Numerous sakura trees bloom in the village during spring, and create a dramatic scenery around the ponds that reflect the trees.
The picturesque village also offers a stunning view of Mount Fuji, which creates a beautiful contrast with Oshino Hakkai’s cherry blossoms and traditional wooden houses. All these make the village a must-visit for tourists looking for peaceful sakura viewing and scenic photography spots—and without the crowds of more famous attractions.
The best time to visit the village is around mid to late April, with its cherry trees reaching peak bloom days later than the ones at Lake Kawaguchiko.
How to get there: Take the Fujikyu Railway to Fujisan Station then take a local bus to Oshino Hakkai.
6. Lake Tanuki
Nope, the photo above is neither edited nor made by AI. This is Lake Tanuki, which offers a unique too-good-to-be-true view of Mount Fuji with a perfect water reflection and the sunlight shining above it resembling a diamond.
Besides what is called its “upside-down” reflection of Mount Fuji and the “diamond” sunlight effect on the peak, Lake Tanuki is famous for offering a magnificent view of about 360 sakura trees on its shore. This adds beauty to the scenery, along with the “Double Diamond Fuji”—one “diamond” on the peak and the other on its reflection—that occurs near April 20 of every year
The lake is located in Shizuoka prefecture, where the cherry blossoms typically reach peak bloom in mid to late April.
How to get there: Take the Fujikyu-Shizuoka bus at the Fujinomiya JR station and get off at the last stop, Kyuamurafuji.
7. Iwamotoyama Park
Another spot to take the perfect shot of sakura and Mount Fuji is Iwamotoyama Park, located in Shizuoka Prefecture in the western part of the mountain. The vast garden attracts flocks of tourists, especially during spring, when roughly 300 cherry trees and 400 plum trees blossom amidst its greeneries.
The park is a must-visit for photographers and casual tourists alike, as it boasts three observation decks that allow you to shoot the scenic view from many different angles. What’s more, Shizuoka celebrates the cherry blossom season with the Zekkei Mt. Fuji Fireworks Festival where tourists are treated to a breathtaking fireworks show against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms in the early part of April.
How to get there: Take a train to JR Shizuoka Station and walk 15 minutes to Iwamotoyama Park.
8. Ryuganbuchi
Famous for offering breathtaking vistas, Ryugenbuchi is another tourist attraction that offers a visual spectacle with its line of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of Mount Fuji. It is located along the Urui River in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and boasts rows of sakura trees stretching for about 250 meters.
The trees are also illuminated at night, offering a more romantic atmosphere different from daytime. It is best seen in late March to early April, when cherry blossoms around Mount Fuji reach peak bloom.
How to get there: Ride the JR Chuo Line from Tokyo Station, then transfer to Fujikyu Railway at Otsuki Station. Rugenbuchi is located near Fuji Five Lakes which is accessible by Fujikyu Railway.
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