As winter turns to spring, many people in Japan feel the urge to go out and enjoy the cherry blossoms (sakura). For locals and visitors alike, spring is the season to relax under blooming cherry trees, sharing food and drinks with friends and family.
While Japan is filled with famous cherry blossom viewing spots, the area around Mt. Fuji is especially remarkable. Here, the sight of delicate pink blossoms set against the majestic mountain creates an unforgettable scene.
In this article, we’ll introduce six of the best spots in Yamanashi where you can admire cherry blossoms with Mt. Fuji as the perfect backdrop.
When is Cherry Blossom Season in Yamanashi?
In Yamanashi Prefecture (Kofu City), the average blooming date is March 25 and the full bloom date is April 2.
Typically, cherry blossoms reach their peak about one to two weeks after the official blooming declaration.
For 2025, the predicted blooming date for Yamanashi is March 25 (announced on February 26, 2025).
Since the period before the petals fall is very short, be sure to make the most of this fleeting season and create unforgettable memories under the blossoms.
Lake Kawaguchiko Lakeside
Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the famous Fuji Five Lakes, is particularly popular thanks to its lively lakeside filled with restaurants and cafés.
Around 100 cherry trees are planted along the lakeshore, offering a breathtaking view of cherry blossoms with Mt. Fuji as the backdrop.
During cherry blossom season, the area attracts many visitors, and photos of Mt. Fuji framed by sakura are especially popular on Instagram. Evening illuminations are also scheduled, creating a magical night-time atmosphere.
👉 Want to know more about Lake Kawaguchiko? Click here!
Maizuru Castle Park
Located right in front of Kofu Station, Maizuru Castle Park is one of the most accessible cherry blossom spots in the city.
Although the castle itself is no longer standing, remnants such as the stone walls and the Yamanote Gate still remain.
From within the park, you can admire 160 cherry trees set against Mt. Fuji, making this the only place where you can enjoy sakura with a traditional Japanese castle atmosphere and Mt. Fuji in the background.
Wanizuka
Wanizuka in Nirasaki City is home to an Edohigan cherry tree estimated to be over 330 years old.
The Edohigan variety, known as one of Japan’s three great cherry trees, features delicate single-petal blossoms in a pale pink hue.
Though it’s just one tree, its presence is striking, drawing large crowds during the sakura season—enough to require temporary parking lots.
Planted in a wide open field, Wanizuka offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji and, on clear days, the Yatsugatake Mountains, making it one of Yamanashi’s most iconic cherry blossom spots.
Yamanakako Hana-no-Miyako Park
Located by Lake Yamanakako, Hana-no-Miyako Park is a year-round destination where visitors can enjoy a wide variety of flowers.
In spring, however, the highlight is undoubtedly the cherry blossoms. With 166 cherry trees, including the Fujizakura (a dainty single-petal variety and the official flower of Yamanashi Prefecture), the park is a paradise for flower lovers.
Arakurayama Sengen Park
Famous on Instagram and social media worldwide, Arakurayama Sengen Park is one of the most iconic cherry blossom spots in Japan.
Here, you can capture the perfect scene of Mt. Fuji, cherry blossoms, and the five-storied pagoda in one frame.
The park also features walking trails and benches, making it a wonderful place to stroll, relax, and soak in the spring atmosphere.
Oboshi Park
Located in Fujikawa Town, Oboshi Park offers spectacular views of around 2,000 cherry trees with Mt. Fuji in the background.
Surrounded by mountains and rich nature, the park is also ideal for hiking, and has been selected as one of the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan”.
During sakura season, local events and food stalls bring the park to life, allowing visitors to enjoy regional specialties along with the blossoms.
Summary
In this article, we introduced some of the best cherry blossom spots in Yamanashi where you can admire sakura with Mt. Fuji as the backdrop.
For real-time blooming updates, we recommend checking the live cameras introduced on JAPANOPIA +, which cover locations across Yamanashi Prefecture.
As spring approaches, don’t miss the chance to experience these breathtaking cherry blossom views and create lasting memories in Yamanashi!。
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