Festivals & Events in Fuji Area | Enjoy the Spirit of Mt. Fuji!

Japan celebrates the changing seasons through a rich variety of festivals and events—from cherry blossom viewing in spring, to summer festivals, autumn foliage celebrations, and winter illuminations.

Each of these seasonal events offers a wonderful opportunity to experience local culture while enjoying the breathtaking natural beauty that Japan is known for.

In this article, we introduce some of the most popular festivals and events held around the Mt. Fuji area, particularly in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Fujiyoshida City, Oshino Village, Yamanakako Village, and Narusawa Village in Yamanashi.

These vibrant celebrations allow visitors to enjoy the spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko throughout the year.

Use this guide to plan your trip and experience the seasonal charm of the Mt. Fuji region!

Fujikawaguchiko Town

Lake Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks

Set against the snow-capped Mt. Fuji, the winter fireworks light up the night sky and reflect beautifully on the surface of Lake Kawaguchiko.

Because the air is clear and dry in winter, the fireworks appear more vivid, and the echoing sound resonates sharply through the cold night air.

Lake Saiko Ice Festival

At this event, you can photograph towering ice sculptures up to 10 meters high with Mt. Fuji in the background.

When night falls, the illuminated ice formations create a dreamlike and mystical atmosphere, turning the site into a magical winter wonderland.

Fuji Kawaguchiko Sakura Festival

Held along the north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko (near the Lake Kawaguchiko Circular Hall), this spring festival features about 200 blooming Somei Yoshino cherry trees, along with a craft market to explore.

Visitors can stroll along the 1 km lakeside trail, enjoying magnificent views of cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji—a beloved annual event that marks the arrival of spring in the Fuji area.

Kai no Katsuyama Yabusame Festival

This traditional horseback archery ceremony has a proud history of about 900 years. Spectators can witness archers on galloping horses shoot arrows at targets—a powerful and dynamic sight reminiscent of Japan’s samurai era.

The participants, dressed in vivid period costumes, recreate the spirit of ancient battles in this impressive event that celebrates Japan’s martial heritage.

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Step into a scene straight out of a painting, surrounded by breathtaking fields of moss phlox (shibazakura) in full bloom.

This festival offers plenty of photo-worthy spots perfect for social media and takeout gourmet treats ideal for strolling through the colorful gardens. It’s a place where you can easily spend an entire day immersed in beauty.

Kawaguchiko Herb Festival

Enjoy the stunning collaboration of lavender blossoms and the majestic Mt. Fuji. The scenery changes with the time of day, offering a new expression of beauty each moment.

You can also browse local souvenirs and handmade crafts from Fujikawaguchiko Town at the accompanying market.

Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko Mountain Opening Fireworks Festival

This annual fireworks festival celebrates the official opening of Mt. Fuji’s climbing season.

As the first fireworks of the summer in Yamanashi Prefecture, it symbolizes the arrival of the warm season and is a highly anticipated event among locals and travelers alike.

Saiko Ryugu Festival

In addition to lively food stalls, you can enjoy special performances of traditional Japanese drums (wadaiko)!

At night, about 1,000 fireworks illuminate the sky, including large starmine displays, painting the night with dazzling lights.

Motosuko Kamiko Festival

Located at a higher elevation, Lake Motosuko is known as a popular summer retreat.

The festival features over 1,000 fireworks launched into the cool night air, beautifully reflected on the lake’s surface—creating an unforgettable scene of summer in the Mt. Fuji area.

Shojiko Ryoko Festival

Experience a romantic summer night filled with the harmony of live jazz music and about 500 spectacular fireworks lighting up the sky.

Since the fireworks are launched close to the viewing area, you can feel their power and brilliance directly overhead.

Lake Kawaguchiko Fireworks Festival

As one of the largest lake festivals in Yamanashi, this event features massive fireworks and starmine displays that beautifully light up the summer night sky and the surface of Lake Kawaguchiko.

The reflection of the fireworks on the water creates a picture-perfect scene, making it one of the best photo spots of the season.

Lake Kawaguchiko Toro Nagashi (Lantern Floating Ceremony)

Over 1,200 glowing lanterns gently float on the surface of Lake Kawaguchiko, illuminating the summer night with a soft, serene light.

With the majestic Mt. Fuji and the tranquil lake as a backdrop, visitors can also enjoy a live orchestral performance, creating an atmosphere that is both graceful and deeply moving.

What Is Toro Nagashi?
Toro Nagashi (Lantern Floating Ceremony) is a traditional Japanese event held during the Obon season in mid-August, when people welcome and then send off the spirits of their ancestors.
The ceremony is performed across Japan—in places like Matsushima, Arashiyama in Kyoto, and Hiroshima—and is cherished as a symbolic act of remembrance and gratitude.
On the final day of Obon, participants light candles inside lanterns and set them afloat on rivers or seas, offering prayers for their ancestors and loved ones who have passed away.
Each region preserves its own style and customs, adding local color to this timeless tradition.
At Lake Kawaguchiko, visitors can write personal messages on their lanterns, expressing their wishes, gratitude, or remembrance for loved ones.
As night falls, these heartfelt lanterns—each one unique—drift across the shimmering lake, carrying gentle prayers beneath the gaze of Mt. Fuji.

Lake Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival

Every autumn, around 400 to 500 maple trees beautifully color the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, creating a breathtaking landscape.
The area comes alive with local food stalls, souvenir shops, and a lively craft market, offering plenty to explore.

At the famous Momiji Corridor (Maple Corridor), the trees are illuminated at night, allowing visitors to enjoy a magical view of Mt. Fuji framed by glowing autumn leaves.

SAIKO HARVEST FESTA ～Saiko Harvest Festival～

Celebrate autumn in Yamanashi with this outdoor festival featuring local wine, freshly baked pizza, and gourmet specialties surrounded by beautiful nature.

In addition to regional delicacies like game meat (gibier) and Koshu Wine Beef, the event also offers fun workshops for children, making it perfect for families and food lovers alike.

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Fujiyoshida City

Nishiura Market 2025

Located in the Nishiura district of Fujiyoshida City—once a thriving entertainment area with over 200 bars and eateries during Japan’s Showa era—the Nishiura Market revives this nostalgic atmosphere with a modern twist.

Local restaurants, chefs, and artisans gather to create a vibrant food and culture market, offering visitors a chance to experience Fujiyoshida’s community spirit through delicious local flavors.

Fuji-Q Highland Drone × Fireworks Special Show

Fuji-Q Highland is one of Yamanashi’s most popular amusement parks—and admission is Free!

During this limited-time event, you can enjoy a spectacular fusion of fireworks and synchronized drone performances, and if you’re lucky, even watch them from a roller coaster, creating an unforgettable, adrenaline-filled night under Mt. Fuji.

Yoshida Fire Festival & Susuki Festival

The Yoshida Fire Festival is one of Japan’s Three Most Unique Festivals and among the Top 10 Fire Festivals in Japan, with a history of over 450 years.

Gigantic torches light up the streets late into the night, creating a magnificent and fiery spectacle that symbolizes gratitude and reverence for Mt. Fuji’s guardian deity.

Yabusame Festival (Archery on Horseback)

This traditional festival, with over 800 years of history, features the art of Yabusame (horseback archery)—where skilled archers shoot targets while galloping at full speed.

Held right in front of Komuro Sengen Shrine, spectators can experience the thrilling action up close, making it one of the most exciting traditional events in the Mt. Fuji area.

Hataori-machi Festival

Fujiyoshida City is famous as a textile town, known for producing delicate fabrics woven with the spring water of Mt. Fuji.

During the festival, visitors can explore local markets featuring handcrafted textiles, traditional goods, and workshops where artisans share their craft. It’s the perfect event for those interested in Japanese craftsmanship and design.

Yoshida Autumn Leaves Festival

Stroll through a stunning corridor of crimson and golden maple trees, capturing Instagram-worthy photos along the way.

At night, the illuminated leaves and Mt. Fuji glowing in the background create a breathtakingly romantic and dreamlike scene, making it one of the most beautiful autumn events in the region.

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Yamanakako Village

Yamanakako Ice Candle Festival & Sky Lantern® Festival

This enchanting winter event is part of Yamanakako DIAMOND FUJI WEEKS, a seasonal celebration where visitors can witness the “Diamond Fuji” phenomenon—when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the summit of Mt. Fuji, creating a dazzling sparkle like a diamond.

The festival features ice candles glowing softly in the snow, sky lanterns drifting into the night sky, and fireworks bursting above Mt. Fuji, forming a breathtaking spectacle of light and reflection.

Food stalls line the venue, creating a romantic and cozy atmosphere—perfect for couples and photographers seeking unforgettable winter moments.

Yamanakako Hōkosai Fireworks Festival

The Hōkosai Fireworks Festival marks the first fireworks event of the summer among the Fuji Five Lakes celebrations.

Fireworks are launched simultaneously from two locations around Lake Yamanakako, ensuring that no matter where you stand, you’ll have a panoramic and powerful view of the dazzling display reflected on the lake’s calm surface.

Sunset Shore & Autumn Leaves Festival

This festival takes place at “Sunset Shore”, one of Japan’s Top 100 Scenic Shores, offering one of the most beautiful views of Lake Yamanakako and Mt. Fuji.

In the evening, the autumn foliage is illuminated in soft amber and crimson hues, allowing visitors to enjoy a magical night stroll surrounded by glowing trees and cool mountain air.

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Narusawa Village

Narusawa Azalea Festival

Celebrate the arrival of spring at this charming festival where vivid azaleas bloom across the lush highlands of Narusawa.

During the event, the normally paid nature trail is open Free of charge, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the season’s beauty.
Many travelers also combine their visit with a relaxing soak at Fuji Chobo-no-Yu Yurari, a nearby hot spring offering panoramic views of Mt. Fuji.

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Oshino Village

Oshino Hakkai Festival

The Oshino Hakkai Festival is a lively summer celebration featuring Bon Odori dance performances, stage shows, and a variety of local food stalls.

As evening falls, the symbolic “Hachimonji-yaki” bonfire is lit, followed by a spectacular fireworks display with 5,888 shots that light up the night sky over Oshino Village and the sacred waters of Oshino Hakkai.

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Summary

In this article, we introduced some of the most popular festivals and events held across the Mt. Fuji area in Yamanashi Prefecture.

From seasonal flower festivals to traditional fire rituals and fireworks, each celebration offers a unique way to experience the beauty and culture surrounding Mt. Fuji.

At JAPANOPIA FUJI +, you can also find more local travel inspiration, including live camera feeds, roadside station guides, and other travel tips to help you plan your perfect Fuji getaway.
Be sure to check them out when planning your next trip!

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