Mount Fuji: Full Bloom

The mainstream Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms are nearing the end of their season in the major cities west of Tokyo. Those who want to see cherry blossoms at their best should consider heading to places at higher elevations or move northwards over the next few weeks. Today I visited Lake Kawaguchiko in the Fuji Five Lakes region, which sits at around 800 meters above sea level. The cherry blossoms around Lake Kawaguchiko were at full bloom, and I expect the best viewing to continue through till early next week. This coming weekend is likely to be one of the busiest at Lake Kawaguchiko as the cherry blossoms are at their peak and warm, sunny weather is forecast.

This year, we deliberately skipped reporting from Chureito Pagoda, a popular cherry blossom spot near Lake Kawaguchiko, due to overtourism, which has caused the local residents plenty of inconvenience. This year, the local government even cancelled the annual cherry blossom festival in hopes to quell visitor numbers and ease the situation during the popular season.

My first stop for today was the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko. It is a popular cherry blossom spot in the Fuji Five Lakes region, and today the cherry trees that line the waterfront were at full bloom. Rain is forecast for Friday, but it should not impact the longevity of the blossoms too much. Accordingly, I expect the best viewing along the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko to continue through till early next week. This weekend is likely to be the busiest time at Lake Kawaguchiko with good weather forecast and the blossoms at their peak.

Until April 12, there is a cherry blossom festival held in the area near the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko. Food stalls and craft shops are open during the festival period. The cherry trees along the waterfront are illuminated from sunset till 21:00.

My next stop was the Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine on the southern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko. While it is difficult to get views of Mount Fuji at the shrine, the peacefulness makes up for it. I found the cherry blossoms at the shrine to be at full bloom, like the ones along the northern shores. I expect the cherry trees at Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine to remain at their best through till early next week.

My last spot for the day was Oshino Hakkai, about a 20 minute drive from Lake Kawaguchiko. It is known for its clear ponds that are fed by snow melt. Today, I found the cherry trees in Oshino Hakkai to be just opening, but many of the buds look like they need only a couple more days before they open. Accordingly, I expect the best viewing at Oshino Hakkai to start from this coming weekend and continue for about a week barring inclement weather.