Mount Fuji: Full Bloom

The main cherry blossom season has ended in southern, western and eastern Japan with scant blossoms remaining on the mainstream Somei Yoshino cherry trees. The sakura front line has now moved to the Tohoku Region, where the cherry blossoms are opening approximately two weeks earlier compared to the average year.

Today I headed to the Fuji Five Lakes area, which is located at an average elevation of 1000 meters above sea level. Due to the higher elevation, the cherry blossom season tends to be later compared to the cities at lower elevations. During my Mount Fuji-filled day, I found the cherry blossoms to be at full bloom and expect the best viewing to continue for the next 3-4 days.

An iconic place to get an iconic picture of Mount Fuji in conjunction with a pagoda, Chureito Pagoda is also a popular cherry blossoms viewing spot in the Fuji Five Lakes area. There are approximately 600 cherry trees in Arakura Sengen Park, where the pagoda is located, and full bloom was reported on April 4. Yesterday's rain took down some petals prematurely, but there were still sufficient blossoms on the cherry trees to still consider the sakura to be at their best viewing. I expect the best viewing to continue for another few more days. From April 1 to 16, there is a sakura festival on the park grounds. Note that parking can be difficult due to the high popularity of Chureito Pagoda during the sakura season, and there may be a long line to get to the observation deck for that prized photo.

Over at Lake Kawaguchiko, the northern shore is a popular cherry blossom spot in the Fuji Five Lakes area. Approximately 200 cherry trees line the 1 kilometer promenade along the northern shores, and today I found them to be at full bloom. I expect the best viewing to continue for another few more days. Additionally, there is a sakura festival from April 5 to 16, with the main festival area centered around promenade near the Kawaguchiko Enkei Hall along the northern shore. During the festival period, the promenade around the hall is illuminated in the evenings from sunset to 21:00.

Oshino Hakkai is a popular sightseeing spot not far from Lake Yamanakako, which is famous for its eight clear springs. Cherry trees line the river in the northwestern side of Oshino Hakkai and tend to bloom a few days later compared to the ones at Lake Kawaguchiko. Today I found the cherry blossoms to be at full bloom and expect the best viewing to continue through tomorrow until the end of this week.