Japan Cherry Blossoms 2026: Best Sakura Spots & Forecast for Mt. Fuji and Beyond

Updated February 5, 2026 (4th forecast)

TL;DR

• Peak sakura around the Fuji Five Lakes typically falls in mid-April (about 1 week later than Tokyo)
• Chureito Pagoda is the most iconic spot but requires arriving by 5-6am to beat crowds
• Track 2026 flowering and full bloom dates on our Sakura Forecast page
• Check isfujivisible.com before you go-clear skies make all the difference
• Book accommodation and transport early; lakeside ryokans sell out months ahead

Why Sakura + Fuji Is So Special

Few sights capture Japan's essence like cherry blossoms framing Mount Fuji. The contrast of delicate pink petals against the snow-capped peak has inspired artists for centuries, from ukiyo-e woodblock prints to today's travel bucket lists. Every spring, travelers flock to the Fuji Five Lakes region hoping for that perfect convergence of full bloom and clear skies.

The challenge? Cherry blossoms last only 1-2 weeks at peak, and Fuji hides behind clouds more often than not. Timing and flexibility are everything.

2026 Sakura Forecast: When to Visit

Based on our Sakura Forecast page, here are the predicted dates for 2026:

The 2026 season is expected to arrive slightly earlier than average across Japan. The Fuji area blooms approximately 1 week later than Tokyo due to higher elevation and cooler temperatures. If you're planning around Tokyo's hanami, add a week for your Fuji leg.

Pro tip: Monitor real-time visibility at isfujivisible.com (updated daily) and track bloom progress on our interactive sakura map featuring 1000+ viewing spots across Japan.

Best Spots for Sakura + Fuji Views

North Side (Yamanashi Prefecture)

The Fuji Five Lakes region on Fuji's north side offers the classic snow-capped peak views. Blooms here are about 2 weeks later than Tokyo due to higher elevation.

Chureito Pagoda (Arakurayama Sengen Park)

The iconic view. A five-story pagoda with cherry trees cascading down the hillside and Fuji rising behind. You've seen this image a thousand times, and for good reason.

• Access: 398 steps from the trailhead (15-20 min walk)
• Best time: Arrive by 5-6am to beat the crowds
• 2026 forecast: April 5 bloom -> April 11 full bloom
• Google Maps: Chureito Pagoda

Heads up: The viewing platform is small and gets packed by mid-morning.

Lake Kawaguchiko North Shore

The north shore offers a sakura-lined promenade stretching over 1 km, with Fuji reflecting in calm morning waters. Unlike Chureito, there's plenty of space to stroll and enjoy the views.

• Access: Walk from Kawaguchiko Station or rent a bicycle
• Best spots: Near Ubuyagasaki peninsula and the Music Forest area
• 2026 forecast: April 7 bloom -> April 13 full bloom
• Bonus: The Kawaguchiko Sakura Festival runs annually with food stalls and evening illuminations

Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine (冨士御室浅間神社)

One of the oldest Fuji-worshipping shrines, with cherry trees framing views of the sacred mountain. Less crowded than Chureito with a more spiritual atmosphere.

• Access: 10 min drive from Kawaguchiko Station
• 2026 forecast: April 8 bloom -> April 13 full bloom

Oshino Hakkai

This traditional village with eight crystal-clear spring ponds offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Thatched-roof cottages, weeping willows, and cherry trees create a timeless scene with Fuji looming above.

• Access: 20 min by bus from Kawaguchiko Station
• Crowd level: Moderate (less hectic than Chureito)
• 2026 forecast: Mid-April (similar to Kawaguchiko)
• Google Maps: Oshino Hakkai

Yamatakajindai Cherry Tree (山高神代桜)

Japan's oldest cherry tree, estimated at over 2,000 years old. This ancient Edo Higanzakura stands in the grounds of Jissoji Temple and is designated a national natural monument.

• Access: 15 min by car from Nirasaki Station
• 2026 forecast: March 28 bloom -> April 1 full bloom
• Note: Blooms earlier than the lakeside areas

Kanazakura Shrine (金櫻神社)

Famous for its rare golden-yellow cherry blossoms (Ukon-zakura). A later bloomer, perfect if you miss peak season elsewhere.

• Access: 30 min by car from Kofu
• 2026 forecast: April 9 bloom -> April 13 full bloom

South Side (Shizuoka Prefecture)

The south side offers a completely different perspective of Fuji, with views of the mountain's steeper slopes. Generally blooms 1-2 weeks earlier than the north.

Lake Tanuki (Tanuki-ko)

Lake Tanuki offers a serene, less-touristy Fuji experience. In late April, you may catch the "Diamond Fuji" phenomenon, where the sun rises or sets directly over the summit.

• Access: Best reached by car or organized tour
• 2026 forecast: Late April
• Bonus: Camping available lakeside

Fuji Stupa Peace Park (富士仏舎利塔平和公園)

A striking white pagoda with Fuji as the backdrop-similar vibes to Chureito but far fewer crowds. Built for world peace, the park offers one of the best Fuji views on the south side.

• Access: 20 min by car from Gotemba Station
• 2026 forecast: April 1 bloom -> April 7 full bloom

Nihondaira (日本平)

A famous scenic plateau offering panoramic views of Fuji, Suruga Bay, and the Izu Peninsula. The cherry-lined roads leading up are stunning.

• Access: 30 min by car from Shizuoka Station
• 2026 forecast: March 24 bloom -> March 31 full bloom

Mishima Taisha Shrine (三嶋大社)

One of the most important shrines in the Izu region, with beautiful cherry trees in the grounds. An early bloomer and easy day trip from Tokyo.

• Access: 5 min walk from Mishima Station (Shinkansen stop)
• 2026 forecast: March 27 bloom -> April 5 full bloom

Fuji Cemetery (冨士霊園)

Over 8,000 cherry trees line the avenues of this vast memorial park, with Fuji towering in the background. One of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom spots.

• Access: 30 min by car from Gotemba Station
• 2026 forecast: April 4 bloom -> April 9 full bloom

From Tokyo

Shinjuku Gyoen

Can't make it to the lakes? On exceptionally clear days, Fuji is visible from Tokyo's Shinjuku Gyoen garden. Combine urban sakura viewing with a distant Fuji glimpse. See our guide: Where to See Mt. Fuji in Tokyo.

• 2026 forecast: March 20 bloom -> March 31 full bloom

Tips for Your Visit

• Check visibility first: Use isfujivisible.com to check forecasts before committing to an early wake-up
• Arrive early: For popular spots like Chureito, 5am is not too early during peak bloom
• Have a backup plan: If clouds cover Fuji, explore the lakeside towns, onsen, or local cafés

Guided Tours to See Sakura + Fuji

Skip the logistics and join an expert-led tour:

Private Mt. Fuji Tours – Your own guide, your own pace. Customize stops based on weather and bloom conditions, with flexibility to linger at the best spots.

Group Mt. Fuji Tours – Join fellow travelers on popular sakura routes. Budget-friendly with hotel pickup included.

Getting There

From Tokyo:

• Highway bus: 2 hours from Shinjuku Bus Terminal via our partner (~¥2,000)

Day trip vs. overnight: Day trips work but require very early departures. Staying overnight at a north shore ryokan means you can enjoy sunrise views without rushing, and many offer private onsen with Fuji views. Browse Kawaguchiko onsen & ryokans.

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