Spring in Japan is magical, and nothing captures it better than cherry blossoms (sakura) with the majestic Mt. Fuji in the background. If you’re planning a trip in late March to April, here are the top 9 photo-worthy spots where you can see Japan’s most iconic mountain framed by delicate pink petals.
Top 9 Sakura Spots with Mt. Fuji
1. Arakurayama Sengen Park (Chureito Pagoda) – Yamanashi
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Best time: Early April
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Highlight: The world-famous view of a five-story pagoda, cherry blossoms, and Mt. Fuji in one frame. Perfect for that iconic postcard shot.
2. Lake Kawaguchi – Yamanashi
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Best time: Mid-April
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Highlight: Lakeside cherry blossom avenue with stunning Mt. Fuji views. On calm days, you may capture the “upside-down Fuji” reflected in the water.
3. Ryuganbuchi (Ryugan Bridge) – Shizuoka, Fuji City
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Best time: Late March to early April
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Highlight: A cherry blossom tunnel along the Urui River with Mt. Fuji in the distance. A hidden gem beloved by local photographers.
4. Wanizuka no Sakura – Yamanashi, Nirasaki
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Best time: Early April
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Highlight: A single giant cherry tree standing in open fields with Mt. Fuji in the background. A rustic and breathtaking view.
5. Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba – Yamanashi, Fujikawaguchiko
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Best time: Mid-April
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Highlight: A traditional thatched-roof village where sakura and Mt. Fuji create a nostalgic “old Japan” atmosphere.
6. Kotokuji Temple – Shizuoka, Fujinomiya
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Best time: Early April
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Highlight: The temple’s weeping cherry tree framed against Mt. Fuji. Especially beautiful at sunset when the peak glows red.
7. Iwamotoyama Park – Shizuoka, Fuji City
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Best time: Late March to early April
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Highlight: Around 400 cherry trees bloom across the hillside, offering panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay.
8. Lake Tanuki – Shizuoka, Fujinomiya
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Best time: Mid-April
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Highlight: Famous for “reflected Fuji” on the lake’s surface. With sakura around the shore, sunrise and sunset photos are unforgettable.
9. Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha – Shizuoka, Fujinomiya
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Best time: Early to mid-April
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Highlight: The head shrine of over 1,300 Sengen shrines across Japan. Its sacred grounds feature beautiful cherry trees with Mt. Fuji rising behind, offering both cultural and scenic beauty.
Other Flower Event: Fuji Shibazakura Festival
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Best time: Mid-April to late May
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Highlight: Over 800,000 moss phlox (shibazakura) bloom in vivid pink fields, creating a colorful carpet beneath Mt. Fuji.
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Note: This is not cherry blossoms, but it’s one of the most famous spring flower festivals near Mt. Fuji and well worth a visit.
Travel Tips
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Timing: Sakura bloom earlier in lowlands (late March) and later near lakes (early to mid-April).
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Best hours: Early morning or sunset = softer light, fewer crowds.
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Transport: Easily reached from Tokyo in 2–3 hours by train, bus, or rental car.
Final Thoughts
Seeing Mt. Fuji with cherry blossoms is a once-in-a-lifetime spring experience. From iconic views like Chureito Pagoda to hidden gems like Ryuganbuchi or the dramatic Kotokuji Temple, every spot offers a unique perspective. And if you’re visiting a bit later, don’t miss the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, where pink moss phlox paints the landscape with Mt. Fuji standing tall above.
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I offer personalized tour coordination—from guiding you to the most iconic sakura spots with Mt. Fuji backdrops, to arranging local cultural experiences, scenic drives, and even cozy accommodations. That way, you can simply relax and enjoy Japan’s most breathtaking spring scenery without worrying about the details.
