As I’ve written about elsewhere on this web site (particularly on this submit, if I’m not mistaken), the shibazakura shows close to Mt. Fuji had been one in all my early journey failures in Japan. And, due extra to logistics than a scarcity of ability, have remained a proverbial white wale till very lately.
The excellent news? Within the spring of 2026, I lastly had time to make one other journey to Fuji Motosuko Resort and take one other stab at seeing the flowers which might be typically characterised as “scorching pink moss.”
The higher information? I can confidently say that attending the Fuji Shibazakura Competition is absolutely well worth the effort concerned. Nicely, at the very least should you do your homework (and should you make peace with the truth that the shibazakura will not be really moss).
My First Try to See the Shibazakura Was a Huge Fail
Again in 2018, actually the day I formally launched this web site to the world, I used to be bullish about my prospect of seeing the Mt. Fuji Shibazakura. Whereas analysis I did previous to my journey indicated that mid-Might was towards the tip of the shibazakura season, additionally they knowledgeable me that these flowers had been far much less fickle than the sakura themselves. I felt assured, even somewhat bit cocky.
Sadly, actuality shortly slapped me within the face. “You may go if you need,” the bus ticket vendor throughout from Kawaguchiko Station knowledgeable me after I walked up, “however the flowers are principally gone.” I used to be disenchanted to listen to this, however I trusted right here, and as a substitute headed as much as the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi to admire the irises (which, fortunately, had been in full bloom).
What to Know About Mt. Fuji’s “Pink Moss”
It isn’t moss
Shibazakura will not be moss. It may well appear like moss from far-off, on condition that it’s a sort of groundcovering; its scorching pink shade can obscure the intricacies of its construction, particularly beneath the intense daylight that’s preferrred for seeing it. But it surely’s a kind of phlox flower which, whereas densely, will not be almost as intricate or latticed as moss.
(It additionally isn’t sakura)
Colloquially the title of the Mt. Fuji pink phlox is shibazakura, which accurately interprets to “cherry blossoms on the bottom.” It’s vital to notice, nevertheless, that this can be a cultural illustration of the flowers, reasonably than a scientific one. They perform as sakura does within the context of this pageant, however they don’t have any organic relation to cherry blossoms.
It’s changing into extra of an April occasion than a Might one
Though the dates for the 2027 Fuji Shibazakura Competition haven’t but been launched, I predict that subsequent yr’s pageant will start in mid-April. It’s because even in 2018 (which was a “regular” sakura yr), the flowers had been all however passed by mid-Might. So whereas seeing shibazakura in Might a decade or extra in the past would possibly’ve been cheap, that is merely not the case anymore.
(Although you may monitor its standing on-line)
As 2027 begins and the date that the Mt. Fuji pink moss seems attracts close to, Fuji Motosuko Resort itself will start posting updates concerning the bloom. I might suggest bookmarking this web page now, and maintaining a tally of it, particularly throughout late March and early April.
A transparent sky is crucial for greatest viewing
As is the case with most actions within the neighborhood of Mt. Fuji, a transparent view of the mountain is crucial for absolutely having fun with the expertise. I like to recommend that you simply test this web page within the days main as much as your deliberate go to to see the shibazakura. If situations don’t appear like they are going to be clear or, at worst, partly cloud, chances are you’ll wish to reschedule for an additional day.
Different Issues to Do Close to Mt. Fuji in Spring
Mt. Fuji is superb twelve months per yr, however is very great in the course of the spring season—and never simply due to the shibazakura. Listed here are just a few different superior choices:
- Cherry blossoms close to Mt. Fuji are superb, they usually have two “home windows.” The primary tends to fall in late March, when lower-lying hanami spots such because the Urui River close to the ocean in Shizuoka prefecture attain full-bloom.
- Planning to be within the Fuji 5 Lakes area? Across the second week of April, scorching spots like Chureito Pagoda and the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi will attain mankai.
- Different flowers exist in and round Mt. Fuji, together with a small nemophila show on Lake Kawaguchi simply after the sakura peak, and tsutsuji (azaleas) on the Odakyu Lodge de Yama in Hakone.
Different FAQ About Attending the 2027 Fuji Shibazakura Competition
How do I’m going to Fuji Shibazakura Competition?
There are two primary methods to take care of the Fuji Shibazakura Competition, which takes place at Fuji Motosuko Resort between about mid-April and mid-Might yearly. The best is renting a automotive and driving there your self. Alternatively, you will get a direct bus to the resort from Kawaguchiko Station.
Is the 2027 Shibazakura pageant price it?
The 2027 Fuji Shibazakura Competition is price it should you completely time your go to to the total bloom of the “scorching pink moss.” If not, or if Mt. Fuji isn’t clearly seen towards a principally blue sky, then you definitely would possibly discover the day barely disappointing. Doing all your due diligence effectively prematurely of journey will maximize your possibilities for fulfillment.
The place can I see pink moss in Japan in 2027?
The shibazakura (a kind of phlox) are most stunning at Fuji Motosku Resort, close to Lake Motosu simply northwest of Mt. Fuji. Do remember, nevertheless, that though they will appear like “pink moss” from a distance, they aren’t really moss. However they’re very, very pink, so there’s that.
The Backside Line
Attending the Fuji Shibazakura Competition is greater than price it should you’re prepared to do the homework crucial to make sure success. There’s a little bit of dangerous information, in fact—shibazakura is phlox, not “scorching pink moss”—although when you make peace with that, having fun with this short-lived phenomenon (which is exclusive, if not extraterrestrial) is fairly simple. Among the many due diligence crucial is monitoring the climate. Flowers in full bloom are pointless, in any case, should you can’t clearly see Mt. Fuji rising right into a blue and principally cloudless sky. Want personalised assist getting your journey to see Mt. Fuji’s pink phlox good? Fee a customized Japan itinerary at the moment!