Amidst the cherry blossom spectacle begins to fade between April and May, the Shibazakura, or moss phlox, emerges with a lesser-known but equally enchanting sight that complements the sakura season. Unlike the sakura that blooms overhead, these ground-hugging blooms create a fluffy, and striking pink, white, and purple carpet covering slopes and fields and creating a surreal and charming scenery across the landscape. There are several popular spots around Tokyo where we can enjoy this breathtaking sight, so here we go with the best places that you shouldn’t miss to see Shibazakura in its full glory!
▽Check also our top Shibazakura locations across Japan!▽
7 Best Shibazakura Festivals in Japan
1. Fuji Shibazakura Festival, Yamanashi
Every spring, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival (富士芝桜まつり) transforms the base of Mt. Fuji into a vivid spectacle. With over 500,000 pink moss flowers spread across 2.3 hectares, the festival showcases five different shades of Shibazakura, creating a stunningly intricate flower carpet. You can stroll through the floral displays, enjoying the contrast of the blossoms against the clear blue sky and the remaining snow on Mt. Fuji.
To add to the experience, there’s a food festival on-site, offering a taste of local street food and drinks. While the festival runs from mid-April to late May, the prime time for viewing is early to mid-May when the blooms are at their peak. Given its popularity, an early visit is advisable for those looking to capture the scenery without the crowds.
▽More information about Fuji Shibazakura Festival!▽
2. Hitsujiyama Park, Saitama
Hitsujiyama Park (羊山公園), a hidden gem in Saitama, offers a unique spring experience with its Shibazakura Hill, where the ground becomes a colorful canvas of Shibazakura flowers that stretches across 1.7 hectares. With 400,000 stocks planted, the hillside is a kaleidoscope of colors ranging from white to deep pinks and purples.
The park, located at the base of Mt. Buko, also features about 1,000 cherry blossom trees of various kinds, providing a gorgeous backdrop to the Shibazakura display. The best time to visit is from mid-April to early May when the blooms are at their peak.
3. Tokyo German Village, Chiba
At the Tokyo German Village (東京ドイツ村) in Chiba Prefecture, 70,000 Shibazakura plants weave a carpet of red, white, pink, and purple hues, spread across a gentle slope, reminiscent of a vivid patchwork quilt. This floral arrangement is set against the backdrop of a park loosely inspired in the pastoral landscapes of Germany.
Due to its location, the Shibazakura here bloom from early to late April and during this period, the village also hosts a Shibazakura Festival, attracting visitors with the colorful blooms and the charm of the themed village.