Shibazakura, or moss phlox, is one of the floral highlights of Japan's springtime calendar. These five locations are some of the best spots to enjoy these beautiful flowers in all their glory - be sure to bring your camera!
Fujikawaguchiko Shibazakura Field, Yamanashi
If you want your shibazakura experience to come with an iconic view, look no further than the Fujikawaguchiko Shibazakura Field. Home to a popular annual festival celebrating these beautiful flowers, the field also shows off a fabulous view of Mount Fuji on clear days. Check the weather forecast before you visit for the best chance of catching a glimpse!
212 Motosu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0337
Mount Chausu, border of Nagano and Aichi Prefecture
The Shibazakura-no-oka Hill at Mount Chausu has several different varieties of shibazakura in shades of pink, white, and purple, and many visitors take advantage of a unique way to enjoy them - from above, by chairlift! There's typically an annual festival that coincides with the shibazakura blooming season, which includes illuminations, food stalls, and concert events.
70-185 Aza Goshodaira, Sakauba, Toyone-mura, Kitashitara-gun, Aichi 449-0405
Hitsujiyama Park, Saitama
Histujiyama Park lies at the foot of Mount Buko, where you'll find 400,000 shibazakura plants from 9 varieties in an area of about 17,600 square meters. Typically, there is a Shibazakura Festival held here from mid-April through until Golden Week (April 29 - May 5), and details about the event can be found on the official Chichibu area website closer to the season.
6360 Omiya, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0023
Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park, Hokkaido
Northern Japan doesn't miss out on the beauty of shibazakura either, and if you're in Hokkaido, the Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park is a must. An entire hillside is effectively blanketed in pink, there is a go-kart track where you can zip around and appreciate the blooms, and there are even helicopter rides where you can appreciate the beauty from above. The hike up the hill involves quite a few stairs, but mini buses are available for those who would prefer that alternative.
393 Higashimokotosuehiro, 大空町 Ozora, Abashiri District, Hokkaido 099-3232
Tobu Treasure Garden, Gunma
A treasure by name and a treasure by nature! The Tobu Treasure Garden in Gunma Prefecture has a host of blooms to enjoy throughout the year - the venue has around a million plants (encompassing four thousand different varieties) in its 80,000 square meter premises. One of the prettiest things about the shibazakura here is that if you schedule it right, you can enjoy cherry blossoms at the same time.
1050, 堀工町 Tatebayashi, Gunma 374-0033
One tip for people who may have limited vision - pet them! Moss flox has a lovely velvety texture. I discovered this at Chichibu when the brilliant colors attracted my eye and I couldn't resist touching them.