Hitsujiyama Park (Photo: 京浜にけ/CC By SA 2.0)
Hitsujiyama Park (Photo: 京浜にけ/CC By SA 2.0)
- 3 min read

5 Spectacular Shibazakura Spots in Japan

Explore these scenic locations filled with moss phlox

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

A spectacular view of Fuji and shibazakura in Yamanashi
A spectacular view of Fuji and shibazakura in Yamanashi (Photo: Reginald Pentinio/ CC By SA 2.0)

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

Mt. Chausu
Mt. Chausu (Photo: Bariston/CC By SA 4.0)

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

Hitsujiyama Park
Hitsujiyama Park (Photo: mxmstryo/CC By SA 2.0)

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

Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park
Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park (Photo: pakku/CC By SA 3.0)

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

Tobu Treasure Garden, Tatebayashi, Gunma
Tobu Treasure Garden, Tatebayashi, Gunma (Photo: 京浜にけ/CC By SA 3.0)
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Bonson Lam 3 years ago
These colours are stunning! Do you have a favourite?
Bonson Lam 3 years ago
Now that is a thought, being able to see the shibazakura from different angles in the go-kart. One idea for all the family.
Elena Lisina 3 years ago
I've been to Hitsujiyama Park and enjoyed the sight a lot. The one with Fuji-san looks great on photo! But we know that Fuji-san hides away in clouds quite often! ;)
Elizabeth S 3 years ago
Absolutely spectacular.

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.
Kim Bergström Author 3 years ago
I love that idea!
Lynda Hogan 3 years ago
Such a beautiful flower. I've been to the one in Chichibu while in full bloom and to the place at Fuji kawaguchiko except it was out of season! Hitsujiyama Park is beautiful. I would love to see the other four.
Kim Bergström Author 3 years ago
When I went to the Fujikawaguchiko one, we saw Fuji for about 15 minutes before clouds came over. Better than nothing, but I hope to go again one day when it's clearer!
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