Spring in Japan comes with a bounty of blooms to enjoy, and Yamanashi Prefecture is home to a number of ultra-scenic destinations to appreciate their beauty. This list covers five spots across the region that are an absolute delight during the season.
Oboshi Park
Yamanashi's Oboshi Park is a stunning spot for cherry blossom fans - the grounds here are home to an impressive 2000 sakura trees. On clear days there's even the chance to score a view of Mount Fuji, so it may not come as a surprise that the park was named one of the Top 100 cherry blossom viewing sites in Japan.
2175 Kajikazawa, Fujikawa, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi 400-0601
Heidi's Village
Inspired by the classic children's book written by Johanna Spyri, Heidi's Village brings the feeling of the Swiss Alps to Yamanashi. The grounds are home to some beautiful flower gardens, and during spring the highlight are the colorful tulips that fill the horizon. Later in spring the village is known for its rose displays, and come summer, cheerful sunflowers help distract from the season's humidity.
2471 Akenocho Asao, Hokuto-shi, Yamanashi, 408-0201
Chureito Pagoda
Chureito Pagoda is one of those places that manages to look like a real-life screensaver background, thanks to the incredible view of Mount Fuji you can get from here on clear days. Add a sprinkling of cherry blossoms to that vista during spring, and you can see why this spot is a photographer's delight.
3353-1 Arakura, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0011
Jisso-ji Temple
Jisso-ji Temple is the location of one of Japan's oldest sakura trees, the Jindai Zakura, which is estimated to be in the range of 1800 to 2000 years old. Along with the impressively old tree there are numerous other sakura trees around the grounds, making it well worth checking out during spring.
2763 Yamataka Mukawacho, Hokuto, Yamanashi, 408-0306
Fuji Motosuko Resort
The Fuji Motosuko Resort is home to the annual Fuji Shibazakura Festival, where thousands of shibazakura flowers (also known as moss phlox) in various shades blanket the grounds. On clear days the view of Mount Fuji from here is nothing short of phenomenal, so check the weather forecast before your intended visit.
212 Motosu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0337
