Beautiful like a painting: Cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji in one frame!

**Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival** (河口湖桜まつり) is an annual spring event held in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. With Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi as the backdrop, paired with blooming cherry blossoms, it creates a breathtaking scenery. Below are the detailed event information: --- ### **Basic Information** - **Location**: Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, around Lake Kawaguchi (main viewing spots include "North Shore of Lake Kawaguchi" and "Oike Park") - **Best Viewing Period**: Early to mid-April each year (specific dates may vary slightly depending on the weather) - **Cherry Blossom Varieties**: Primarily Somei Yoshino cherry trees, approximately 300–500 trees - **Event Highlights**: - **Cherry Blossoms and Mount Fuji Together**: The cherry blossom avenue (桜並木) on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi is the perfect spot for capturing the iconic "cherry blossoms + Mount Fuji" view. - **Illuminated Night Blossoms**: Certain areas are lit up at night, showcasing a romantic night cherry blossom scene (usually until 9:00 PM). - **Surrounding Activities**: During the festival, there may be food stalls, traditional performances, and more (scale varies by year). --- ### **Main Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots** 1. **North Shore of Lake Kawaguchi (桜並木)** - A 1.5-kilometer cherry blossom tunnel along the lakeshore, with Mount Fuji as the backdrop, popular both during the day and at night. 2. **Oike Park** - Features a spacious lawn and cherry blossom trees, ideal for picnics and family visitors. 3. **Near Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum** - A unique blend of European-style architecture and cherry blossoms. --- ### **Transportation** - **From Tokyo**: - **Express Bus**: Take a direct bus from Shinjuku Station to Lake Kawaguchi (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes). - **Train**: Take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyuko Line to Kawaguchiko Station (approximately 2 hours). - **Local Transportation**: Around Kawaguchiko Station, you can rent bicycles or take the "Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus" (Red Line route). --- ### **Tips and Precautions** - **Crowds**: Peak cherry blossom season (especially weekends) can be crowded; visiting early morning or on weekdays is recommended. - **Weather**: Spring temperatures can vary greatly, so bring a windproof jacket; visibility of Mount Fuji is better on clear days. - **Nearby Attractions**: Consider combining your visit with "Mount Fuji 5th Station" or "Oshino Hakkai" for a day trip. --- ### **2025 Cherry Blossom Festival Forecast** - **Blooming Period**: Expected to start in early April (check the latest forecast from the Japan Meteorological Agency). - **Official Information**: Event details can be found on the Fujikawaguchiko Town website or the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) announcements. Feel free to ask for more specific itinerary suggestions or real-time updates!