Arakurayama Sengen Park’s 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival Cancellation
Post Covid-19, there has been a boom of both domestic and foreign tourists visiting the Arakurayama Sengen Park area, annually attracting over 200,000 visitors at a time. In the beginning of February this year, the mayor of Fujiyoshida City sent out a press release stating that they were cancelling the festival this year in order “to curb excessive tourist concentration, protect residents’ livelihoods, and aim for a sustainable tourism city”.
The city reasoned that with the weak yen and sudden popularity on social media, overwhelming crowds have visited far beyond their usual capacity, and that it is starting to affect the local residents lives in the following ways.
- Invasion of living environment: In addition to chronic traffic congestion, there have been reports of people opening doors of private homes without permission to use toilets, trespassing on private property, and littering cigarette butts.
- Hygiene and human rights issues: Cases have been confirmed of people defecating in residents’ gardens, and when residents warn them, the offenders create disturbances.
- Impact on children: Many tourists overflow onto sidewalks along school routes, creating situations where children are pushed aside as they walk. Serious concerns about safety have been raised by parents and the community.
For the last few years, at least 10,000 visitors have been visiting the area each day especially around April 1st-18th annually. While the area is of course not restricted during this time, the city warned that there is not enough parking and suggested using public transportation such as buses or trains.
Where else to enjoy Mt.Fuji by Arakurayama Sengen
Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Fuji Shibazakura Festival is another popular festival held in the Mt.Fuji area. The festival is held at the foot of Mt.Fuji besides Lake Motosuko during spring. (Last year was April 12th – May 25th, 2025).
About 800,000 Shibazakura (mossphlox) cover vast fields to give colors and stunning contrast of pink ground with the majestic Mount Fuji.
For more information on the access methods to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, read more here.
Mt.Momokura
Easily accessible from Shinjuku, this beginner-friendly mountain offers panoramic views of Mt. Fuji. Though it is only 1,003m in elevation, the vista from the summit is truly spectacular. This area is located only 30 minutes from the Arakurayama Sengen Area.
Hiking the mountain takes 3 hours roundtrip, so if you take the bus in the early morning, you can easily make it a Mt.Fuji day trip.
For more information on the access methods to Mt.Momokura, read more here.
Mt.Takigo
Located on the western side of Mt. Fuji, Mt.Takigo is ideal for those seeking more authentic hiking experiences. At an elevation of 1,882 meters, it offers an excellent vantage point with beautiful panoramic views of Mt. Fuji. This area is located around 40 minutes from the Arakurayama Sengen Area.
This mountain allows you to experience nature up close, with plenty of water sources and opportunities to encounter wildlife. It’s popular amongst intermediate and advanced hikers.
For more information on the access methods to Mt.Takigo, read more here.
Mount-fuji.jp offers all information on transportation, luggage storage, and tips in the Mt.Fuji area.
