Top page Fujikawaguchiko in March and April

When the calendar turns to March, the cold mornings and nights of winter begin to soften considerably. As the days warm, whispers of spring such as the bloom of rape and plum blossoms begin to reach Fujikawaguchiko Town. Alas, the long winter subtly moves into spring.
The seasonal charm of the March “Dolls Festival.”
At the restored folk village of “Iyashi no Sato” in the Lake Saiko area, twenty traditional Japanese thatched roof houses have been completed, including traditional charcoal making huts and farming fields. This provides the perfect setting for the spring dolls festival celebration. Rare handmade traditional dolls and decorations, in colorful reds and yellows, are displayed amongst the dark woods of the traditional thatched house, creating a truly unique atmosphere. The thatched roof shops and restaurants offer special festival menus, goods and related events. Welcome the spring with this one of a kind festival in Japan.

　　


The April bloom of the Mt.Fuji Foothills
As spring approaches, people across Japan look forward to the most epic of spring images: the blooming of cherry blossoms with the snow capped Mt.Fuji. The cherry trees of the Mt.Fuji area usually begin to bloom from the middle of April. The traditional “Yoshino” cherry blossoms can be seen blooming throughout Fujikawaguchiko Town. For the enthusiast, we recommend you head to the special areas around Nagasaki park, Shojiko, and the north shore of Kawaguchiko Lake. For a truly unique experience, you shouldn’t miss the ancient weeping cherry trees of the Fuji View Hotel in Katsuyama. The sprawling lawns and gardens here lend an ancient, traditional feel, and the old weeping cherry trees are unforgettable. Take your time to explore the cherry blossoms around Fujikawaguchiko and create your favorite memory of Japan.

　　


In addition, the wild “fujizakura” cherry tree blooms later in the season on the higher foothills of Mt.Fuji. The shorter “fujizakura” cherry grows to about 3-5 meters and is of course unique only to the Mt.Fuji area. The brilliant pink flowers can be seen in clusters around the outskirts of the towns, and even more spectacularly, popping up wildly amongst the greens of the Mt.Fuji forests. The “fujizakura” usually blooms at the start of May, but just earlier, it can be viewed in a special garden area at the “Kawaguchiko Forest of Creation Festival,” from April 24th to May 1st. There is also the “Mt.Fuji flower festival” at Lake Motosuko, held from April 23rd to May 29th. The brilliant pink of over 800,000 flowers decorate the grounds in an artistic Mt.Fuji motif, with events and festival treats.

　　


The traditional festivals of spring
At the local Shinto shrines of each district, the ancient annual spring festivals are held near the end of April. The festivals are held to placate the ancient gods and pay homage to the coming of spring. Highlights in the Fujikawaguchiko area are the famous festival of grandchildren at Kawaguchiko Asama Shrine on April 25th, where the ancient traditional dance to the local gods is performed. On the same day, there is also the festival at the Fuji Asama Shrine. The dance performance in traditional garb and music of the Kawaguchiko Asama shrine, has been dedicated as an intangible cultural asset of Japan, as it has maintained its strict conformance to tradition since ancient times. The performance can also be seen on July 28th, as it opens the summer fireworks festival.