Explore Mt. Fuji in March 2025: Must-See Cherry Blossom Festivals and Local Events

Registered as a World Heritage Site, Mt. Fuji <Mount Fuji> stands as Japan's highest peak, reaching an impressive elevation of 3,776 meters. Its elegant silhouette is renowned worldwide as a symbol of Japan.

The surrounding area of Mt. Fuji is dotted with beautiful lakes, including the famous Fuji Five Lakes <Fuji Five Lakes>, and numerous hot springs, attracting tourists throughout the year. Particularly from late March to early April, during cherry blossom season, photographers and tourists from around the world gather to capture the breathtaking scenery of sakura blossoms against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji.

During this period, the Mt. Fuji region typically enjoys mild spring daytime temperatures, but mornings and evenings can be chilly, with rapidly changing weather conditions being a notable characteristic.

This article will highlight the exciting events around Mt. Fuji in March 2025.

Table of Contents
Natural Highlights Around Mt. Fuji in March 2025
Special Experiences Exclusive to Mt. Fuji's March

Natural Highlights Around Mt. Fuji in March 2025

Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing)

Hanami <Hanami>, representing the Japanese spring, is more than just admiring cherry blossoms—it's a cultural tradition. For Japanese people, hanami is an opportunity to celebrate the start of a new fiscal and academic year, serving as an important social gathering where families, friends, and colleagues rejoice in the arrival of spring.

Cherry blossoms symbolize Japanese culture, historically serving as a motif in classical poetry <Waka> and paintings, embodying both fragility and beauty. The sakura blooming against the backdrop of the World Heritage Site Mt. Fuji represents the quintessential landscape of Japanese beauty.

Experience Japan's natural beauty at the foot of Mt. Fuji.

Maizuru Castle Park

Source: Yamanashi

At Maizuru Castle Park <Maizuru Castle Park>, the historical stone walls of Kofu Castle <Kofu Castle>, constructed in the late 16th century, create a magnificent landscape alongside approximately 160 cherry trees. The contrast between the ancient stone walls and the delicate cherry blossom petals is particularly striking, offering a sense of traditional Japanese beauty and natural harmony.

The castle's observation deck provides a 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and the Southern Alps. I recommend visiting during early morning when the sakura and mountains are illuminated by the sunrise, creating a breathtaking scene. The park includes rest areas for leisurely hanami enjoyment.

Maizuru Castle Park is an ideal photography spot where stone walls, cherry blossoms, and majestic mountains converge. It's a must-visit location for those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the spirit of Japanese spring.

Event Dates: Late March to Early April 2025
Access: 3-minute walk from Kofu Station South Exit
Admission: Free
Website: https://kofu-tourism.com/spot/19

Around Takeda Shrine

Source:Yamanashi

Takeda Shrine is a sacred place honoring Takeda Shingen, a Japanese military commander who was active from the 15th to the late 16th century. The cherry blossoms blooming within the shrine grounds and its surrounding areas create a harmonious and captivating beauty, blending the shrine's solemn atmosphere with the vibrancy of the sakura. The approximately 2km cherry blossom-lined path from Kofu Station to the shrine is equally impressive.

Compared to other tourist destinations, it's relatively quiet, allowing visitors to leisurely enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing). Particularly in the early morning, the cherry blossoms emerging through the morning mist create a phantasmagoric scene with the shrine's architectural structures. Photography enthusiasts should definitely aim for early morning shots to fully capture the traditional Japanese spring landscape.

Combining a shrine visit with cherry blossom viewing offers a unique opportunity to experience both Japanese culture and nature. It's a must-visit spot for those wanting to simultaneously immerse themselves in Japan's spiritual culture and the arrival of spring.

For those planning to visit during the Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossom Festival in March 2025, this location promises an unforgettable cultural experience. The festival will showcase the region's natural beauty and traditional heritage, making it an ideal destination for international tourists seeking authentic Japanese springtime memories.

Dates: Late March to early April
Access: Approximately 8 minutes by bus from JR Kofu Station (North Exit)
Take Yamanashi Kotsu bus to "Takeda Shrine" or "Sekisuiji"
Entrance Fee: Free
Website: http://www.takedajinja.or.jp/

Nihondaira

Source:Shizuoka Prefecture

Nihondaira is a spectacular viewpoint at an elevation of 307 meters, offering a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay. The "Nihondaira Yume Terrace" provides a particularly breathtaking panorama, especially during cherry blossom season, where visitors can enjoy the flowers in the foreground with the stunning contrast of Mt. Fuji and the sea. On clear days, the view extends from the Izu Peninsula to the Boso Peninsula, presenting a grand landscape of cherry blossoms, sea, and mountains.

The observation facility is equipped with modern amenities and is barrier-free, ensuring comfortable access for all visitors. The most recommended time is during sunset, when the cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji's silhouette are illuminated by the setting sun, creating an indescribably beautiful scene.

With an on-site café, visitors can relax and enjoy the view leisurely. The Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossom Festival in March 2025 will provide an exceptional opportunity to experience this world-renowned Japanese spring landscape in its most magnificent setting.

Dates: Late March to early April
Access: Take bus from JR Shizuoka Station to "Nihondaira Ropeway", get off at "Nihondaira Yume Terrace Entrance", then 5-minute walk
Entrance Fee: None
Website: https://nihondairakankou.jp/

Kotokuji Temple

Source:Fujinomiya City

At Kotokuji Temple, a weeping cherry tree over 400 years old gracefully adorns the historic temple grounds. Unlike typical cherry trees, its branches elegantly droop, with countless flowers cascading like a floral waterfall, creating a phantasmagorical scene reminiscent of a cherry blossom waterfall.

From a corner of the grounds, visitors can also view the simultaneously blooming rapeseed flower field. The scene is picturesque: yellow rapeseed flowers with pink cherry blossoms dancing above, and Mt. Fuji standing majestically against a blue sky.

The Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossom Festival in March 2025 will highlight this unique location, offering tourists a chance to experience the harmonious blend of Japanese traditional culture and natural beauty. Spend a tranquil moment in this serene environment, experiencing the essence of Japanese spring.

Dates: Late March to early April
Access:
- 10-minute walk from Tamatsukuri Station on JR Osaka Loop Line
- 5-minute walk from Tamatsukuri Station, Exit 2 of Subway Tsurumi Ryokuchi Line
Entrance Fee: None
Website: https://www.kotokuji-sanadamaru.com/

Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival

Source: Official website

The Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival, where visitors can enjoy Mt. Fuji, a five-storied pagoda, and cherry blossoms simultaneously, is a classic spring event held in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture. This Mt. Fuji event in March 2025 promises to be a spectacular festival for tourists.

The park features approximately 650 Somei Yoshino cherry trees. From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy an iconic Japanese landscape combining cherry blossoms, a five-storied pagoda, and Mt. Fuji. During my evening visit, the air was crystal clear, and Mt. Fuji stood distinctly, creating a perfectly balanced photograph that looked like a promotional poster for Japan.

During the festival period, food booths will be set up, offering local specialties like Yoshida udon and "Fujiyama Beer" brewed with natural Mt. Fuji water. This provides an excellent opportunity to experience traditiona

Dates: Late March to mid-April
Access: 10-minute walk from Shimoyoshida Station on the Fujikyu Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/kankou/spot/p1_4919.html

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Cherry Blossom Festival

Source: Official website

The Cherry Blossom Festival at Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha is a spring celebration at a shrine recognized as a crucial component of Mt. Fuji's World Cultural Heritage registration. This Mt. Fuji event in March 2025 is a must-visit festival for tourists seeking a unique cultural experience.

The shrine considers cherry blossoms as sacred trees, with approximately 500 cherry trees planted on the grounds. The approach is lined with cherry trees, and passing through the large red gate reveals a beautiful scene of historic vermilion shrine architecture and fully blooming cherry blossoms. The countless cherry blossom petals dancing in the wind embody the Japanese aesthetic of beauty and transience.

During the festival, traditional performances like Gagaku (classical court music) and Noh theater will be offered, providing insights into classical Japanese culture. The cherry blossoms reflected in the mirror pond are stunning, and the contrast of elegant koi swimming beneath the blossoms captures the quintessential Japanese atmosphere.

After sunset, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, creating a magical nighttime landscape. The blossoms lit by traditional Japanese paper lanterns (Chochin) create an indescribably mystical ambiance that will forever remain in visitors' memories.

Dates: Late March
Access:
- 30 minutes by taxi from Shin-Fuji Station
- 10-minute walk from Fujinomiya Station on the Minobu Line
Admission: Free
Website: http://fuji-hongu.or.jp/sengen/

Special Experiences Around Mt. Fuji in March

Ayuzawa River Amago Fishing Festival

Source: Zukan.com

The Ayuzawa River Amago Fishing Festival is a limited-time event held annually for two weeks, starting on the eagerly awaited opening day of March 10. In Japan, fishing seasons are strictly regulated by law based on fish species and location, making the opening day a special occasion for fishing enthusiasts.

Strolling along the pristine Ayuzawa River, located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, you can observe graceful amago trout, native Japanese freshwater fish, ranging from 30 to over 60 centimeters in length. Against a backdrop of early-blooming mountain cherry blossoms, participants can enjoy the serene art of fishing using traditional Japanese rods—a harmonious blend of Japan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

On the festival's opening day, visitors can attend demonstrations by skilled anglers at Ashigara Fureai Park, showcasing traditional Japanese stream fishing techniques up close.

The Ayuzawa River Amago Fishing Festival offers a unique chance to experience the seasonal beauty and cultural traditions of Mt. Fuji’s surrounding area in spring. You might even discover a new hobby during this one-of-a-kind event.

Date: March 10 to two weeks later
Access: 12-minute walk from JR Gotemba Line's Ashigara Station (Ashigara Fureai Park)
Admission: ¥2,000/day (Fishing fee)
Website: http://kanko-oyama.jp/info/6151/

Mt. Fuji Fireworks Gourmet Festival

Source: Official X

The Mt. Fuji Fireworks Gourmet Festival takes place at the Fuji Speedway, combining two quintessential Japanese experiences: traditional fireworks and exquisite cuisine. This March event gathers 13 of Shizuoka Prefecture’s most celebrated eateries, offering a culinary journey against the majestic backdrop of Mt. Fuji.

From local specialties such as Mishima gyoza and Fujinomiya yakisoba to innovative dishes like Mt. Fuji Miso Ramen, the festival celebrates the flavors of the region. Highlights include pork udon soup made with fresh local vegetables and steaks prepared with beef raised at the base of Mt. Fuji.

The event also features a breathtaking display of approximately 8,000 fireworks, viewed up close from the event plaza. It’s a luxurious experience where visitors can savor Shizuoka’s rich food culture while enjoying the lively atmosphere of a Japanese fireworks festival.

Date: Late March
Access: 20-minute taxi ride from JR Gotemba Station
Admission: Grandstand seating ¥8,000 (Adults and up)
Website: https://fujisanhanabi.com/fujimotorsportsforest/gourmet/