FUJI SEASONAL FLOWERS

Flower Seasons Around Lake Kawaguchiko: Lavender, Moss Phlox, and Autumn Color
A refined guide to seasonal color at the foot of Mt. Fuji

Lake Kawaguchiko changes character with flowers. Spring brings moss phlox and cherry blossoms, early summer brings lavender, and autumn turns the lakeside into red kochia and maple color.

For 2026, travelers should note that the Kawaguchiko Herb Festival has been announced as cancelled, but lavender viewing around the lake can still be enjoyed. This makes timing and gentle route planning more important than simply following an event name.

1. Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Spring color

Photo: Ankur P / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

The Fuji Shibazakura Festival 2026 lists its dates as April 11 to May 24, 2026, at Fuji Motosuko Resort, with opening hours from 8:00 to 16:00.

The famous view is a carpet of pink moss phlox with Mt. Fuji behind it. It is more of a planned day trip than a quick lake stroll, so book transport and tickets with time buffers.

How to enjoy it well

Go early: morning light and lighter crowds make the visit smoother.
Check bloom status: peak color changes with weather.
Plan transport: the venue is away from central Kawaguchiko.

Seasonal window

Mid-April to late May, depending on bloom conditions.

Plan with live opening and weather checks

2. Lavender Around Oishi Park and Yagizaki Park

Early summer

Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko from Oishi Park

Photo: Alpsdake / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Yamanashi’s official travel guide describes lavender around Lake Kawaguchiko as full bloom around mid-June, with late June to early July often a good viewing period at Oishi Park.

In 2026, the Herb Festival itself has been announced as cancelled, but lavender viewing remains a pleasant reason to walk or cycle the lake slowly.

2026 note

Festival cancelled: do not expect the usual event layout or stalls.
Flowers remain seasonal: Oishi Park and Yagizaki Park can still be worthwhile.
Bike-friendly plan: a bicycle can avoid crowded buses and let you stop naturally.

Seasonal window

Mid-June to early July for lavender, depending on weather.

Plan with live opening and weather checks

3. Autumn Kochia and Lakeside Maples

Autumn color

Oishi Park is also known for seasonal plantings, and recent local guidance highlights crimson kochia around mid- to late October.

Autumn is one of the most graceful times to visit the north shore: cooler air, clearer Fuji visibility, and a slower atmosphere after the intensity of summer.

How to pair it

North shore walk: combine Oishi Park with a quiet lakeside stroll.
Maple corridor: leave time for evening color if visiting later in autumn.
Photography: early morning often gives the cleanest mountain silhouette.

Seasonal window

Mid-October to November for autumn tones around the lake.

Plan with live opening and weather checks

Seasonal planning note

Flower trips are sensitive to weather. Treat event dates as a planning frame, then check current bloom and transport information close to your travel date.