Fuji Shibazakura Festival 2014 (Photo)

The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is one of the best and most popular occasions nationwide to see shibazakura (pink moss or phlox moss in English). The venue of the festival is located about three kilometers south of Lake Motosuko in the Fuji Five Lakes area, offering breathtaking views of vast fields of shibazakura, with Mount Fuji in the backdrop on clear days.

The festival is typically held from mid April through early June. The best time to see the flowers varies from year to year but usually falls into the first three weeks of May. Approximately 800,000 stalks of shibazakura of five varieties are on display, producing delightful fields of pink, white and purple colors in different hues. Festival stalls selling pots of pink moss, shibazakura-themed souvenirs, food and local produce complete the experience.

As the venue of the Fuji Shibazakura Festival can get quite crowded due to its popularity, it is advisable to avoid visiting on weekends or over the Golden Week holidays. Visiting early in the mornings is generally good to avoid congestion and for good visibility, although lighting for photos tends to be better in the afternoon.

Visitors taking pictures and stroll in the flower garden covered by over 800,000 Shibazakura or Moss Phlox in full bloom during the Fuji Shibazakura Festival at the foot of Mount Fuji in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi prefecture. The festival will be held until June 1.

(AFP Photo)