 Shibazakura bloom from mid April to about late May. They spread over the ground like a pink carpet, and dazzle the eyes of those who visit. The following introduces two famous sites for Shibazakura that can be accessed easily from Tokyo. Shibazakura is a flower that grows thickly, covering the ground like a lawn. The shape of its pretty flower petals looks like that of sakura (cherry blossoms) and it comes in a variety of colors including different shades of pink, white, and light purple, with some petals having striped patterns.  Near Lake Motosu, located at the base of Mt. Fuji, there is area where shibazakura grow. During the time when the first flowers bloom each year, the “Fuji Shibazakura Festival” is held. The view of Mt Fuji and shades of pink of the blooming shibazakura is spectacular. There are six different varieties and more than around 800,000 shibazakura, covering 2.4 hectares of land. Footbaths are provided at the venue during the festival period so that visitors can relieve the fatigue from their journey while enjoying the magnificent view. Moreover, the “Mt. Fuji Delicious Food Festival” is also held at the same venue, where you can taste local cuisines and sweets.  Chichibu City, Saitama, is located approximately 80 minutes away from Tokyo by train. “Shibazakura-No-Oka,” known for its beautiful shibazakura, is located in Hitsujiyama Park, which is on a hill that commands a panoramic view of the town. There are nine different varieties and more than around 400,000 shibazakura, covering 1.8 hectares of land. The gorgeous patterns created by flowers of various colors are worth seeing.      |