Yoshida Fire Festival (Yoshida no Himatsuri)
August 26-27 · Fujiyoshida
Closing ritual of the climbing season. Seventy giant pine-wood torches line the main street and burn through the night. One of Japan's three most unusual festivals.
Matsuri
Festivals around Mount Fuji.
The Fuji region runs on a calendar of fire, fireworks and flowers. Time your trip around one of these matsuri and you swap a quiet day at the lake for something that has been happening here for centuries.
Year round
What to plan around
Lake Kawaguchi Fireworks
Early August · Lake Kawaguchi
Summer fireworks reflected on the lake with Fuji behind. Best viewed from the south shore.
Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Mid April - late May · Motosuko area
800,000 moss phlox blossoms in a pink carpet at the base of Mount Fuji.
Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival
Early-mid April · Lake Kawaguchi north shore
Around 200 cherry trees line the lake walking path. Evening illumination during peak bloom.
Mount Fuji Marathon
Late November · Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Saiko
Scenic full marathon around two of the five lakes with views of Fuji throughout.
Hatsumode at Kitaguchi Hongu Sengen
January 1-3 · Fujiyoshida
New Year shrine visit at the historic gateway to the Yoshida climbing trail.
Plan