The 7 Best Places to see Shibazakura in Japan

In Japan, shibazakura, or moss phlox, creates some of the most striking spring landscapes, carpeting the ground in vibrant shades of pink, purple, and white. Unlike cherry blossoms that bloom on trees, shibazakura grows low to the ground and spreads like a living floral carpet, often planted in sweeping patterns across hillsides and gardens. The flowers typically bloom from April to May, transforming parks and fields into colorful mosaics that attract visitors from across the country. 

Here are some of our favorite places to see this later-blooming, vibrant springtime flower in Japan!

1. Fuji Motosuko Resort (Yamanashi Prefecture)

212 Motosu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0337

2. Hitsujiyama Park (Saitama Prefecture)

6360 Omiya, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0023

In Hitsujiyama Park in the city of Chichibu, "Shibazakura-No-Oka” has a magnificent view of the city and the surrounding area and is covered with about 400,000 cherry trees and the shibazakura of 9 different varieties, which extend over an area of 1.8 hectares. Springtime is celebrated with the Chichibu Shibazakura Festival, which will take place from April 11 to May 5 in 2026. 

Visitors can reach Hitsujiyama Park by taking the train to Seibu-Chichibu Station on the Seibu Railway, followed by a pleasant 15–20 minute walk to the park. During the festival, additional signage and crowds of visitors make the route easy to follow through the city.

• Festival held from April 11 to May 5

3. Ichikai-machi Shibazakura Park (Tochigi Prefecture)

〒321-3402 Tochigi, Haga District, Ichikai, 市貝町Miage, ６１４−1

Located in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo, Ichikai-machi (also spelled Ichigai-machi) Park features around 250,000 shibazakura, which bloom from mid-April to May on 2.4 hectares. An observatory allows you to admire this immense carpet streaked with red, pink, mauve, and white bands with Lake Hananoshisho and the Yamizo mountain range in the background. 

Visitors can reach Ichikai-machi Shibazakura Park by taking the train to Utsunomiya Station and then continuing by bus or taxi to the park. Located in the countryside of Tochigi Prefecture, it is also commonly accessed by car, about a 45-minute drive from Utsunomiya.

• Festival held from mid-April to the end of May (2026 TBA)

4. Hachiojiyama Park (Gunma Prefecture)

2079-3 Kamigodocho, Ota, Gunma 373-0074

In Gunma Prefecture, from late April to early May, Miharashi no Oka hill is covered with a multicolored flower bed through which you can walk. The park is also known as the Ota City Northern Sports Park and is a hotspot for visitors and locals alike. 

Visitors can reach Hachiojiyama Park by taking the Tobu Kiryu Line to Jiroembashi Station and walking about 30 minutes to the park. During the spring moss phlox season, some local buses and temporary transport options may also operate to help visitors access the flower-covered hills more easily.

• Bloom expected from late April to early May

5. OZORA Higashimotoko Shibazakura Park (Hokkaido)

393 Higashimokotosuehiro, 大空町 Ozora, Abashiri District, Hokkaido 099-3232

At OZORA Higashimotoko Shibazakura Park, vibrant carpets of pink, purple, and white moss phlox spread across gentle hillsides each spring, creating a striking contrast against the fresh greenery of eastern Hokkaido. Due to the more northern location, the blooming comes a bit later compared to other parts of the country, typically from mid-May to early June.

Visitors can reach OZORA Higashimotoko Shibazakura Park by traveling to Memanbetsu Airport, which is only about a 10 to 15-minute drive from the park. Alternatively, travelers can take the train to Memanbetsu Station and continue by taxi or rental car to reach the colorful moss phlox fields. 

• Bloom expected from May to June, 2026

6. Mount Chausu Highlands (Aichi Prefecture)

70-185 Goshodaira, Sakauba, Toyone-mura, Kitashitara-gun, Aichi Prefecture 449-0405

Each spring, the slopes of Chausuyama Highlands burst into color as thousands of shibazakura flowers spread across the hillside in vibrant shades of pink, purple, and white. Visitors can wander along designated paths or take the lift for elevated views of the blooming fields during the lively Chausuyama Shibazakura Festival. 

Located in the mountainous countryside of Aichi Prefecture, the highlands are most easily reached by car, roughly a two-hour drive from Nagoya.

• Festival held from April 9 to May 7, 2026

7. Sera Kogen (Hiroshima Prefecture)

1124-11 Betsusako, Sera, Sera District, Hiroshima 729-3305

Sera Kogen Farm is already a famous location for flowers and foliage in Hiroshima Prefecture, but during late spring, the shibazakura erupt into vibrant pinks, attracting people from all over the area! The shibazakura are expected to bloom from March 28 to May 10 in 2026, with a medley of other gorgeous flowers accompanying them in blooming. 

Visitors can reach Sera Kogen Farm by taking the JR train to Mihara Station on the JR West network, then continuing by bus or taxi to the farm. Because the area is rural, many travelers find it most convenient to visit by car from Hiroshima, which takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.

• March 28 to May 10 in 2026
• 700 yen-1,200 yen for adults, 300-600 yen for children (elementary and younger)

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