Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossom Festival Canceled — What to Know

Photo by AJ on Unsplash

Cherry blossom season is one of the most iconic travel experiences in Asia. Every spring, travelers from around the world head to Japan, South Korea, and beyond to witness the brief but spectacular bloom of sakura trees. But in a surprising development this year, one of the most famous cherry blossom festivals near Mount Fuji has been officially canceled.

If you’re planning to see cherry blossoms in Asia in the coming months, here’s what this means—and why it shouldn’t derail your travel plans.

Why the Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossom Festival Was Canceled

The Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival in the city of Fujiyoshida has been canceled for 2026 after a decade of operation, primarily due to overtourism and concerns from local residents.

The festival had become extremely popular in recent years, attracting around 200,000 visitors annually.  This surge in visitors—fueled by social media exposure and a favorable exchange rate—brought significant strain on the local community.

Officials cited a range of issues, including:

• Overcrowding in residential neighborhoods

• Traffic congestion and infrastructure strain

• Tourists trespassing on private property

• Littering and sanitation problems

• Safety concerns for local residents and children

Local leaders ultimately decided to cancel the official festival in order to protect residents’ quality of life and restore balance between tourism and everyday living.

Important: Cherry Blossoms Are NOT Canceled

Here’s the key takeaway for travelers: the cherry blossoms themselves are not canceled.

The park and surrounding areas will still be open, and travelers are still expected to visit in large numbers during peak bloom season.

What’s been canceled is the formal festival infrastructure—things like organized events, food stalls, and official programming—not the natural experience of seeing cherry blossoms near Mount Fuji.

You can still visit:

• Arakurayama Sengen Park viewpoints

• Chureito Pagoda photo spots

• Mount Fuji scenic viewing areas

• Cherry blossom parks throughout the region

Expect crowds—but also expect breathtaking scenery.

What This Means for Travelers in 2026

This cancellation reflects a broader shift happening across Japan and other popular destinations in Asia. Authorities are increasingly focused on managing tourism responsibly rather than simply maximizing visitor numbers.

For travelers, this means:

More independent experiences:

Less festival structure, but more flexibility and authentic exploration.

More crowd management measures:

Expect increased security, designated walking paths, and visitor controls.

A stronger emphasis on respectful tourism:

Visitors are being encouraged to stay in designated areas and respect local communities.

This shift ultimately creates a better experience—for both visitors and locals.

The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan Instead

Even without the official Mt. Fuji festival, Japan offers countless incredible sakura destinations. Some of the best alternatives include:

Tokyo

Urban parks like Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park offer stunning displays.

Kyoto

Historic temples framed by cherry blossoms create unforgettable scenery.

Osaka

Castle grounds and riverside promenades come alive in spring.

Mount Fuji region (still worth visiting)

Early morning visits offer the best views and fewer crowds.

Cherry blossom season typically runs from late March through early April, depending on the location and weather patterns.

Why This Is Still an Excellent Year to Visit Japan

Despite the festival cancellation, 2026 remains a fantastic year to experience cherry blossoms in Japan.

The country continues to welcome international travelers, and cherry blossom viewing—known as hanami—remains one of its most celebrated traditions.

In fact, with fewer official events in certain areas, travelers may discover quieter viewing spots and more meaningful experiences.

This is an opportunity to experience Japan beyond just the most viral photo locations.

The Bottom Line for Cherry Blossom Travelers

The cancellation of the Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossom Festival is a reminder of how popular—and powerful—this travel experience has become.

But it doesn’t mean you should cancel your trip.

Cherry blossoms will still bloom. Mount Fuji will still provide its iconic backdrop. And Japan remains one of the most rewarding spring destinations in the world.

If anything, this shift encourages travelers to explore more thoughtfully—and discover the magic of cherry blossom season beyond just one festival.