Arakurayama Sengen Park Cancels 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival Due to Overtourism
FUJIYOSHIDA, YAMANASHI – The city of Fujiyoshida has announced the cancellation of the 2026 Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival, an event that draws over 200,000 visitors annually to one of Japan’s most iconic viewpoints. The decision, announced on February 3, 2026, comes as a direct response to the escalating problems of overtourism that have strained local resources and disrupted the community .
The park is world-famous for its breathtaking view of Mount Fuji, the five-story Chureito Pagoda, and hundreds of cherry trees, creating a scene that has become a symbol of Japan for many international tourists.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival |
| Location | Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture |
| Status for 2026 | Cancelled |
| Reason | Overtourism (traffic, safety concerns, trespassing) |
| Park Status | Open (Security measures in place April 1-17) |
| Key Attraction | View of Mt. Fuji, Chureito Pagoda, and cherry blossoms |
Table of Contents
Why Was the Festival Cancelled?
The primary reason for the cancellation is severe overtourism. Since its inception in 2016, the festival’s popularity has exploded, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, the 18-day event saw more than 210,000 visitors, with daily crowds exceeding 10,000 people .
This massive influx of tourists has led to a host of problems for the local community:
•Chronic Traffic Congestion: Roads around the park become paralyzed during the festival period.
•Safety Concerns: Tourists overflowing onto streets have created dangerous situations for local schoolchildren.
•Trespassing and Property Damage: There have been numerous reports of visitors entering private properties without permission, using gardens as toilets, and littering.
•Extreme Crowding: Wait times to access the main observation deck stretched from one to three hours, creating long, frustrating queues .
In a statement, Fujiyoshida’s Mayor, Shigeru Horiuchi, expressed a “strong sense of crisis that the quiet lives of our citizens are being threatened.” He emphasized the need to create an environment where “tourism and the lives of residents can coexist” .
What to Expect in Spring 2026
While the official festival event is cancelled, the park itself will remain open. The city anticipates that a significant number of tourists will still visit to see the cherry blossoms.
To manage the expected crowds and ensure safety, the city will implement the following measures from April 1st to April 17th, 2026:
•Security guards will be deployed for traffic control and guidance.
•Temporary toilets will be installed.
The city strongly urges visitors to respect local rules and etiquette, refrain from entering residential areas, and avoid taking unauthorized photographs.
A History of the Iconic Viewpoint
Arakurayama Sengen Park has long been a cherished local spot, but its international fame is a more recent phenomenon. The combination of three powerful symbols of Japan—Mount Fuji, a pagoda, and cherry blossoms—has made it an irresistible destination for photographers and social media users.
The Chureito Pagoda, a five-story pagoda, is actually a peace memorial built in 1963. To reach it, visitors must climb 398 stone steps, a journey that rewards them with the spectacular, world-famous view.
The festival was originally started to boost local tourism and share the area’s beauty. However, its immense success ultimately led to its cancellation as the city prioritizes the well-being of its residents.
Practical Information for Visitors
Even without the festival, visiting Arakurayama Sengen Park during the cherry blossom season requires careful planning.
•Best Time to Visit:
The cherry blossoms are typically in full bloom from early to mid-April.
•How to Get There:
The park is a 10-minute walk from Shimo-Yoshida Station on the Fujikyu Railway Line.
•Crowds:
Expect significant crowds, especially on weekends. Be prepared for potential queues even without the festival.
•Etiquette:
Please be respectful of the local community. Do not litter, stay on designated paths, and do not enter private property.
Where to Stay Nearby
While visiting Fujiyoshida, consider staying in the area to explore more of what the Fuji Five Lakes region has to offer.
FAQs
Is the Arakurayama Sengen Park closed?
No, the park is not closed. Only the official Cherry Blossom Festival event has been cancelled for 2026. The park remains open to visitors.
Can I still see the cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji in 2026?
Yes, you can still visit the park to see the cherry blossoms and the famous view. However, expect large crowds and be aware that festival-specific stalls and events will not be happening.
Why was the festival cancelled?
It was cancelled due to severe overtourism, which caused major traffic jams, safety issues, and disruptions for local residents.
What are the dates for the cherry blossoms in 2026?
The cherry blossoms are expected to be in bloom from early to mid-April, but this can vary depending on the weather. The city will have security measures in place from April 1st to 17th.
Are there any photography restrictions?
While there are no official new restrictions mentioned, visitors are urged not to take photos of private residences or people without permission. Drones are generally prohibited in crowded public areas in Japan.
References
[1] Yomiuri Shimbun. (2026, February 3). オーバーツーリズム深刻化で「桜まつり」中止へ…山梨・富士吉田、「富士山・桜・五重塔」で訪日客に人気.
[2] Asahi Shimbun. (2026, February 3 ). 富士山+五重塔の映えスポット、桜まつり中止 観光公害「もう限界」.
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