People living in mountainous areas have good reason to celebrate the coming of spring after enduring the hardships of a severe winter. There are a number of festivals unique to Yamanashi throughout spring and summer.
- Come enjoy over 1,500 fireworks winter events at Kawakuchi-ko. While the fireworks light up the sky from the dark, you will be able to see a very beautiful view with the whole Mt. Fuji right behind the fireworks. This event is definitely one of the most popular winter events in Yamanashi that we would like to recommend you. Details: http://www.fujisan.ne.jp/event/info_e.php?srch_flag=1&srch_str=&ca_id=3&…
- Spring sees the Kofu Basin become enveloped in a wash of peach blossoms. It is as if a pink carpet has wafted down above Shangri-La. Details: Greenhouse Earliest Peach Flower Blossom Festival
- Hina dolls making Festival at Fuji-Romangama, Inside Saiko Iyashino-Sato Nenba (Healing Village) [February 18 ~ April 3]
- Early each April, the city of Kofu travels back in time to honor Takeda Shingen, the famous warlord of the Sengoku Era and the founder of Kofu. Replicas of Furinkazan, the flag of Lord Shingen, are seen all over town. The highlight of the festival is the parade of the Takeda Army, made up of local citizens dressed in authentic costumes of the famous twenty-four knights and more than 1500 warriors marching along with torches.
- Yabusame Matsuri (Equestrian Archery Festival at Omuro Sengen Jinja) [April 29th]
- Celebrating the blossoms of Fujiyoshida’s official flower, the Fuji Zakura (cherry blossom). These unique trees color the lower reaches of Mt. Fuji while taiko drumming, games, and fun for the families takes place at Pines Park.
- Shimobe Onsen Festival (Shimobecho) [May 19th & 20th]
Celebrating the secret resort of Takeda Shingen - This festival is held to announce the start of climbing season and to pray for climbers’ safety. A traditional portable shrine is carried from Kanadorii to Fuji Sengen Jinja (shrine).
- Kawaguchiko Herb Festival (Lake Kawaguchi) [Late June-Early July]
- The Mt. Fuji Round Trip Ticket is a discounted round-trip ticket package valid for train and bus travel between Tokyo and Mt. Fuji. It is recommended for day tours as well as those staying overnight to climb Mt. Fuji. This special price saves about half off the price of the regular fare. Price: Adult Yen 5,500, Children: Yen 2,750
Sales location and more detailed information please check the JR East Official Website: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/fuji/index.html#category04
- This has been held since 1948. Over 2500 runners from around the world participate. The course starts at City Hall and ends at the summit of Mt. Fuji. The difference in elevation from start to finish is about 3000 meters and the distance is 21 kilometers. For information call (0555) 24-3633.
- City Foundation Festival [Fourth Saturday of July]
This annual event celebrates the establishment of Mt. Fuji’s most famous city! Parades, foodstalls, dancing, competitions, and more! - Yamanakako Hokusai Fireworks Festival (Lake Yamanaka) [August 1st]
- Saiko Ryugusai Fireworks Festival (Lake Sai) [August 2nd]
- Motosuko Shinkosai Fireworks Festival (Lake Motosu) [August 3rd]
- Shojiko Ryokosai Fireworks Festival (Lake Shoji) [August 4th]
- Kawaguchiko Kojosai Fireworks Festival (Lake Kawaguchi) [August 5th]
- Shinmei Fireworks Extravaganza in Ichikawa Misato [August 7]
- Oshino Hakkai Festival (Oshino) [August 8th]
- Mt. Fuji Hike [Mid-August]
- Takigi Noh Performance (Fujiyoshida) [Mid-August]
- At the Fuji Sengen Jinja a famous dancer performs the traditional theater called Noh by the torchlight at dusk.
- The MIKOSHI of the “Day 20 festival” at Isawa Town (Isawa-cho)
The MIKOSHI of the “Day 20 festival” performed on August 20 every year. - Isawa Onsen Fireworks Extravaganza at Fuefuki Riverbed, in front of the Fuefuki Town Hall [August 21]
- Yoshida Fire Festival / Susuki Festival [August 26th-27th]
- Kawaguchiko Kojosai (Kawaguchiko Sengen Jinga) [End of August]
- Mt. Fuji Hike (held annually on a Saturday in August) Join a local naturalist along the historic Yoshidaguchi Climbing Trail! Starting in Fujiyoshida City, the hike follows the footsteps of ancient pilgrims to the 5th Stn. English translation is provided. The hike is free, but please bring money for the bus ride down from the 5th Stn (1700 yen). Please bring lunch, drinks, snacks, and rain gear. Contact the International Affairs Desk of Fujiyoshida City Hall for more information. Tel: (0555) 24-1236
- The last of the summer festivals held each year in the Fujigoko area, this ritual, which is said to purify and wash away all evil, originates from Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine. Several hundred lanterns are set out to float in small boats over the lake. Also, over 5000 fireworks light up the summer sky to bring the festival to a close.
- The Fire Festival is celebrated at Fuji Sengen Shrine on August 26th, announcing the close of the climbing season for Mt. Fuji and offering thanks for climbers’ safety. It is actually two festivals in one. During Chinkasai, portable shrines are first carried from the shrine. Then, firewood stacked over three meters tall is set on fire along the two-kilometer stretch of Honcho-dori (street). It climaxes on the 27th at the shrine with the festival called Susuki Matsuri. This is one of the three most unique festivals celebrated in Japan. Torches are kindled at every house-front in Fujiyoshida, making the town appear as a sea of fire.
- Harabote Festival [September 5th]
- Fujiyoshida Art Festival [Early September]
The downtown district of Fujiyoshida is turned into a museum showcasing cutting-edge contemporary artiests from Japan and around the world. - This festival at the Fuji Omuro Sengen Jinga near Shimoyoshida Station is a Equestrian Archery(Yabusame) Festival (held annually in September) The Yabusame Festival is a unique horseback archery and divining event unique to Fujiyoshida. More Details: Yabusame Festival of Fujiyoshid
- Annual round-up and antler cutting ceremony of the deer at Fuji Sengen Shrine. Priests wrestle the beasts to the earth and hold them down as others saw off their horns. These, in turn, are used for mystic purposes.
