Guide to Chichibu Shibazakura Festival 2025

Welcome to the vibrant and colorful world of the Chichibu Shibazakura Festival! Nestled within Saitama Prefecture, the Chichibu region is home to a rich culture and breathtaking natural beauty. But what puts Chichibu on the map is its annual Shibazakura Festival, a celebration that paints the landscape in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Often heralded as a highlight of Japan’s spring season, the Shibazakura Festival draws visitors from across the globe to Chichibu Hitsujiyama Park. Known in English as moss phlox, shiba-zakura isn’t just a flower; it’s a symbol of the arrival of spring, typically blooming mid-April into a stunning carpet of color that weaves together the change of season with a community to cherish it. 

Event

Chichibu Shibazakura Festival

Date

April 4 to May 6, 2025

Venue

Hitsujiyama Park (Chichibu City, Saitama)

Entrance fee

300 JPY

The Chichibu Shibazakura Festival has deep roots in Japan's history and carries significant meaning for locals.

The history of various festivals can be traced back centuries, as Japanese culture celebrates the changing seasons through various events. Shiba-zakura, with its delicate pink and purple blooms, captivated the people's hearts, becoming a symbol of spring's arrival.

Shiba-zakura's significance lies in its transient beauty. Japanese culture appreciates beauty in impermanence (see: wabi-sabi); the short blooming period of shiba-zakura perfectly embodies this philosophy. It serves as a reminder to appreciate life's fleeting moments of beauty.

Shiba-zakura is often likened to cherry blossoms (sakura) due to their similar appearance and the fact that they both bloom in spring. While cherry blossoms are more widely celebrated, shiba-zakura offers a unique twist on the springtime floral experience. 

The Chichibu Shibazakura Festival is a sensory overload like no other. As you step into the festival grounds, you’ll find yourself immersed in a breathtaking sea of color. Picture a landscape carpeted with over 400,000 flowers, all in full bloom. It’s a sight that will leave you in awe.

Adding to the surreal beauty of the festival is the iconic Mount Buko, which provides a majestic backdrop to the sea of flowers. The mountain’s lush greenery contrasts perfectly with the vibrant floral display, creating a visual spectacle that’s simply unforgettable. It’s a photographer’s dream come true, with every angle offering a postcard-worthy shot.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the festival is the incredible diversity of shiba-zakura varieties on display. Each variety boasts unique charm, contributing to the overall mosaic of colors. From pink and purple to brilliant white, you’ll find yourself lost in a world of floral hues.

Visitors are encouraged to admire the flowers from a distance and immerse themselves up close amid the blooms, allowing you to feel the softness of the petals and carefully examine the vibrant colors.

As you wander through the floral wonderland, you’ll also encounter other elements of Japanese culture and tradition, with vendors selling traditional festival snacks, local crafts, and souvenirs.

If you're planning a visit to the Chichibu Shibazakura Festival, here are some essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Chichibu is conveniently located, making it an easy day trip from Tokyo. You can take a direct train from JR Ikebukuro Station to Seibu-Chichibu Station, the nearest station to the festival grounds. The train journey offers scenic countryside views and takes approximately two hours.

If you prefer driving, Chichibu is also easily accessible by car. It's about a two-hour drive from central Tokyo. Remember that parking near the festival site can be limited, especially during major holidays like Golden Week, so arrive early if you plan to drive.

The Chichibu Shibazakura Festival typically runs from mid-April to early May, with the peak bloom period around late April. However, this is subject to change from year to year, so be sure to check the festival's official website for the exact dates and any updates.

Lastly, it is recommended that visitors wear appropriate clothing and shoes, as the shiba-zakura fields can be sloped and slippery depending on the weather.

Once you’ve fully immersed yourself in the vibrant fields of the Chichibu Shibazakura Festival, finding a restful and convenient place to stay is essential, especially after a weary day on your feet. Oyado Taketori Monogatari is a prime choice for accommodation, offering a relaxing retreat that echoes the beauty and calmness of the region.

Strategically located, this hotel is only a short distance from Chichibu Hitsujiyama Park, allowing guests to revisit the festival easily.

Oyado Taketori Monogatari also prides itself on its amenities. The hotel provides a serene setting that complements the natural beauty of Chichibu, with rooms that offer picturesque views, traditional Japanese hospitality, and an ambience that encourages relaxation and reflection. It is an all-inclusive hotel, meaning the meals, snacks, beverages, and other amenities are included in the payment.

For those seeking a totally authentic Japanese experience, the hotel also offers onsen (hot spring) facilities, allowing guests to unwind in natural hot springs after a day on their feet exploring the festival.

Guests can indulge in regional flavors with a menu that celebrates seasonal produce sourced directly from the surrounding environment. The kitchen at this hotel honors the bounties of the local land, presenting guests with a medley of Japanese dishes that bring forth the freshness of mountain harvests.

The hotel crafts most of the dishes, including the smoked cheeses and an array of other smoked delicacies — a rarity in Japan and a nice surprise. Complementing the meals are expertly curated beverages, including an exquisite variety of sake handpicked to accentuate your meal's flavors.