Arakurayama Sengen Park in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, is a famous spring flower viewing spot with about 650 Yoshino cherry trees planted across the 4.3-hectare park. The peak viewing time is typically from early to mid-April, about a week later than Tokyo, allowing simultaneous enjoyment of cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji still capped with snow. The park houses Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine enshrining Konohanasakuya-hime no Mikoto, and from the precincts, climbing 398 steps of the 'Sakuya Hime Stairs' leads to the five-story 'Chureito' war memorial pagoda. Furthermore, advancing to the observation deck, a view symbolic of Japan unfolds before your eyes - Mt. Fuji, Chureito, and cherry blossoms in one frame. This view is featured in guidebooks of various countries, attracting many travelers from home and abroad with cameras. During cherry blossom season, observation deck use is time-limited, and waiting times of 1 to 3 hours occur during peak periods.
