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Japan Has Sakura On The Floor?! 'Shibazakura' Colors Hitsujiyama Park Every Spring

Last updated: 21 February 2023

Anyone who wants to be mesmerized by Mother Nature’s beauty must see the shibazakura flowers of Japan. Known in English as moss phlox in English, shibazakura grow thick and plentiful as they cover the ground each spring, making it look like a sea of pink.

Shibazakura (moss phlox) is a gorgeous perennial that blooms from mid-April to late May and lasts for 3-4 weeks. Anyone who is excited to witness this beautiful scenery should not miss the dates.

The sight is something that will never be forgotten and cannot be compared to anything similar. Though the color of the shibazakura flowers is usually pink, they also come in various shades of white and light purple, with some petals even having a slightly striped pattern. The petals of the shibazakura look similar to that of the cherry blossoms, which is why it is called shibazakura, meaning “lawn cherry.”

Many people from around Japan and even outside of the country come to witness the beauty of these flowers blooming.

Covering Hitsujiyama Park are thousands of shibazakura flowers, planted in rows of various hues, resembling a colorful flower carpet. Rows of pink, purple, and white blooms adorn the park, creating a peaceful yet exhilarating atmosphere, with the realization that such a splendid view is right in front of one's eyes.

The park, which also has an area known as "Moss Pink Hill," spans approximately 17,600 square meters. Aside from shibazakura flowers, the park features 1,000 cherry trees, including the Yoshino and double-petal varieties.

Japanese people are well-known for their appreciation and preservation of nature, as evident in Hitsujiyama Park's design and care. This park draws numerous tourists during April and May, not just for its shibazakura flowers, but also for its overall captivating ambiance.

Hitsujiyama Park is situated in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, renowned for its shibazakura parks. Chichibu is a short distance from Tokyo, making it a popular destination for visitors. The city also boasts shrines and outdoor activities that the entire family can enjoy, such as strawberry picking and flower viewing during the day, and an entirely different experience at night.

There are other places in Japan to see the shibazakura flowers, such as Mt. Fuji, Japan’s most famous mountain. While the picturesque scenery of Mt. Fuji’s foot is covered in a carpet of pink is beautiful beyond imagination, the Hitsujiyama Park in Saitama is in no way inferior. So why not experience the Moss Pink Hill for yourself?

*This article is based on a February 2017 visit, and was updated in February 2023.