With cherry trees in full bloom beside a vermilion-lacquered five-story pagoda, and snow-capped Mount Fuji as a backdrop, it’s no wonder tourists are flocking here in droves.
The picture-postcard view from Arakurayama Sengen Park, on the slopes of Mount Arakurayama in central Japan, is made complete around this time of the year when 500 “somei-yoshino” cherry trees blossom in front of the 3,776-meter Mount Fuji.
Although a view of the nation’s highest peak and cherry blossoms together is not rare, what makes the park special for overseas travelers is the pagoda.
The structure, which is dedicated to the war dead, resembles those dotted in Kyoto, adding to the park’s allure as a quintessential Japanese destination.
The view became well known overseas after a Thai tourist posted several images of the scenery online about three years ago.
According to the Fujiyoshida municipal government, the park was inundated with some 50,000 visitors from in and out of Japan around cherry-viewing season last year.
The city expects 70,000 to 100,000 people this season. A viewing deck was installed late last year at a site nearly 900 meters above the ground for visitors.
Parking lots near the park can now accommodate about 900 cars, up from 100 previously.
Source and image: Asahi
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