Japan Cherry Blossom Festival Cancelled: What UK Travellers Need To Know
The news has hit many UK travellers hard. After a record-breaking year where Japan welcomed over 42.7 million international tourists, the strain on local infrastructure has reached a tipping point. On 5 February 2026, officials in Fujiyoshida made the difficult decision to cancel the Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival.
If you have a trip booked for this spring, you likely have questions. Is the entire Japan cherry blossom festival cancelled? Can you still see Mount Fuji? Is it even worth going?
Don’t panic. While the iconic festival at the Chureito Pagoda is off, the sakura season itself is very much on. The trees will still bloom, and the rest of Japan is open for business. However, the rules of engagement for British tourists have changed.
This guide covers exactly why the festival was axed, the official 2026 bloom forecast, and the essential travel updates, including new tourist taxes, that every UK visitor needs to know before flying out.
Why the Mount Fuji Cherry Blossom Festival Was Cancelled
The cancellation isn’t about the weather. It is a direct response to a crisis that has been building since borders reopened. The decision to scrap the Arakurayama Sengen Park festival is a targeted measure to protect local residents from what is now being called “tourism pollution.”
Overtourism and the “Kankō Kōgai” Crisis
In Japan, the term is Kankō Kōgai (tourism pollution). It refers to the negative impact of excessive tourism on local communities.
According to the Fujiyoshida City Government official statement, the primary reasons for the 2026 cancellation include:
- Dangerous Traffic: Tour buses and rental cars causing gridlock that prevents emergency vehicles from moving.
- Trespassing: Tourists entering private gardens and climbing on roofs to get “perfect” shots of Mount Fuji.
- Sanitation Issues: Public facilities being overwhelmed, leading to littering and nuisance behaviour.
Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi stated that while visitors are welcome, the safety of local schoolchildren and residents must come first. By cancelling the festival, the city removes the food stalls, the stage events, and the shuttle buses that facilitate mass crowds.
Important Note: The cancellation applies specifically to the event. The park itself remains physically open, but without the infrastructure to support thousands of people, visiting will be difficult and uncomfortable.
The Impact of the Weak Yen on 2026 Crowds
Why is it so busy? The British Pound is currently strong against the Japanese Yen.
Data from the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) shows that visitor numbers from the UK surged by 30% in 2025 compared to 2019. For British travellers, Japan is cheaper than it has been in decades. A bowl of ramen might cost you less than £5.
This affordability has turned “bucket list” trips into spontaneous holidays. The result is unprecedented crowding at free, open-air attractions like the Chureito Pagoda.
2026 Sakura Forecast: When and Where to See the Blooms
Just because one Japan cherry blossom festival is cancelled, it doesn’t mean the trees stop blooming. The sakura front (Cherry Blossom Front) sweeps across the country from south to north.
Official JMC Dates for Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka
The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) released its 4th forecast on 5 February 2026. Due to a warmer-than-average winter, blooms are arriving early.
Here is the breakdown for the “Golden Route” cities most UK tourists visit:
| City | First Bloom (Kaika) | Full Bloom (Mankai) |
| Tokyo | 20 March | 28 March |
| Kyoto | 23 March | 30 March |
| Osaka | 24 March | 31 March |
| Sapporo | 28 April | 2 May |
If you are arriving in early April, you will miss the peak in Tokyo. You should head north to Tohoku or into the Japanese Alps where the season starts later.
Is Arakurayama Sengen Park Still Open?
Technically, yes. You can physically walk up the 398 steps to the pagoda. But you need to know what you are walking into.
Unlike previous years, there will be no:
- Street food vendors (Yatai).
- Temporary toilets.
- Extra security for queue management.
- Illumination events at night.
The Veteran’s Verdict: My Experience on the Ground
I visited Arakurayama Sengen Park during the “shoulder season” last year, and even without a festival, the queue for the observation deck was two hours long.
With the festival cancelled for 2026, the city is not providing the usual overflow parking. If you try to drive there, you will likely be turned away by police. If you take the train, expect the station to be dangerously overcrowded.
My advice: Skip it. The view is famous, but standing in a crush of 5,000 people for a 30-second photo opportunity is not the “Zen” Japan experience you paid for.
Essential 2026 Travel Updates for UK Tourists
Beyond the Japan cherry blossom festival cancelled headlines, there are logistical changes affecting your wallet and your entry into the country.
New Departure Taxes and Kyoto Accommodation Levies
The Japanese government is using financial tools to combat overtourism and fund infrastructure.
- Departure Tax Increase: As of July 2026, the International Tourist Tax (Sayonara Tax) is set to triple. While this won’t hit spring travellers, it signals a shift in policy.
- Kyoto Accommodation Tax: If you are staying in Kyoto, the city has revised its nightly tax structure as of March 2026. You will now pay up to ¥1,000 (approx. £5.50) per person, per night, for high-end accommodation. This is often collected in cash at check-in, so keep some Yen handy.
Entry Requirements for British Citizens
Currently, holders of a full British Citizen passport do not need a visa for short-term tourism (up to 90 days).
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
- JESTA System: You may have heard of JESTA (Japan’s version of the US ESTA). [Gov.uk foreign travel advice] confirms this system is slated for fully operational rollout in 2027. For Spring 2026, you can still enter with just your passport and the Disembarkation Card (which you can fill out digitally via Visit Japan Web).
Better Than Fuji? 5 “Off-the-Beaten-Path” Sakura Alternatives
If you want to avoid the chaos that led to the Japan cherry blossom festival cancelled news, go where the domestic tourists go. These spots offer spectacular views without the three-hour queues.
1. Kawazu-zakura (Shizuoka)
Best for: Early arrivals (Late February – Early March)
If you arrive before the main season, head to the Izu Peninsula. The Kawazu-zakura trees bloom pinker and last longer than the standard variety. You can walk for miles along the riverbanks without the crushing density of Tokyo.
2. Hirosaki Castle (Aomori)
Best for: Late arrivals (Late April)
Located in the north, this is arguably Japan’s most beautiful sakura spot. The castle moat fills with fallen petals, creating a “pink river” (Hanaikada). Because it is far from Tokyo, it sees fewer international tourists.
3. Mount Yoshino (Nara)
Best for: Mountain hiking
Instead of one park, this is an entire mountain covered in 30,000 cherry trees. You can hike up through four different zones, meaning you can find a quiet spot even on a busy day.
4. Takato Castle Ruins (Nagano)
Best for: The “Pink Cloud”
This park is famous for its unique Kohigan cherry blossoms, which are smaller and more reddish than usual. It is a bit harder to get to (bus from Inaba Station), which keeps the casual tour groups away.
5. The Philosopher’s Path (Kyoto) – At Dawn
Best for: Classics without the crowds
If you must do Kyoto, timing is everything. The Philosopher’s Path is a nightmare at 11:00 AM. But at 6:00 AM? It is magical. You will share the canal only with local dog walkers and serious photographers.
How to Be a Respectful Traveller in 2026
The Japan cherry blossom festival cancelled situation in Fujiyoshida is a warning. If tourists continue to behave poorly, more sites will close. Here is how you can help keep Japan open.
The New Rules of Hanami Etiquette
Hanami (flower viewing) has unwritten rules that Japanese people follow religiously.
- Do Not Shake the Trees: This is the cardinal sin. Never touch the branches or shake them to create “petal rain” for a video. It damages the trees.
- Take Your Litter Home: Japan has very few public bins. You are expected to carry a plastic bag, collect your trash, and dispose of it at your hotel or a convenience store.
- Respect Private Property: If a path looks like a driveway or a garden, stay out. The biggest complaint in Fujiyoshida was tourists trampling private fields.
- No Drones: Flying drones in public parks without a permit is illegal and strictly enforced in crowded areas.
Pro-Tip: Transport Logic
If you are heading to the Fuji Five Lakes area (even without the festival), do not rely on buses. Traffic can delay a 2-hour trip into a 5-hour ordeal.
Instead, book the “Fuji Excursion” Limited Express train from Shinjuku.
- The Catch: It sells out weeks in advance.
- The Fix: Tickets go on sale exactly one month before travel at 10:00 AM Japan time. Book them online via the JR East Train Reservation website the second they drop.
Summary
The headlines about the Japan cherry blossom festival cancelled in Fujiyoshida are true, and they are a wake-up call. The days of rocking up to Mount Fuji without a plan are over.
But this doesn’t mean your 2026 holiday is ruined. In fact, it might be better. By forcing you to look beyond the viral Instagram spots, this cancellation pushes you toward the real Japan, the quiet mountain paths of Nara, the pink moats of Aomori, and the early morning calm of Kyoto.
Key Takeaways:
- The Specifics: Only the Arakurayama Sengen Park festival is officially cancelled.
- The Forecast: Tokyo hits full bloom around 28 March.
- The Fix: Avoid Fujiyoshida; head to Hirosaki or Yoshino instead.
- The Prep: Book trains 30 days out and budget for the Kyoto tax.
Japan is still the most beautiful place on earth in spring. You just have to be a little smarter about how you see it.
Is your travel insurance up to date? ensure your policy covers travel disruption and delays, as transport networks will be stretched to capacity this year.
FAQs
Is Japan’s cherry blossom festival cancelled in 2026?
No, not the entire country. The specific festival at Arakurayama Sengen Park (Mount Fuji view) has been cancelled due to overcrowding. Major parks in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka remain open for viewing.
Can I still visit the Chureito Pagoda in April 2026?
Yes, the park is open, but there will be no food stalls, festival events, or overflow parking. Expect extremely long queues and strict crowd control.
Why is Japan increasing tourist taxes in 2026?
The government is raising taxes (like the Departure Tax and regional hotel taxes) to fund infrastructure improvements and combat the negative effects of overtourism.
What is the best alternative to the Mount Fuji cherry blossom festival?
Mount Yoshino in Nara offers a spectacular mountain view with 30,000 trees. For a castle view, Hirosaki Castle in Aomori is widely considered superior to many Tokyo spots.
How much is the Japan departure tax for UK citizens?
Currently, it is ¥1,000 (approx. £5.50), included in your flight ticket price. It is set to increase in July 2026, so spring travellers will pay the lower rate.
When is the full bloom (mankai) for Tokyo in 2026?
According to the latest JMC forecast, Tokyo is expected to reach full bloom around 28 March 2026.
Are there restrictions on visiting Mount Fuji this year?
Yes. Aside from the festival cancellation, new caps on hikers climbing the mountain itself (in summer) and stricter parking regulations around Lake Kawaguchi are in effect to manage crowds.
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