Japan Cancels Famous Cherry Blossom Festival Due to Overtourism

For many travellers, spring in Japan means cherry blossoms in full bloom. One of the most recognisable sakura scenes is found in Fujiyoshida, where soft pink flowers frame the dramatic silhouette of Mount Fuji. But for 2026, visitors planning around this iconic view will need to reset expectations, as the city has cancelled its annual cherry blossom festival.

The event is usually held at Arakurayama Sengen Park, a hilltop park known for its sweeping views and the nearby Chureito Pagoda. Over the past decade, this spot has become one of Japan’s most photographed sakura locations, drawing travellers from around the world during peak bloom.

What happened

In early February 2026, Fujiyoshida city officials announced that the cherry blossom festival would not take place this year. This marks the first cancellation in around ten years.

The festival had grown rapidly in popularity, attracting huge crowds in a very short time. What was once a local seasonal celebration gradually turned into a global travel hotspot. While the scenery remained stunning, the scale of visitors became increasingly difficult for the city to manage.

Why the festival was stopped

Image credit: Japan ESPEcials | FB page

The main reason behind the decision was overtourism.

Fujiyoshida is a small city, and the area around the park was never built to handle such intense crowd levels. During cherry blossom season, residents faced heavy traffic congestion, with narrow roads packed with tour buses and private vehicles. Long queues spilled into residential streets, and public transport struggled to keep up.

Officials also raised concerns about visitor behaviour. As public facilities became overwhelmed, some tourists reportedly entered private property to look for toilets, while littering and overcrowding became recurring issues. These problems affected not just convenience, but also the safety, comfort, and dignity of local residents.

According to city leaders, the situation had reached a point where continuing the festival was no longer sustainable. While tourism remains important to the local economy, protecting the daily lives of residents became the priority.

Also read: Japan Sakura Trip on a Budget: Where to Spend, Where to Save (Without Sacrificing Comfort)

Important reminder for travellers planning around sakura season

For those who were timing their trip around this event, the festival usually takes place in early to mid April, with peak cherry blossoms often appearing around the first or second week of April.

In 2026, the festival itself will not happen, even though cherry blossoms are still expected to bloom as usual. The park will remain open, and visitors can still enjoy the scenery, but there will be no official festival events, programming, or large-scale celebrations.

If this festival was a key part of your itinerary, it may be best to adjust plans early. Visiting on quieter weekdays or exploring alternative cherry blossom spots across Japan could offer a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

What this means going forward

The cancellation reflects a wider shift in how Japan is responding to overtourism, especially at highly photogenic locations that attract global attention. Rather than shutting sites completely, local governments are beginning to rethink how events are managed to balance tourism with community life.

For travellers, this is a reminder that iconic destinations are also living neighbourhoods. Thoughtful planning, respectful behaviour, and flexibility can help ensure these places remain welcoming in the future.

Cherry blossom season will always be one of Japan’s most beautiful times of year. How it is experienced, however, is changing, with sustainability and respect for local communities taking centre stage.