Japan

Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic snow-capped mountain, is a dream destination for many travellers. A trip to Japan is incomplete without seeing this majestic mountain. Just a few hours from Tokyo, it makes for a perfect day trip, especially when combined with the serene beauty of Lake Kawaguchi-ko. Join me on this unforgettable journey as I recount my day exploring this beautiful region. Mount Fuji or Fuji san as the Japanese call it, is the highest peak in Japan, standing tall at 3,776 meters. Surrounded by five lakes, it is an active volcano, and the most recent eruption was in 1707.  Our trip was in November, the peak autumn season in Japan, which made Lake Kawaguchi-ko the perfect destination. One of the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchi-ko offers a tranquil setting with Mount Fuji majestically towering in the background, surrounded by beautiful autumn colors. The serene waters and picturesque landscape create a postcard-perfect scene, making it a photographer’s paradise.                                            Getting To mount Fuji: By Train For train enthusiasts, the journey starts at JR Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. You can catch the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki, and from there, transfer to the Fujikyu Railway, which takes you directly to Kawaguchiko Station. The entire journey takes around 2.5 hours and costs approximately 2,500 yen one-way. Another option is the direct Limited Express Fuji Excursion service, which takes 1.5 hours from JR Shinjuku Station. Or for a little less cost you can also take a Limited Express Kaiji to Ōtsuki and then again hop on the Fujikyū railway to Kawaguchiko. JR Pass Holders: The JR Pass covers the journey up to Otsuki. From there, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket for the Fujikyu Railway. By Bus Alternatively, buses run directly from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Kawaguchiko Station. This option is slightly cheaper, costing around 2,000 yen one-way, and takes roughly 2 hours. Buses are frequent and comfortable, making them a popular choice for many travellers.  Once you reach Kawachiko, the easiest option is to make use of the sightseeing buses to explore the nearby places. There are three main bus lines: Red, Green, and Blue, all departing from Kawaguchiko Station and you can purchase a one-day ticket to use them all for unlimited rides. Don’t forget to pick-up the map of the area from the tourist information centre as it has all the details you need to plan your day ahead.                                                   Arriving at Lake Kawaguchi-ko Our trip started a little before the main Kawaguchi-ko at Shimoyoshida. Stepping off the train at Shimoyoshida Station, we were immediately greeted by the crisp, fresh air and stunning views of Mount Fuji. In fact, on a clear day you can greet Fujisan from the train itself, as the mountain starts appearing as you are approaching your destination, so glue yourself to the window seats! Depending on the time of year, the area around Lake Kawaguchi-ko transforms dramatically: Spring: Cherry blossoms frame Mount Fuji, creating an ethereal pink hue. Autumn: The fall foliage paints the landscape in vibrant reds, yellows and oranges. Exploring the Area There are plenty of sightseeing options and activities to do in the area. Read along to see what all we did and I will also share few more options that you can check out on your trip. 1. Arakurayama Sengen Park and Chureito Pagoda:  We started our trip by visiting the Arakurayama Sengen Park, home to the Chureito Pagoda. To visit this park you need to get down at Shimoyoshida station on Fujikyu Railway line (30 mins before Kawaguchi-ko station) and just follow the sign boards and walk down to the entrance of the park. This park offers an unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji, overlooking Fujiyoshida City. It is renowned for its stunning views of Mount Fuji, especially when framed with the iconic vermillion Chureito Pagoda. After a small hike to the top (approximately 400 steps), you will reach an observation deck from where you can get a picture perfect view. The steep climb is worth the breathtaking view from the top. Also the path is lined with cherry blossoms and maple trees that creates a beautiful foliage scene both in spring and autumn and it should take your attention away from your burning thighs.      Chureito Pagoda is a five-storied pagoda that is part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine. Built in 1963, it was constructed as a peace memorial. 2.Oshino Hakkai :                                                                                                                                        Oshino Hakkai is a set of eight ponds in Oshino, a small village near Kawaguchi. The specialty of these ponds is that they get their water directly from the melted snow of Mount Fuji, filtered through porous layers of lava over a period of 80 years, resulting in crystal-clear spring water. Once here, do not miss to accept the challenge to dip your hands in the freezing cold water for 30 seconds in one of the ponds. Highlights: 3. Oshino Shinobi no Sato: Oshino Ninja village It is a theme park dedicated to the legendary ninjas of Japan. Oshino Village has a rich history that dates back to the Edo period. The ninja village is designed to recreate the atmosphere of a traditional ninja training ground, offering visitors a glimpse into the secretive and intriguing world of ninjas. Ninja experience: Oshino Ninja Village offers a variety of ninja-themed activities.                                                Ninja Shows and Performances: Daily

Dear Japan, what do I say about you and where do I even start! You will always remain one of the most special countries that I have traveled to. Growing up, I was fascinated by your language and culture so much so that I decided to study about you formally. While studying, my fascination only grew, and I decided to make the Japanese language my profession! You were my first-ever international trip through a student exchange program and now I keep visiting you once in a while for work trips. You never fail to mesmerise me every single time; in fact, I fall in love a little more each time I visit you. This Land of the Rising Sun seamlessly blends modern technology with culture and traditions as well as natural beauty. For me, traveling through Japan is like traveling through time. As you walk through its rustic streets and alleys with charming wooden houses and temples on sides, you step back 500 years ago to its Edo period. A few centuries ahead and few blocks away are the alleyways of the 70s and 80s with quirky bars and izakayas full of character and tiny restaurants serving just one specialty dish like sushi or ramen adorned with unique flavors. And then there are skyscrapers, neon lights filled city areas, futuristic transportation that will make you feel like you have arrived into the future. Japan has countless experiences and things to offer to every traveler. Whether you are a foodie, anime lover, nature lover, history buff, or tech enthusiast, Japan has something for everyone! Visiting cutting-edge cities like Tokyo and Osaka, bustling with neon-lit skyscrapers, lively streets, and robot restaurants, while also being home to some ancient temples, shrines and castles, is the best way to start exploring Japan. Experiencing the unique nightlife districts of these cities, where locals unwind after work over yakitori and sake, is a must. Zip through cities on high-speed bullet trains and be awestruck by the public transport network. Just a little away from these big cities, you will find yourself soaking in hot springs nestled in the mountains, enjoying the natural landscapes, beaches, waterfalls and lakes or gazing at the beauty of the perfect Mount Fuji! If you truly want to understand the meaning of Zen, immerse  yourself in the tranquility of temples and shrines of Kyoto. Hike through bamboo forests, relax and rejuvenate in the beautiful gardens and visit traditional tea houses. Sip on a perfect cup of matcha tea here together with a seasonal sweet not to be found anywhere else. Japan is gorgeous in every season, be it the postcard-perfect spring with cherry blossoms or the romantic autumn or the winter wonderland. Sing your heart out at a karaoke bar, shop along streets filled with anime merchandise, Hello kitty products, and other fascinating thigs that you never wanted and never knew even existed. Stay at a traditional ryokan and sleep away in the cozy futons in the tatami mat rooms. Every experience you have is going to be such a unique one. Food and drinks in Japan are to die for. Fill your heart with sushi and onigiri, slurp on the oh- so- delicious ramen, make your own okonomiyaki and yakisoba, kanpai on sake and shochu. Binge on the exotic desserts while admiring the ambience of traditional restaurants. Meet the friendly locals and get a taste of the Omotenashi spirit of Japanese hospitality. You’ll return home feeling spiritually rejuvenated by a culture that prides itself on attention to detail, cleanliness, punctuality and politeness, values community, and reveres nature. I promise, Japan will offer you an unforgettable travel experience. Having traveled to over eight prefectures and multiple cities in Japan, I have such amazing stories and experiences to share. Stay tuned for the upcoming blogs from Japan.