PRISTINE MT. FUJI

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In old Japanese tradition, they say you will live a long and wealthy life if you see Mt. Fuji without clouds. Nothing to lose if you believe it's true. All I know is I'm lucky the clouds didn't cover the perfectly-cone shaped Mt. Fuji during my 2-day visit.


LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO: The Most Famous Among the Fuji Five Lakes

 Standing 12,389 ft high, Mt. Fuji or Fujisan is vividly seen even in some parts of Yokohama, Tokyo and sometimes as far as Chiba. Even passengers of Shinkansen coming from Tokyo are able to catch a glimpse of its glorious beauty. 

 This iconic volcano holds a great allure with every curving line. It has been in the center of Japanese poetry and art for the longest time.

 June 2013, the landmark of Japan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 Mt. Fuji is surrounded by five lakes: Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Yamanakako, Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko. These lakes were formed from previous eruptions of the volcano. All of which are well-known tourists attractions and fishing spots. But the most developed and easily accessible is Lake Kawaguchiko. There is a wide range of sights to visit such as hot spring baths, museums, boat tours and a ropeway leading to a small mountain. Hotels are lined up on the eastern shore, making it the most popular among the five lakes.


Ohashi bridge at Lake Kawaguchiko


 Spring was nearing its end when I visited Kawaguchiko. Many have told me about how they were drawn under the spell of Mt. Fuji. I never believed until I saw her with my own eyes.

And finally there she was, a snow-capped stunner that was standing perfectly above everything else.

 I was in awe. I tried to describe her but I couldn't. I never knew such kind of beauty exists.





The Northern Part of Lake Kawaguchiko holds the most beautiful view of Mt. Fuji.

Lake Kawaguchiko is only an hour and a half away from the bright lights of Tokyo. But the calmness of the water and the sight of Mt. Fuji made it seem like I was in a different realm. Because of its charm, it has become the most photographed part of the Fuji area. 

 When the night falls, everything stands still. There are several restaurants and coffee shops to keep you warm. Or you can grab your favorite food at the nearest konbini (convenience store), eat at the hotel and wait for the sunrise to see Fujisan again.



Amidst the hotels banked on the shore, me and my ex-pat friends decided to stay at the Capsule Hotel. Our one-night stay far exceeded our expectations. Capsule Inn was clean, cozy and very convenient for backpackers.

One capsule costs around Y1,900 or about PHP900 per night





It's a lot more comfortable than you think


Bright blue skies greeted us on our second day at Kawaguchiko. It was a perfect day to go biking or have a picnic at the lake shore. The magnificent view made me never want to leave.

But there's a lot more to discover at the Fuji area. We decided it was time to pack our bags and head to the newly-opened Ninja Village.



Perfect day for a photograph. 'Till next time, Fujisan!

How to Get to Lake Kawaguchiko

Take the highway bus from Shibuya Mark City bound for Futakotamagawa, Fuji-Q Highland and Kawaguchiko Station. One-way ticket for adults costs Y1,800 or roughly PHP830.00. 

Buses are located at the 5th floor of Shibuya Mark City in Shibuya. The trip will take an hour and a half. Go down at Kawaguchiko Station and walk your way towards Mt. Fuji.


  

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