Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko

We meet early in the morning at Shinjuku Station and head west toward the foothills of Mount Fuji by direct train or highway express bus.

We visit the wooded shrine grounds and climb the 398 steps up to the five-story Chureito Pagoda. From here, Fujiyoshida city unfolds below with a breathtaking, unobstructed view straight toward Mount Fuji on a clear day.

A picturesque village with thatched-roof wooden houses and eight crystal-clear ponds fed by snowmelt from Mount Fuji – pure water filtered through porous lava layers over decades. We'll sample the ice-cold spring water and freshly grilled rice cakes along the village paths.

We sit down at a rustic local restaurant to savor the pride of Yamanashi: piping-hot houtou noodles served in an iron pot with flat wheat noodles and sweet kabocha pumpkin.

We ride the ropeway up to the observation deck at 1,075 meters (3,526 ft). From here, we take in sweeping views over Lake Kawaguchiko below and Mount Fuji’s majestic slopes rising right before us.

Located on the northern shore of the lake, Oishi Park is known for its seasonal blooms – from summer lavender to bright red kochia bushes in autumn – framed by the water and Mount Fuji. We'll also have time for local soft-serve ice cream before heading back.

We return to Shinjuku in the evening after an invigorating, scenic full day exploring Japan's sacred mountain.