If you’ve made your way till Tokyo, then you must venture beyond Japan’s exciting capital and explore the regions beyond. You’ll discover the Japan that lies beyond the technological pinnacle and the dazzling lights, and find intriguing avenues filled with history and natural beauty.
Mt Fuji looms large and impressive in the background, beckoning you with its beauty. Surrounding this iconic volcano lie the Prefectures of Shizuoka, Yamanashi and Kanagawa, each welcoming you with their own attractions.
Yamanashi’s Fujikawaguchiko area boasts abundant nature, providing alluring vistas through the seasons. Visit the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during spring to revel in the beauty of the Fuji Moss Phlox Festival where pink moss phlox stretch as far as the eye can see, with Mt. Fuji rising majestically with its snow-capped tip. This is also one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom-viewing spots. Discover a purple lakeside when lavender blooms cover the area in June. It’s also the perfect time to go hiking, through mountains filled with wild azaleas and irises.
The four lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko offer scenic views and excellent picnicking options in the shadow of the grand volcano. The lakeside takes on dazzling colours during autumn. However, Fujikawaguchiko is best enjoyed in the winter, when you can gaze upon Mt. Fuji from the warmth of an onsen.
The city of Fuji-Yoshida stands on ancient lava from Mt. Fuji, attracting pilgrims that climb the volcano. Follow the Old Yoshidaguchi Trail to the Fuji Sengen-jinja, passing other shrines along the way or catch the Yoshida no Himatsuri (Fire Festival) with its flaming processions, to appease the goddess of Mt. Fuji.
If you’re climbing Mt. Fuji, you may also ascend from Fujinomiya, a city in Shizuoka Prefecture boasting numerous picturesque waterfalls, of which the sacred Shiraito Falls is the most impressive..
A short train or bus ride away from Tokyo, lies Suwa, a city that’s immersed in history and natural surroundings. Being at a higher altitude, it is a popular summer retreat, offering an interesting mix of delights including a castle, hot spring retreats, sake breweries and a geyser..
The Ashino-ko, a scenic caldera lake in the Hakone area can also be visited as a day trip from Tokyo. Nothing is more relaxing than a laid-back boat cruise on the lake before going on to Mt. Komagatake, Japan’s highest peak via the exciting Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, from where you will enjoy panoramic views of Hakone’s natural splendours. Visit Hakone for its stupendous views and its numerous onsen resorts.
Kamakura is about an hour’s distance by train from Tokyo, and you can view with wonder, the 11.4m Daibutsu, a huge statue of the Amida Buddha in the grounds of the Kōtoku-in, a Jōdu sect temple.
There are myriad options for short tours from Japan’s capital, each offering an enriching experience, and new and exciting discoveries around the impressive Mt. Fuji.
If you are planning day trips around Mount Fuji in Japan, do not hesitate to contact your luxury travel designer Mr. Isao Numano.