April 29, 2012

MT. FUJI AND FUJI FIVE LAKES 富士山與富士五湖

Viewing Fujiyama from Tenjoyama Viewing Fujiyama from Tenjoyama viewing Fujiyama from 8th floor of Hotel Regina
reflection of Mt. Fuji in the Kawaguchiko
Oshinohakkai 忍野八海

If you are asked what the most iconic symbol is for Japan, I think over 95% people will choose Mt. Fuji. I have been to Tokyo area several times, but never had a chance to take a good look at Mt. Fuji closely. In April, 2012 I visited Kawakuchiko (河口湖) which is the most popular location in Mt. Fuji Five Lakes (富士五湖) area to see the beautiful Mt. Fuji. I was really attracted by it.

It was the first time for me to get so close to Mt. Fuji, now I realized why Japanese respect Mt. Fuji so much. It stands alone without other mountains around, and presents itself in different aspects in a day, and in different seasons; always in elegant styles.

There are five lakes around Mt. Fuji area, we visited Kawakuchiko, also the Yamanakako(山中湖). One the way to Yamanakko from Mt. Fuji station, there is a place called Oshinohakkai (忍野八海), also a nice place to visit; it combines the beautiful view of Mt. Fuji and the traditional Japanese village.

Unless you have a plan to climb Mt. Fuji, or I recommend you to visit in winter or early spring while Mt. Fuji still has a white top. It is the classic view of Mt. Fuji and prettier than it without the white top.

BTW, If you do not have an idea where to go in Kawakuchiko, I do recommend you to visit the tourist center near the train station; staffs are really helpful and are able to communicate in English.

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