Cherry Blossom Paradise: A Guide to Your 2-Day Sakura Trip in Kawaguchiko
- MaiRie
- Apr 9, 2023
- 6 min read
Who wouldn't want to see the breathtaking Mt. Fuji view in spring?
The iconic snowy peak of Mount Fuji and the stunning Lake Kawaguchi together in one frame is one of the most famous symbols of Japan. Although this breathtaking sight can be enjoyed from various parts of the region, witnessing it from a particular spot is a unique experience. The best part is that planning a trip to Lake Kawaguchi is hassle-free. In this post, I will share the Mt. Fuji treats to eat and where you can enjoy Sakura viewing from the hidden to stunning places around Lake Kawaguchi hoping to help you plan and enjoy your spring trip.
How to enjoy hanami or 'sakura viewing'
1. Do not walk or sit on Sakura tree roots. It can cause unseen damage to the tree. As a sign of respect, avoid any contact with the trees.
2. Respect trees. Don't hang or place things on them, deface them, or shake sakura branches for selfies. Be mindful of nature and others.
What to eat around Lake Kawaguchi
Mt. Fuji Loaf
Japan never fails to engage its creativity in anything - even Japanese bread can be designed with cute characters or animals, offering a wide variety of flavored bread. However, one particular loaf steals that spotlight. Just a few minutes' walk from Kawaguchiko Station, Fujisan Shokupan is a bakery that offers high-quality bread shaped like Mt. Fuji for only ¥378. It is made with local ingredients such as high-quality wheat, thick and rich Fujigane Kogen milk, as well as natural water from Mt. Fuji.
Access :
Address:
Hours: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Website: https://fujisan-shokupan.com/
Mt. Fuji Curry and Mt. Fuji Latte
If you are in search of a restaurant that is easy to access, you might want to check out Fujisan Plaza, located just across the Kawaguchiko Station. The restaurant features several dishes on its menu that are inspired by Mt. Fuji, including the Red Mt. Fuji Curry (spicy), Blue Mt. Fuji Curry (mild), and Mt. Fuji Latte. During my visit, they only had the Red Mt. Fuji Curry available, and I was warned that it could be quite spicy. However, if you are a big fan of spicy food, then it might not be spicy enough for you. The best part about dining at Fujisan Plaza is that you can enjoy your food on their terrace while admiring the beautiful view of Mt. Fuji.
🍛 Mt. Fuji Curry (¥1,000)
☕️ Mt. Fuji Blue Latte (¥600)
Access :
Address:
Hours: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Website: https://fujisan-shokupan.com/
Cafe Mimi
Cafe Mimi is the ultimate destination for savoring a serene view of Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji. The western exterior and garden offer a calming ambiance to bask in the beauty of the surroundings. During my visit, we enjoyed the sakura petals drifting by, creating a surreal, fairy tale-like atmosphere. Though the menu was a little pricey, the breathtaking view was worth every penny.
Where to stay: Accessible accommodation from Kawaguchi Station with Mt. Fuji view
Kawaguchiko Onsen - Maruyaso
When traveling to Lake Kawaguchi, I recommend booking accommodation with a view of Mt. Fuji that looks like a painting from your room. Maruyaso is a Japanese-style property that offers hot baths and traditional tatami floors. It is located just 5 minutes away from Kawaguchiko Station by taxi, which is very convenient. Although the staff didn't speak English very well, they were very friendly. We noticed that there were other foreigners staying there, so language barriers shouldn't be a major concern. Unfortunately, we didn't have a perfect view of Mount Fuji from our room, which was a bit disappointing as we were looking forward to capturing a great photo in the early morning. I recommend making a request for a room with a view when booking and arriving early to secure that room. However, our room was spacious enough for three people, and the futon was comfortable for sleeping. We had a big glass window, but the plants were blocking the view of Mt. Fuji. It might get a little chilly at night, even in spring, so make sure to bring some warm clothing. There are restaurants nearby, so you won't have to worry about getting hungry. Overall, it was a good experience.
Explore: Day 1
Chureito Pagoda
Who wouldn't love to see the majestic beauty of Mt. Fuji from Arakurayama Sengen Park? It is one of the most famous destinations all year round. In spring, the area is entirely of cherry blossom hues. I wasn't surprised to see crowds in the area, but the queue to the observation deck was mindblowing- it takes two hours to get in! I'm glad it wasn't my purpose this time because I am sharing a hidden spot where you can enjoy the view without a hassle.
If the pagoda is not your goal and you're looking for an alternative spot to enjoy cherry blossoms framing Mt. Fuji, then this spot is perfect. Although it may be complicated to explain, I recommend looking for the nearest restroom on the way to the observation deck. By skipping the queue, you can find this spot where you'll notice some Japanese people enjoying 'hanami.' However, please be mindful not to cause any damage to the cherry blossom trees or stay for too long, as others would also like to enjoy their visit.
The famous Lawson x Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji on top of a Lawson convenience store is a unique sight to behold. I stumbled upon this spot by accident while heading towards our hotel. It's just a 3-minute walk from the station, but be cautious and aware of your surroundings as the store is located on the road. Avoid entering and exiting the store frequently for photos. Despite these precautions, the experience is worth it. Enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji from a new perspective!
Secret spot
I don't think many people have noticed this intersection, but it offers a great view of Mt. Fuji. Compared to the overrated Fuji Street (Shimoyoshida Honcho Street), which I would say is a good alternative as you don't have to worry about the crowds or go further for a photo.
Torii Gate in the Sky
Also known as 'Tenkuu no Torii,' this is a popular destination to capture Mt. Fuji in the backdrop of a stunning Torii view. However, the queue to enter could be quite long and overwhelming, especially around 3 pm when we arrived. It costs at least ¥100 per person to enter, and each group is only given 3 minutes or so to take photos. A staff member will time you once it's your turn, regardless of the number of people in your group. If you want to capture a great shot, arriving early is best.
Oishi Park
Another spot situated by Lake Kawaguchi is Oishi Park. It doesn't just offer an Mt Fuji view, but it also has seasonal flowers such as lavender, kochia, and nemophilia, making it a good destination all year round. Indulge in a much-needed break and head to a cozy cafe where you can relish the breathtaking view.
Don't miss out on Oishihana Terrace, located just a stone's throw away! Discover a treasure trove of shops for souvenirs and cozy cafes - perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing afternoon.
Fuji Kawaguchiko Sakura Festival
Lake Kawaguchiko is a popular cherry blossom destination. The north shore of the lake has about 300 cherry trees stretching for 1 km. There are various Sakura Festivals accross Japan during the season, but the annual Fuji Kawaguchiko Sakura Festival is deffinitely a bucket list. The festival is usually held between earlt to mid April, where you can enjoy food, drinks, crafts, and illuminated cherry blossoms till 9 pm.
Oshino Hakkai
Lake Kawaguchi is a beautiful destination, and our spring trip there was truly unforgettable. Planning the trip was a bit challenging, as we had to consider weather changes and temperature differences in the area.
Luckily, we were blessed with two days of sunny weather, which allowed us to take in the breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings without any hindrance. The clear blue skies and warm weather made our experience even more enjoyable and unforgettable which gave us a unique perspective of the area and its natural beauty.
Overall, our trip to Lake Kawaguchi was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will always cherish. Despite the challenges we faced during the planning stage, we were able to make the most of our time there and create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
If you're looking for a Yamanashi (Lake Kawaguchi) - Shizuoka itinerary in early spring, make sure to check my blog post from last spring.
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