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Mount Fuji and Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko)

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  • Outline
    Many natural and historical attractions dot around Mount Fuji such as Fuji-Q Highland (amusement park), golf courses, ski sites and hot springs. They make this area very popular for sightseeing throughout the year.

  • Mount Fuji and Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko)
    Located at the foot of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi prefecture, Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko) consists of Lake Motosu, Lake Shoji, Saiko (Western Lake), Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka. Lake Kawaguchi is the best gateway for mountain climbing and sightseeing of this area. All lakes were formed by previous eruptions of Mount Fuji and have been designated as the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

  • Geography and Climate
    Mount Fuji is an active volcano straddling the boundary of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. It is the Japan's highest peak at 3,776 meters and one of the three most famous (sacred) mountains. It has been designated as the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

  • Historical Features
    Mount Fuji was worshipped since ancient times (Mount Fuji belief). The headquarter of this belief is the Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha (Sengen Shrine). There stands Okumiya (the innermost sanctuary) on the summit and it enshrines the God of Mount Fuji. Most of the lands above the eighth stations belong to the shrine.

  • Industry and Festival
    Silk fabric is the specialty goods around the five lakes area since sericulture has thrived through the ages.

Mount Fuji

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  • Mount Fuji Outline
    Mount Fuji is an active volcano straddling the boundary of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. It is the Japan's highest peak at 3,776 meters and one of the three most famous (sacred) mountains. It has been designated as the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

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  • Climbing
    Most popular period to hike up Mount Fuji is from 1 July to the end of August, while most of the huts are operating. Some of the routes will be closed because of the remaining snow until the mid of July. The first foreign summiteer was Sir Rutherford Alcock, who is the first British diplomatic representative in Japan. There is his climbing monument in the new fifth station in Fujinomiya route.
    For Climbing Mt.Fuji

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  • The Fifth Stations
    There are four major starting points for the climbing routes: Yoshida (Lake Kawaguchi), Fujinomiya, Subashiri and Gotenba. All of them are in the fifth stations or the new fifth stations, where are the ends of the mortorway, but they have the different elevations. For example, the highest elevation is Fujinomiya at around 2,400 meters, while Gotenba's new fifth station is at around 1,400 meters. There is a 1,000 meters disparity between each points. Meanwhile, the ends of the routes are called "the summit" and regarded as reaching the summit, although it is not the highest point of Mount Fuji, which is Kengamine.

Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko)

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  • Fuji Five Lakes
    Located at the foot of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi prefecture, Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko) consists of Lake Motosu, Lake Shoji, Saiko (Western Lake), Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka. Lake Kawaguchi is the best gateway for mountain climbing and sightseeing of this area. All lakes were formed by previous eruptions of Mount Fuji and have been designated as the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

  • Lake Kawaguchi
    Lake Kawaguchi is located in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi prefecture and serves as a major hub for sightseeing for Fuji Five Lakes and Mount Fuji. It is the second largest of the five lakes.

  • Lake Yamanaka
    Lake Yamanaka is the southeasternmost lake located in Yamanakakomura, Yamanashi prefecture. It is the largest and highest of the five lakes, which is to say that it is the third highest in Japan.

  • Lake Shoji
    Lake Shoji is located in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi prefecture, and it is the smallest lake of the five lakes. Lake Shoji, Lake Motosu and Saiko (Western Lake) are thought to be once a big lake due to their same water levels.

  • Lake Motosu
    Lake Motosu straddles Fujikawaguchiko and Minobu in Yamanashi prefecture. It is the deepest and the third largest of the five lakes. Lake Motosu is also famous as the model of the pictures in the back side of one and five thousand-yen notes.

  • Saiko (Western Lake)
    Located in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi prefecture, Saiko (Western Lake) is the fourth largest lake of the five lakes and famous for Fuji spherical moss. There are many camp sites and local lodges with the various facilities suitable for the school trip.
Fujikawaguchiko Sightseeing information site

Sightseeing guide

  • Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
    The Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park consists of 4 areas: Mount Fuji area, Hakone area, Izu Peninsula area and Izu Islands area.

  • Oshino Hakkai (Springs of Mount Fuji)
    Oshino Hakkai is the eight springs made from melting snow of Mount Fuji. It has been designated as a national monument, the best 100 waters and the new best 100 view points of Mount Fuji.

  • Fuji-Q Highland
    Fuji-Q Highland is one of the most famous amusement parks in Japan. They feature the various mega roller coasters such as eejanaika accredited as the world's best in the total number of spin by Guiness World Record and FUJIYAMA, "the king of roller coaster". Thomasland and Hamtaro's Kingdom are also popular with families.
    FUJIKYU HIGHLAND

  • Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengenjinja
    The shrine flourished as a sacred spot for Mount Fuji belief. Many climbers worship at the shrine to pray their safe before climbing. Three shrine pavilions has been designated as important cultural properties and the unique structures are worth to visit.

  • Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave
    The lava caves were formed by the eruptions of Mount Fuji in 864 and designated as national monument in 1929. You can see the natural icicles in the caves throughout a year due to the low temperature. Some hiking courses and the guided tours are available around the caves.

  • Museum
    Many museums dot around Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka. Kawaguchiko Museum of Art features Mount Fuji-themed works as the permanent exhibition, and it boasts a gorgeous view from the observation lounge and the garden. While Yamanakako Museum exhibits the various collections such as the famous printmaker's works from home and abroad.

Gourmet

  • Houtou
    Houtou is one of the local cuisines of the areas around Yamanashi prefecture. It's a kind of vesitable stew cooked with the dough or noodles made by the flour in Miso soup.

  • Yoshida Udon Noodle
    Yoshida Udon noodle is a local specialty of Fujiyoshida and Gunnai area in Yamanashi prefecture.

  • Oshino Soba Noodle
    Oshino Hakkai is famous for the Soba noodle made with the good spring water.

Event

  • Spring_Fuji Shibazakura Festival
    The festival is held during the end of April and the beginning of May every year. It's a perfect opportunity to see about 700,000 cherry trees (Shibazakura) with the blossoms.

  • Summer_Fujiyoshida Fire Festival
    Called Fujiyoshida Fire Festival, the annual event is to pray fire extinguishment held on 26 and 27 August. It is also the autumn festival for Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine and Suwa Shrine.

  • Autumn_Lake Kawaguchi Foliage Festival
    Lake Kawaguchi Foliage Festival is held during the end of October and the mid of November when the leaves begin to turn red in Lake Kawaguchi. The main venue is Momiji Cloister in Kawaguchiko Museum of Art Street, where 60 old maple trees illuminated beautifully.

  • Winter_Winter Fireworks Display "Dance on the Lake"
    This annual event delights people with the fabulous fireworks in the winter sky above Lake Kawaguchi. Some parts will be changed every year, so that you can enjoy it every time!

Transportation

  • Retro-bus
    The retro-styled cruise bus runs the surrounding area of Lake Kawaguchi and Saiko (Western Lake).
    more info

  • Fujikko-go
    Fujikko-go runs Fujiyoshida, Oshino Hakkai and Lake Yamanaka and it is very convenient for sightseeing of the Lake Yamanaka area. You can purchase a coupon which allows unlimited ride for two days.
    more info

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