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1. October 31, 2016
Awesome 2 day trip to top 5 sights in Fuji Five Lakes area
Japan
www.couchflyer.com /2-day-trip-top-5-sights-fuji-five-lakes-japan/
A weekend family trip to Mt Fuji Lake Kawaguchiko Lake Saiko Asama
Shrine Wind Cave and Yoshino Sato
The weather this year has been rather unusual. No summer, just rain. Apparently the second wettest season in
recorded history of Japan. The wettest was the year 1961 when heavy typhoon triggered massive landslides
destroying what was known as the most beautiful village of Japan. It was beside lake Saiko facing Mt Fuji. We will
talk more about it later here. The route to lake Saiko starts from the hilly rail station of Lake Kawaguchiko. Asama
shrine is within a short distance of Kawaguchiko station. Wind cave falls on the way to Yoshino Sato village. These
are the top 5 sites you must visit if going on a weekend trip to Fuji 5 lakes area. And got a family with kids. And
looking for a refreshing break not a hurried rush. That is how this awesome 2 day trip top 5 sights in Fuji five lakes
area happened. Let’s begin.
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2. Recommended 2 day trip top 5 sights in Fuji five lakes area
Click to see Article Summary Slideshare
A bit of Intro
The Fuji five lakes formed several thousand years ago, due to a volcanic eruption. Rivers blocked turned into lakes.
Dense forest now covers most of the peaks around, except Mt.Fuji which is currently dormant but have a hot
underlayer spewing sulphuric vapors through the porous upper layer.
Without any green cover, having uniform
gradient on all sides, Mt Fuji looks more like
an engineered structure , rather than a
natural formation. The 3776 M high peak
rises gradually up all the way from near sea
level. Visible from as far as Tokyo this
imposing giant has been revered across
Japan as the seat of the heavens. A sight to
cherish a place to honor. The five lakes
around it formed a beautiful surrounding. On
clear days the reflection of the peak on the
waters of Lake Kawaguichiko, the largest of the five lakes,
inspire tired souls.
Journey Starts – 2 day trip top 5 sights in Fuji
five lakes
This time we were to stay at a lakeside cottage by the lake
Kawaguchiko. And decided to take local bus trips to places
around. Itinerary included this village Yoshin Sato known
as Japan’s most beautiful village. And also the lava caves formed thousands of years ago around lake Saiko. If one
is visiting Japan for a month or more then visiting Mt Fuji is a natural thing. Booking a two story cottage having a
clear view of Mt Fuji from the onsen or the garden – it just happened.
But the unusually heavy rain all through the summer months worried us. The weather seemed ready to spoil all
plans.
just the day before departure the sky cleared. Prediction for the weekend was sunny! When we reached hotel our
host greeted us saying this would be only the 5th or 6th times in the entire previous two months when Mt Fuji was
expected to be visible! And man how awesome that can be. We were to discover soon.
By train or bus – 2 hours
From Shinjuku all highway buses were full. Thanks to satellite weather monitoring the entire Tokyo knew this was
The weekend to go visit Mt Fuji and its five lakes. Car rental was also out of question. The only other but costlier
option was to buy train tickets. By the way when someone says costly in Japan you better mind it. Some stuff
otherwise normal outside can cost an arm and a leg in Japan.
Be that as it may, journey by train meant it was more spacious. When you have kids you know what a difference to
your travel experience it can make.
Are we there yet? Well ah …look there’s that nice car you see we are going faster than that … Can’t you see? A
chocolate ? No, candy? She has got the larger one…
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3. Kawaguchiko Station Redline bus and KachiKachi Ropeway
View off Kachi Kachi Ropeway
1st of top 5 sights –
the Kachi Kachi
Ropeway
The Train we boarded was
direct to Kawaguchiko.
Within Two hours we were
at destination. Recharged
selves with fresh hot bowls
of udon and curry rice.
Luggage at station locker,
we boarded the local Red
line bus.
First point of interest was
Kachi Kachi Ropeway.
Walkable from station. But
we are couch flyers,
walking is too much work.
Unfortunately, the bus
encountered a group of
tourists from some other
Far East Asian country. All
11 of them. the bus could
accommodate barely 2
more. Negotiation started –
2 more not 8 more? Are
you sure? Ah what did you
say – Yes? Home country
norms understandably
dictated the outcome. Did you ever feel jealous of canned sardines before ?
Kachi Kachi was a nice change. The sun was already turning orange. Fuji in the
silhouette, it’s entire form as if a gentle giant rising from earth. Customary photo
done we headed for the steamer station below.
The 2nd – Lake Kawaguchiko cruise
Hill regions tend to draw into darkness sooner. The long shadows of the peaks
around Fuji fell on lake Kawaguchiko. In between the water sparkled, colored in
Orange Afternoon glow.
Viewing the surroundings from the open deck of the steamer, one could see the
huge Mt Fuji standing tall amongst the blue-grey mountain ranges in the horizon.
Few tourists were rowing the small boats. Cranes flying back. Evening was about to
set in.
End of Day 1 – onsen and zzz…
Headed back to Kawaguchiko station. Collected luggage, waited for the pick up van from hotel. Ours was a serviced
cottage. We picked up groceries from Ogino, the local supermarket. The warm wood paneled two storied cottage
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4. Sun setting – view from Kachi Kachi top point
with heated floor felt so welcoming! A quick trip to the covered in-premise onsen, and we were in dreamland.
Day 2 a clear morning
Next morning was bright. Headed towards the lake, a 3
minutes walk. Autumn Sun rays were gently brushing the
lake. A layer of Mist still covered the lake surface. One or
two fishermen already were out with their boats. Fuji was
yet not visible. Drew in deep breathes. Such freshness.
Sight #3 – The magnificent Asama Shrine
After breakfast checked out. Kept the luggage with the
hotel. Walked towards Asama shrine. Said to be twelve
hundred years old it is remarkable due to the giant cedars in
its premises. An ambiance of peace and quietude reigned.
Sound of a nearby waterfall was the only sound that could
be heard. Apart from our own footsteps. Barely any visitor.
The vermilion colored huge entrance gate -the Torii -
seemed standing there lost in its own.
The shrine was hidden amongst the tall pines and the cedars. Cedars were planted in formation mimicking the Big
Dipper constellation. Why ? Nobody has an answer. The cedars themselves – Giant, aged, experienced, but alas,
silent.
An old person came out from a nearby shop. Curious he asked us where we are from what are we for in Japan etc.
Then slid into a monologue about how great this shrine once was – it’s history, tradition. With childish Enthusiasm
he went ahead up to the shrine porch, pushed a door ajar. A ginormous paper lantern hung. Door shut, another door
opened. A mikoshi, richly decorated, colors somewhat paled, came into view. It’s a wooden shrine carried on
shoulders by devotees around neighborhood, He explained many things. But unfortunately our limited vocabulary,
and time, drew the conversation to closure. Wish we planned better!
We were dropped back to Kawaguchiko station courtesy hotel pickup and drop off service. This time another two
tourists were in the van. sounded French to us, if not Greek. We were to get into Greenline bus today. Redlines
travel locally around Kawaguchiko. Green lines cover a larger tourist circle, including lake Saiko.
Next leg by Green line – all the way to Lake Saiko
In such trips normally we take care to mark a nearby Combini – Japan’s ubiquitous neighborhood convenient stores
selling everything. For us combinis have stood there in all times good or bad. In the beginning When what’s your
name was too difficult a question to comprehend. And then now and then providing us with hot meals when we are
too tired. Or just lazy.. Cakes/pasta/curry rice/ cup noodles – good enough. Though certainly not good enough for
you planning to relish a leisurely meal. A proper restaurant served meal. Kawaguchiko station area for that matter is
not the best place anyway. We picked up our grub from the Combini right outside. Stood in queue for Greenline.
The one ticket for redline also works for Greenline. Both economical and convenient. Didn’t have to wait long. Soon
we were out into the less touristy more natural surroundings of the greater Kawaguchiko area. Cottages by the
lakeside, fishing boats, and blue lake reflecting images of green peaks. forest still dense in certain areas, roots
covered by algae fed by fresh rain, part of the Aokigahara forest land.
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5. Destination # 4 – Wind Cave
Our first destination in this leg of the trip was wind cave. A lava cave formed after the bubbles in the cooling lava
burst. Said to be of lower gradient, safe for kids and senior citizens. Part of the cave complex that opens at other end
known as ice cave. Hidden in forest under ground, these caves stay cold through the out the year. Icy stalactites
form inside the Ice cave in winter. The locals used to store grains and silk cocoons. Introduction of Commercial
refrigerators led to gradual disuse. But now the tourism authority has taken over. tourists visit in droves. Electrical
Lights, stairs, a more or less paved passageway helps navigate inside. Grains and silk cocoons are still kept inside,
only for demonstration though.
A bit about the bus stop – sorry solved the puzzle!
Greenline bus reaches wind cave passing by the bat cave and the beautiful village known as Yoshino no
Sato.Greenlines makes a loop around Yoshino Sato, right before visiting the wind cave and again right after.
Somewhat like USA??!
From bus stop we crossed the road and walked a short distance to the ticket gate. The entire area is covered in
green forest. Save for the grass covered parking area outside the forest entrance. Kept reminding me of our trip to
the Kentucky caves, USA. Only this area perhaps receives much more rain. So the tree roots are covered in moss.
Wind cave indeed was as exciting as we expected. Not too difficult. entry was two flights of stairs down. Usually
Rain drenched, needed careful steps. challenge was the low ceiling. Lights did show warnings at critical places. The
navigable path inside was just about fifty feet or so. Thereafter it narrowed further making it difficult for normal
tourists. Spelunking enthusiasts may continue though, perhaps emerging out at the ice cave end. Ice cave can also
be reached by a well marked path from a point near the ticket gate. Other option in case you are interested is to take
a bus to the next stop around the forest. We didn’t. not this time.
Headed back to the same Redline bus stop where we got down across the road. Today’s next destination – Yoshino
Sato.
Experience #5 – Yoshino Sato
The bus dropped us at a stop next to a narrow
river. It’s a wide plain valley, surrounded by
peaks. The river runs a short distance before
meeting lake Saiko. Color of water in lake
Saiko is green, the color of the forest covered
hill ranges. Yoshino Sato village is a little walk
up. Down here in the valley there is a small
market next to the bus stop. It caters to the
villagers and tourists alike. Roasted corns,
grilled fish on a stick, fresh farm produce.
touristy brick a brack. Asked the owner of the
shop selling polished chips of colored stones
as jewelry – are these sourced locally? A
sheepish smile was the only answer.
The way to village went up by the side of the
stream. It is October. white blooms of kans
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6. The Kawaguchiko Cruise
Sun rays highlighting the contrast of blue water and green grass
grass (saccharum spontaneum) filled the two
sides. Ripe pumpkins in the vegetable patches
reminded Halloween was approaching. The
sky appeared extra blue.
It is all about the experience…
Yoshino Sato is described as the most
beautiful village in Japan. It is a collection of
thatched roof cottages. With gardens, stream,
small bridges, and narrow winding pathways.
Mt Fuji is right in front, covering the entire
horizon from one side to the other! The village
is virtually in its lap. On its other sides the
greenish blue hill ranges extend as far as eyes
can see. One British foreign ambassador
compared it with Switzerland. No exaggeration
here. we did feel as if we went back to
somewhere in the Interlaken area. Picture
perfect.
There’s a kimono rental available in one of the cottages. Very thoughtfully it also offers rental for men. gorgeous
samurai dress with armour headgear and sword! At a Very reasonable price. There was a queue. Queue for rental.
Queue for taking photos at the best location – on the bridge over the stream with Mt Fuji in the background. Queues
discourage some, but not our could-be queen. Statutory photos done, returned dress and headed for the other
cottages. Each cottage serves to showcase some form of traditional Japanese art and craft. Wood craft, paper
making, clay modeling etc. visitors can participate, and buy. Run under supervision by tourism authorities.
And a bit of tragedy mixed…
Originally the village was much larger. But the 1961 typhoon triggered major landslide destroying much of life and
property. We sneaked in this one and that one, without really any particular interest. The day’s journey was
beginning to take its toll. but then our junior most member came running up to us excitedly pointing to an yard
between two cottages few feet below. Some kids, as well as their moms and dads were walking around on stilts!
Well trying,mostly. Appeared that stilt walking was a tradition in these areas. To help tourists have a feel of the times
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7. Evening descending on Kawaguchiko
Click to see Article Summary Slideshare
the authorities kindly kept a few stilts. Both junior and senior sizes. Free to try. And so we did.
By this time the sky turned orange. The peaks on the western horizon cast long shadows. Top of Mt. Fuji was no
longer visible, covered in clouds. Time to return.
Journey ends …till the next
By the time we reached station the sun was already gone, leaving only a reddish hue on the western sky. Street
lights lit up. The kids seemed ready to fall into sleep anytime soon. It would be years later when they look back into
photos of this day they will realize how lucky they were. A golden weekend at one of world’s iconic place. For now
they were only too happy to have collected their mementos – lapel pins with writing Mt Fuji world heritage site. Train
started. a huge golden moon was rising. It was full moon night. Reclined back into the seat. In two hours the neon
lights of the mega city Tokyo would push us back into our cage. Bound by time. Till then…
COMING SHORTLY…Fall colors and Nikko
Meanwhile check out the following
Fall colors in Kyoto- Tofukuji
Fall colors in Kyoto- Day 1
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8. Click to download as PDF
Dawn breaking on Mt Fuji
Related
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9. clear autumn sun onMt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko
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10. Asama Shrine and the 1200 year old cedars
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11. Wind cave near Lake Saiko
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12. View from around Yoshino Sato
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13. Yoshino sato a picture postcard village
Click to download as PDF
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14. Quick QR
Autumn in Kyoto
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