Mt. Fuji & Fuji Five Lakes

Introduction Lake Motosu is one of my favorite places around Mt. Fuji — less crowded, more scenic, and full of hidden charm.On this trip, I hiked up to the Nakanokura Pass, the exact spot that appears on Japan’s 1,000 yen bill, and the view was breathtaking.After the hike, I stopped by a small local restaurant […]

Intro – Discovering Lake Saiko: A Quiet Escape Near Mt. Fuji While most travelers head to Kawaguchiko, I often visit Lake Saiko when I want peace and quiet.Surrounded by forest and calm water, it feels like time slows down here.On this visit, I explored Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a village with traditional thatched-roof houses, and

When most people think about Japanese convenience stores, they picture cheap meals and quick snacks. But in places like Kawaguchiko — nestled near Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi — these everyday shops offer something more.From hōtō-style instant noodles to Shine Muscat sweets and Fuji-themed souvenirs, local konbini reflect the flavors and spirit of the region.In this