We will introduce "10 things to do in Yamanashi (Fuji)".

North Entrance Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine

This shrine has a history of over 1900 years. It is said that in 110, Emperor Yamato Takeru was on an expedition to the east when he worshipped the divine spirit of Mt. Fuji and said, "Worship the sacred mountain of Fuji from the north," and built a shrine there. In 788, Ki Toyonari, the governor of Kai Province, built a shrine on the north side of Otsuka Hill. Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine is located at the starting point of the Yoshidaguchi trail, the entrance to climbing Mt. Fuji, so many people come here to pray for a safe climb.

On either side of the worship hall are two sacred trees called "Meoto Hinoki" that are over 1000 years old. The name comes from the fact that the two hinoki trees are connected to form one at the base, then separated and reconnected about 12 meters above the ground.

Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine

It was founded on September 9, 705, in Arakurago, Yatsushiro County, Kai Province, to enshrine him as the guardian deity of the Fuji Kitaguchigo area. It is located on high ground adjacent to the Kenmaruo lava that flowed out during a major eruption in 807. From the observation deck at the top of the stairs, you can get a panoramic view of the town of Fujiyoshida. You can see Mt. Fuji and the five-story pagoda at the same time, and the spectacular view is quintessentially Japanese. In autumn, you can also see the autumn leaves, which is very photogenic.

Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine

It is the oldest shrine on Mount Fuji, enshrined at the second station of the sacred mountain by Fujiwara Yoshitada in 699. It is said that Sakanoue no Tamuramarogo built the main shrine in 807. The shrine has deteriorated badly due to fires caused by volcanic eruptions and the harsh natural environment, and has been rebuilt by the imperial family and powerful military commanders each time. The name "Omuro" comes from the fact that rituals were once held around a circle of stone pillars. Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine is said to bring good fortune in terms of money, and the "Money Luck Stone" within the shrine grounds is said to bring good luck.

Momijidai

This is a place where Mt. Fuji and nature spread out before you, and it is located on the ridge of Mt. Ashiwada, which is just north of Mt. Fuji, south of Lake Saiko, and on the eastern edge of Aokigahara Jukai. After climbing for about 20 minutes, you will reach Sankodai, where you can see Lake Saiko, Lake Motosu, Lake Shoji, Mt. Fuji, Aokigahara Jukai, and the Southern Alps at a glance, and a 360-degree panoramic view spreads out before you. In autumn, the beautiful harmony of the autumn leaves and Mt. Fuji is a magnificent sight.

Lake Yamanaka

Lake Yamanaka, located at an elevation of about 980 meters, is the highest of the Fuji Five Lakes and has a history spanning several thousand years. It has undergone many changes since its formation, and was originally a natural lake formed by the eruption of Mt. Fuji, and is registered as a World Heritage Site. It is also famous as a photo spot for the "inverted Fuji" and "Diamond Fuji" reflections in the pond. Swans are present from November to March, so you can see Mt. Fuji, the lake, and the swans.

Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Village used to be a lake that had been through many eruptions of Mt. Fuji, and gradually drained water from the gap between the foot of Mt. Fuji and the Misaka mountain range, and over a long period of time the lake dried up. Among them, several spring-fed ponds from Mt. Fuji remained, and became the "Oshino Hakkai." The most famous is "Nakaike," an artificial pond, but it is bustling with souvenir shops and tea houses. The eight ponds, centered around Nakaike, are all within walking distance, so be sure to take a walk.

The snow piled up on the thatched hut gives you a glimpse of the good old days of Japanese winter.

Lake Motosu

Formerly known as "Senoumi" (Senomi Sea), it is a vast area stretching from east to west at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji, but it was largely filled by lava flows during the great eruption of Mt. Fuji in 864, resulting in its current shape. It is the deepest and most transparent of the Fuji Five Lakes. The upside-down Mt. Fuji featured on the back of the Hideyo Noguchi 1000 yen bill was taken by Koyo Okada, who is famous for his photos of Mt. Fuji, from Nakanokura Pass Observatory. Lake Motosu has high transparency, so if the weather is good and the lake surface is gentle, you can see a clear upside-down Mt. Fuji.

Itchiku Kubota Art Museum

Located in a great location overlooking Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide for ten consecutive years. The museum exhibits gorgeous kimonos and art works created by the late genius dyeing artist Itchiku Kubota. All of the works have Mt. Fuji as their motif, and tie-dyed kimonos are displayed according to the theme. There is a garden, which is very beautiful during the autumn foliage season.

Narusawa Ice Cave

The cave was created in 864 when lava flowed in from Mt. Nagao, a volcano on the side of Mt. Fuji, and was named "Narusawa Ice Cave" after the place name. It was designated as a national natural monument in 1929. The cave is about 150 meters long, 11 meters wide at its widest point, and 3.6 meters high at its widest point, and the inside is connected in a circular shape, so you can walk around the cave when sightseeing. You can see icicles created by nature, the largest of which is 50 centimeters in diameter.

Local cooking experience class Fujiya

This is a facility in Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Yamanashi Prefecture where you can experience local cuisine and natural dyeing. Support is available in English and Chinese. Experience making soba, udon, and Yamanashi's specialty "hoto." (Hoto is a dish in which flat noodles made from kneaded wheat flour are mixed with ingredients such as pumpkin, potatoes, mushrooms, seasonal vegetables, and meat, and simmered in a miso-based soup.) It is a full-fledged experience that starts with kneading the flour and making the dough. You can also experience making things such as "indigo dyeing with natural ingredients" and "making medicinal shichimi."

summary

We have introduced "10 things to do in Yamanashi (Mt. Fuji)". Momijidai, Lake Yamanaka, Oshino Hakkai, and Lake Motosu are places where you can see Mt. Fuji, which can be said to represent Japan, and each has its own unique characteristics and allows you to see different views of Mt. Fuji. There is also the "Fujiya Local Cuisine Experience Class" where you can experience eating udon and houtou, so you can get a taste of Japaneseness while experiencing it. Please visit Yamanashi where you can fully enjoy Mt. Fuji.