Kawaguchiko - Stunning Views of Mount Fuji

Kawaguchiko is the most bustling of the Fuji Five Lakes, thanks to its proximity to the train station. On our last day, we had to wake up early to head to the eastern side of Kawaguchiko and look south towards Mount Fuji, waiting for the sunrise to reflect the mountain in the lake. To catch the sunrise, we stayed at a ryokan in Yamanakako Azagawa, located on the eastern side of Kawaguchiko. From the ryokan, it was just a short walk to the lakeside to see Mount Fuji. ~ Kawaguchiko ~ The highlight of viewing Mount Fuji from the Fuji Five Lakes is its reflection. We were very fortunate to have clear weather at sunrise, with the sunlight casting a reddish glow on the mountain's peak, creating a breathtaking sight. As expected, Mount Fuji was perfectly reflected in Kawaguchiko. Despite the cold temperatures, it did not deter us from enjoying the elegant view. ~ Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park ~ After watching the sunrise, we returned to the ryokan for a brief rest and a hearty breakfast before heading out again. We took the cable car to Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park to enjoy a panoramic view of Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji. Note that this cable car ride is not covered by the travel pass, marking our first out-of-pocket transportation expense in three days, highlighting the value of the pass. From the top, the view was even more expansive, but unfortunately, clouds had started to gather around Mount Fuji's peak, obscuring the clear view we had just two hours earlier. ~ Chureito Pagoda ~ As we left Kawaguchiko, we took the Fujikyu Railway to another famous spot, Chureito Pagoda in Shimoyoshida. Although the pagoda is located on a hill, the path is manageable with either a slope or stairs, making it accessible for most, though not ideal for the elderly. The unique feature of this spot is the ability to capture both the pagoda and Mount Fuji in one frame, blending traditional Japanese shrine architecture with the iconic mountain. Direct trains from Mount Fuji to Tokyo, such as the Fuji Express or Fuji Excursion, are limited and often fully booked, so it's essential to reserve in advance. The last train departs before dusk, so we had to leave Mount Fuji in the afternoon on our fourth day. This trip was incredibly fulfilling, allowing us to view Mount Fuji from various angles, including from the Enoden train, Shichirigahama Beach, Hakone Pirate Ship, the old Yoshida Shopping Street, the shores of Kawaguchiko, and outside Chureito Pagoda. It covered all the quintessential Japanese experiences. If you're a Mount Fuji enthusiast like me, I highly recommend this four-day, three-night leisurely trip around Mount Fuji. With just one pass, you can explore multiple locations without much hassle, making it very convenient!