At Fuji Motosuko Resort (Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi), the Fuji Shibazakura Festival—one of the largest in the Kanto region—will start on Saturday, April 11, 2026, featuring around 500,000 moss phlox plants in full color. A breathtaking carpet of pink moss phlox…
Kawaguchiko Ohashi is the only bridge across Lake Kawaguchiko, about 500 meters long, running from the Ubuyagasaki side on the north shore to the Herb Hall side on the south. It is free to walk or cycle, and on a…
When you see the iconic image of a five-storied pagoda with Mount Fuji soaring in the background, you’re looking at Arakurayama Sengen Park. But many visitors take their photo and leave, missing the profound history and spiritual heart of the…
Chureito Pagoda (忠霊塔) sits on Arakurayama in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi — a five-storied 1963 peace memorial reached by climbing the 398 Sakuya-hime stairs. The view: Mt. Fuji framed by the pagoda’s tiered eaves, and during peak cherry blossom in mid-April, an…
Mt. Fuji’s sakura window is April 8 – April 16 in 2026 for the main viewing spots (Chureito Pagoda, Lake Kawaguchiko) — roughly 7-10 days behind central Tokyo because of the higher elevation. Higher lakes (Yamanakako, Motosuko) extend the season…
At the base of Mt. Fuji, the city of Fujiyoshida is known for its deep connection to the textile industry. But beyond the hum of weaving machines lies a district that tells a different story—a story of post-war revelry, Showa-era…
At the foot of Mt. Fuji, Lake Yamanakako offers some of the finest views in Japan, from the iconic “Diamond Fuji” to serene swans gliding on its waters at sunrise. Planning your trip to this stunning destination in the Fuji…
Yamanashi · Fujikawaguchiko · Mt Fuji By Nobu · Updated September 2026 · I walked up to the torii on 9 February 2026; the photographs are from that morning. The contribution, the bus fare and the trail closure were re-checked…
Do not climb Mt. Fuji outside official season Mt. Fuji’s official climbing season is early July to early September. Outside this window every summit route is closed, the huts on those routes are shut, no resident rescue team is on…
Navigating the journey from the bustling metropolis of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Lake Kawaguchiko, the gateway to Mt. Fuji, can often feel like the first challenge of your trip. With multiple options available, each with its own trade-offs…
Nearly every image on Hidden Japan Gems was photographed by me on a Sony α7 across five years of walking Japan; a few licensed photos fill the gaps. Please don't re-use my photos without permission — reach out if you'd like to.
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