Field report from the 900-year-old Takeda-style yabusame at Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine, Lake Kawaguchiko. 12-photo slideshow, day timeline, photography tips, and the date for 2027.
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…
Imagine standing in the crisp mountain air, the vast expanse of Lake Kawaguchiko shimmering before you, and the iconic, snow-capped peak of Mt. Fuji commanding the horizon. For many travelers planning a trip to the Fuji Five Lakes region, finding…
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…
Tenku no Torii (天空の鳥居 / 富士山遥拝所 Fujisan Yohaijo) is a vermillion torii gate perched on a hillside above Lake Kawaguchi, framing Mt. Fuji directly through its opening. Established in 2019 by Kawaguchi Asama Shrine as a yohai (distant worship) site,…
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…
Nestled in the quiet mountains north of Lake Kawaguchiko lies a hidden gem steeped in history and natural beauty: Haha no Shirataki (母の白滝), or the Mother’s White Waterfall. While stunning year-round, it transforms into a breathtaking ice sculpture in the…
Dreaming of seeing Japan’s iconic peak draped in a pristine blanket of white? A winter trip to see the Mt Fuji snow is an unforgettable experience, but it requires careful planning. The crisp, clear air of winter offers the best…
Planning a trip to Japan’s most iconic peak? You might be wondering what the best time to see Mt Fuji is. While many assume summer is the ideal season, data reveals a surprising truth: winter offers the most breathtaking and…
Mt. Fuji · Visibility · Live Is Mt. Fuji Visible Today? A 2026 Forecast Guide by a Fujiyoshida Local December: 86% of mornings clear. July: 14%. Most travellers don’t realise the gap. The 33-year monthly data, the live tools that…
Every image on Hidden Japan Gems was personally photographed on a Sony α7 across five years of walking Japan. Please don't re-use without permission — reach out if you'd like to.
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