Five Lakes at the foot of the Mt. Fuji
Many tourists take the plunge of climbing Mt. Fuji, which is very one of the leading activities in Japan. However, there is another choice to see this beautiful mountain from the foot of the mountain, and this land has five lakes which are the wonderful destination of sightseeing.
The region of five lakes of Mt. Fuji, or Fuji Goko is composed by Lakes Yamanakako, Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Shojiko, and Motosuko (ko signifies "lake" in Japanese) and they are in the Yamanashi prefecture, in the west of Tokyo.
We can also enjoy many hot springs in this foot of the volcane and there are also nice museums like the museum Kubota Ichiku where you find the fantastic collection of kimono, or you can enjoy the beautiful landscape of the holy mountain from the flowered parks like Fuji Motosuko Resort and fantastic shibazakura (literally "lawn cherry blossom").
The volcanic soil also made the forest of Aokigahara, called "sea of trees" aged more than 1200 years old. There are not many animals. The characterstic of this forest is the stillness.
Among those five lakes, we recommend you to go to the lake Kawaguchi. It is very famous with the lake reflection of north slope of Mt Fuji like a morror of the mountain which is so photogenic.
The scenery of Mt. Fuji is breathtaking, and it is so magnificent in all seasons: It is one of the famous places for the hanami when the cherry blossom season and also for the automne when the leaves change the colours. The lake Kagaguchi is also the departure point of climbing the mountain.
The other four lakes are so beautiful but less landscaped and accesible than lake Kawaguchi. It is an excellent resort area for the people who love the nature. There are nice hotels and guest houses in the lakeshore.
Additionally, 2km from the lake Kagaguchi, there is Fuji Q Highland Park where is the famous roller coaster which is the fastest and highest of the country, and it is so appreciated by the people who enjoy strong sensations.
In this park, there is also the Super Scary Labyrinth of fear, a haunted mansion which is the biggest and most scary of all over the worls. A haunted hospital infested by zombies from who you have to escape. It is regurally added other new materials inside of the rooms.
The local speciality is the hoto, thick noodles in a soup composed by miso and vegetables as kabocha, Japanese squash which is slightly sweetened. It is said that the most powerful warlord Takeda Shingen (16th century) used to eat before the war.
This region is appreciated by the people who like hiking and bicycle and you can enjoy the wild nature not too far from the capital.
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Click here to see our excursions "Beautiful landscape of Mt. Fuji and stay in a room with a view".