t Lake Kawaguchi in fall, with Mount Fuji shrouded in cloud on the horizon

Experience Beyond Tokyo

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Near the base of Mount Fuji is Lake Kawaguchi, a serene expanse of water surrounded by forests and hot springs. The eastern shore is the most developed, with bus and rail links to Tokyo and most of the area’s hotels, restaurants, and shops. Head around the lake to the north, however, and you’ll find some startlingly lovely views of the mountain, especially when the leaves turn red around October.

Highlights of the Lake Kawaguchi area include the quirky Kawaguchiko Music Forest, which focuses entirely on automatic instruments like music boxes and mechanical organs. A little farther along the lake’s north shore is the Itchiko Kubota Museum, dedicated to the eponymous kimono artist. The building and grounds are full of fascinating artworks and breathtaking kimonos.

From the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, the Mount Kachi Kachi Ropeway whisks you to the observation deck on Mount Tenjo in just a few minutes, offering uninterrupted views toward Mount Fuji. You can also hike up to the observation deck.

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Kawaguchiko Music Forest

⌂ 3077-20 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko # 9:30am–5:30pm daily ¢ Late Jan ∑ fuji.kawaguchikomusicforest.jp

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Itchiko Kubota Museum

⌂ 2255 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi # Times vary, see website ¢ Late Jan ∑ itchiku-museum.com

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Mount Kachi Kachi Ropeway

⌂ 1163 Azagawa, Fujikawaguchiko-machi # Mar–Nov: 9am–5pm daily; Dec–Feb: 9:30am–4:30pm daily ∑ mtfujiropeway.jp

The largest of the five lakes in the area, and the closest to Mount Fuji, Lake Yamanaka is a little less developed and crowded than Lake Kawaguchi. It offers glorious views of Mount Fuji, and several relaxing ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) and onsen (hot springs), some boasting mountain views from their outdoor baths.

This area is a great base for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and kayaking. As well as enjoying the area’s abundant natural beauty – particularly along the less-developed north shore – you can see colorful seasonal flowers at the Hananomiyako Koen flower park. From the first green shoots of spring to summer’s bold sunflowers, the blooms always complement Mount Fuji looming on the horizon.

t Brilliant flowers in bloom at Hananomiyako Koen park by Lake Yamanaka

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Hananomiyako Koen

⌂ 1650 Yamanaka, Yamanakako-mura # Times vary, see website ∑ hananomiyakokouen.jp

The small village of Oshino is dotted around eight clear, cool ponds – collectively known as the Oshino Hakkai – which are fed by snowmelt from Mount Fuji. Locals have developed a thriving tourist economy by carefully maintaining the traditional atmosphere and beautiful scenery, creating a spot that remains picturesque and pleasant despite the occasional summer crowds.

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Chureito Pagoda

⌂ 3353-1 Arakura, Fujiyoshida £ Shimoyoshida, then a 20 minute walk # 24 hours daily

t View of Mount Fuji from the hillside behind Chureito Pagoda

Part of Sengen Shrine, this five-story pagoda sits on a hillside with jaw-dropping views of Mount Fuji rising on the horizon. The Sengen shrine dates from the eighth century, but the pagoda itself was built in 1963 as a peace memorial. It’s a long uphill walk from the nearest station to the pagoda, but the effort is worth it when the weather is fine and Mount Fuji is on full display. Even on cloudy days when the mountain may be obscured by cloud, the pagoda itself is beautiful and iconic landmark.

EXPERIENCE Beyond Tokyo