Yamanaka Lake, one of the Five Lakes of Mount Fuji, is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. It offers a serene and picturesque setting with stunning views of Mount Fuji. Yamanaka Lake is beautiful year-round, with each season offering unique attractions: in spring, you can enjoy cherry blossoms, while autumn brings vibrant fall foliage.
Things to Do:
Visit the Lake Yamanaka Sightseeing Boat: Take a boat tour to enjoy the panoramic views of Mount Fuji.
Explore the Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park: For thrill-seekers, Fuji-Q Highland is a must-visit.
Visit the Kitaguchi Hongū Fuji Sengen Jinja (北口本宮冨士浅間神社): Approaching the shrine, visitors traverse a serene path lined with ancient cedar trees and illuminated by rows of stone lanterns. The shrine complex, with its vibrant red buildings, features a main hall dating back to 1615, a traditional dancing stage, and several supporting structures.
Hike Mount Fuji: For experienced hikers, climbing Mount Fuji is a bucket-list experience.
Considerations
Pros: Yamanaka Lake offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. Whether you're seeking a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, Yamanaka Lake is definitely worth considering.
Cons: Public transportation to Yamanaka Lake is less frequent compared to Lake Kawaguchi.
Mount Fuji is often obscured by clouds, occasionally emerging from their grasp. Capturing its majestic view can be challenging due to this frequent cloud cover. The following photos were captured during my two-day stay at Lake Yamanaka.
Swans in Front, Swan Lake Sightseeing Boat in the Back
A Picture-Perfect View: Okayama Castle from Korakuen
Okayama Korakuen, a masterpiece of Edo-era landscape design, was created over a decade, beginning in 1687. This stroll-style garden features expansive lawns, serene ponds, and elegant bridges, all interconnected by a winding 640-meter waterway.
The garden features historical buildings, including the feudal lord's living room, Enyotei「延養亭」, and the Noh stage「能舞台」. While typically closed to the public, these areas are occasionally opened for special events such as the Enyotei Special Opening (twice a year), Noh stage performances, and Japanese cultural experiences.
The photos below were taken on 11/30/2024 during my visit to Okayama Korakuen. The garden features large lawns, ponds, artificial hills, and teahouses connected by pathways and waterways. It's designed for strolling and enjoying the changing scenery. A curved waterway runs through the garden, forming ponds and waterfalls for a beautiful waterscape.
A temizuya water pavilion (手水舎) within the shrine's grounds allows for ritual purification before approaching the deity
Nestled at the foot of majestic Mount Fuji, Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine holds a significant place in Japanese spirituality. Dedicated to Princess Konohanasakuya, the Shinto deity associated with the sacred mountain, this shrine is one of over a thousand Fuji Sengen shrines scattered across the nation.
Formally known as Kitaguchi Hongū Fuji Sengen Jinja (北口本宮冨士浅間神社 or "North Entrance Fuji Sengen Shrine"), it serves as the principal shrine on Mount Fuji's northern slopes. Its counterpart, Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha, resides on the mountain's southern side in Fujinomiya.
Approaching the shrine, visitors traverse a serene path lined with ancient cedar trees and illuminated by rows of stone lanterns. The shrine complex, with its vibrant red buildings, features a main hall dating back to 1615, a traditional dancing stage, and several supporting structures.
The Majesty of Fuji Sengen: A Sensory Experience(YouTube link)
Niiname-sai 新嘗祭: A Harvest Thanksgiving(YouTube link)
Photo Gallery
As I approached Fuji Sengen Shrine, I was struck by the presence of towering cedar trees, reminiscent of those I encountered at Kasugataisha Shrine in Nara. While Fuji Sengen Shrine may not possess the same grandeur as Kasugataisha, it possesses a unique scale and ambiance that distinguishes it from many other Shinto shrines across Japan.
A path lined with ancient stone lanterns and towering cedar trees leads to the entrance of the shrine
Blazing autumn colors adorned the stream winding through the forest within the shrine's grounds
Golden leaves from a majestic Gingko tree cascaded down, blanketing the shrine's grounds
The Nniiname-sai Festival (新嘗祭) was celebrated at the shrine's dancing stage
Traditional Taisha-kagura, ancient Shinto music and dance, were performed
