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.
The observatory offers an unobstructed view of Mount Fuji and Lake Yamanaka, often featured among the "Eight Views of Fuji" (Fuji Hakkei). The scene changes with the time of day and season:
Sunrise and Sunset: Mount Fuji and the sky glow in vibrant hues.
Autumn: Slopes of Mount Myojin become a sea of golden susuki (Japanese pampas grass).
The Yamanakako Ice Candles Festival, held annually in February at Lake Yamanaka, is a highlight of Diamond Fuji Week.
On February 23, 2025, from 4:30 p.m., hundreds of ice candles are lit at Yamanakako Communication Plaza Kirara, with a backdrop of Mt. Fuji. The event ends with a fireworks display at 6:30 p.m.
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.
Mt. Fuji Day, the Yamanakako Sky Lantern Festival is the most beautiful! (YouTube link)
Photo Gallery
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 Quiet Day in a Berlin Park, 1933 In the early 1930s, Takehisa Yumeji's studio became a hub for artists, inspiring ventures like the Mt. Haruna Art Research Institute. In 1931, Yumeji began a journey to the United States and Europe, supported by exhibitions of his work. While in the U.S. for 16 months, he continued to paint, creating pieces like Nude on the West Coast. Afterward, Yumeji taught in Berlin until the school was closed by the Nazis. He returned to Japan in 1933, his overseas experiences shaping his final works. His last exhibition was held in Taipei that year. Yumeji passed away from tuberculosis in 1934, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and cultural exchange. Read more: Prints in Collection—Takehisa Yumeji (1884-1934) Kuronosuke 黒の助: a Legacy Little Black Cat (YouTube link ) Photo Gallery The Yumeji Art Museum in Okayama exhibits many black cat paintings because the artist, Yumeji Takehisa , frequently featured them in his work, particularly in his bij...
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