5 things to do at Kawaguchiko in spring

Views of Mt Fuji in the springtime don’t get much better than those from Oishi Park. Situated on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi, the park features a rotating roster of flowers blooming according to the season. In spring, the fragrance of tulips, daffodils and cherry blossoms accompanies your image of the snow-capped sacred peak.

The adjacent Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center offers a selection of prefectural products, including the local speciality blueberry jam, as well as a café and a range of hands-on experiences. Upstairs, Kitchen Fujiyama View provides a great place to unwind with some food, drinks and views of you know who. Open 24 hours, Oishi Park is a great place to stop by for lunch, a walk or just a quick photo op on the way to your next spot.

From the east side of Lake Kawaguchi, the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway takes you towards the summit of neighbouring Mt Tenjo. At an elevation of around 1,000 metres, the facility offers 360-degree views, taking in both Mt Fuji to the south and Lake Kawaguchi to the west. From various vantage points like the rooftop observation deck, rabbit shrine and even a 3.5-metre swing set, you can marvel at the beauty of the area and understand why it inspired one of the country’s most respected writers, Osamu Dazai.

From there, head back down or venture further up towards the summit of Mt Tenjo and – for the fit and adventurous – even further to Mt Mitsutoge and other nearby lookouts and natural landmarks. The ropeway costs ¥1,000 for a round trip, takes around 3 minutes each way, and departs every 5-10 minutes.

If you like your mountain vistas a little more adrenaline-filled, you’d be doing yourself a massive disservice by missing out on a trip to Fuji-Q Highland. Not only does this theme park have roving Power Rangers-esque battle performances, spooky haunted houses and – you guessed it – Fuji views, but some of the world’s most intense thrill rides.

Opened in 1968, the park is best known for three of its six roller coasters: Eejanaika, Fujiyama and Takabisha. The big three appeal to all types of thrill-seeking propensities, with some of the world’s fastest speeds, biggest drops and steepest inclines. On top of the rollercoasters, the park also has an Evangelion museum, a river rapid ride, Thomas the Tank Engine Land, numerous eateries and its own hotel. For panoramic Fuji scenes, head to the recently installed sky deck near the Fujiyama coaster. While both the coaster and the deck offer great views, only one of them travels at 130 km per hour.

Yet another reason that visitors flock to Fujikawaguchiko is its abundance of onsen. Hot natural spring water, cool spring air, Mt Fuji and blooming sakura make for an aggressively Japanese experience you can only get in the area. For onsens with a Fuji view, Lake Kawaguchi is a good place to start. Hotel Mifujien offers guests higaeri (day visit) use of their seventh-floor public baths with epic scenes of the mountain and lake.

For more variety, 20 minutes south by car, Fuji Yurari near Lake Saiko offers 16 different indoor and outdoor baths. Benifuji at Lake Yamanaka has six indoor and outdoor hot springs, all from which you can enjoy Fuji-san. For the kodaki view of the mountain, head to Yamadaya Hotel at Lake Shoji. Here, from the comfort of the bath, Fuji appears to be hugging the smaller Mt Omuro in front of it.

While attitudes towards tattoos are relaxing in Japan, tattooed bathers should be sure to check each onsen’s tattoo policies before visiting. Although it doesn’t offer Fuji views, a safe bet for the tattooed is Royal Hotel Kawaguchiko. For those that prefer saunas, CYCL at Lake Yamanaka earns a special mention for its modern facilities and Fuji-filled vista.

Hands-on explorers of all ages have a lot to get excited about at Kawaguchiko Craft Park. Set on Lake Kawaguchi’s north shore, the facility offers a range of craft-making experiences, food and sakura-lined outdoor spaces. Make your own souvenir at the craft workshops, selecting from a range of experiences including candle-, wreath- and stained-glass-making workshops as well as crockery painting and engraving. For something more physical, Kawaguchiko Craft Park has ninja star throwing and kid-friendly bouldering areas. Both these and the craft experience zone are indoors, making the Craft Park an ideal stop on a rainy day.

Outdoors, you can reserve your own BBQ area on the pet-friendly deck and rent bikes to cruise around the lake. Those exploring the area by car or RV can also stay in their vehicle overnight with access to the facility’s BBQs, showers, bathrooms and electricity. At the café, choose from sweet and savoury dishes, including vegetarian and halal options and the local speciality, hoto noodle soup.