1. Chureito Pagoda
Limited time to spare? I would definitely recommend you to head to Chureito Pagoda. Easily
accessible on a 15 minutes walk from Shimoyoshida Station, it is best to head over at least 2 to 3 hours before sunset to have ample time to explore and relax without rushing for the pagoda. Sunrise, if you can wake up super early.















Generally known as Arakurayama Sengen Park, it houses the Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine near the entrance and the Chureito Pagoda perched right at the top of the mountain climb, some 398 steps away form the Shrine. I marveled at how these little surprises were strategically built along the way and how beautiful and peaceful the park was.
Take a deep breathe to stop and appreciate your surrounding. The essence of travel is not just chasing for those instagrammable spots.











































After a long flight of climb of 398 steps, as a test to your perseverance, you will be rewarded with the view that's the red iconic Chureito Pagoda overlooking Fujiyoshia City and Mount Fuji.


Before scaling to the top of the pagoda, just on its left is the Sakura Walking trial. Take a minute to appreciate. Admiring those beautiful sakura left us breathless (literally) , blooming under such perfect weather conditions.





Of course, there were tons of people gathered at the Chureito Pagoda, so it did not really matter what time you head over. Sunrise may be a good idea if you are really adamant about avoiding all the people, but otherwise, sunset makes a good choice to catch the setting rays against the mountain.
















Highest point of the Chureito Pagoda
At the observation deck, the reality was that we did not catch Mount Fuji for a good 45 minutes thereabout. Mount Fuji was hidden behind the thick clouds and the wind did not help us. We were pretty much on the verge of giving up as we witnessed the sun setting and the surroundings getting dimmer by the seconds. The crowd around us was also sounding pretty dejected as time sped by.

Good things come to those who wait. 
The next moment, a silver lining appeared, the elements aligned and Mount Fuji finally greeted us! It was a triumph moment as the crowd erupted in cheers and claps. Cameras clicked away. 
Such a precious moment. 



The clouds came and went and everyone had their chance taking photos with the gorgeous breathtaking sight of the majestic Mount Fuji and the striking pagoda framed by the lovely cherry blossoms.


































2. Shibazakura Festival
The best time to visit this annual festival is from beginning of May. The festival usually starts from mid April till June. We were there in end April and the shibazakura (pink mosses) were not yet in full bloom, possibly due to the still cold weather. We had tried to coincide sakura season with shibazaukura full bloom, but the dates couldn't match over the 2-week trip. Either way, we went ahead.

We took the festival Shibazakura Liner, purchased together with the entrance ticket at Fuji's Kawaguchigo Station where a festive ticketing booth was setup just outside the station entrance. Fairly easy access with the Liner for a direct 2 ways transportation.








































Here are the 6 types of Shibazakura found in the festival!
They belong to the moss phlox group of plants with simple leaves and flowers in clusters.
From left to right in clockwise direction: Autumn Rose, Oakington Blue-Eyes, Scarlet Frame, Mcdaniel’s Cushion, Tama-no-Nagare and Little Dot. 

The main sea of pink came mainly from the Mcdaniel's Cushion. As you can see, the blooms were relatively sparse when we visited in late April. Though there was a nagging note of pity, but it was better than not to have witnessed their beauty at all.


There were also other types of blooms spotted such as Anemone, Muscari in pretty purple. 

A Glimpse of Mount Fuji
Sighting Mount Fuji was not an easy task. With the ever-changing weather conditions, we had to constantly keep our eyes fixated ( okay, some moments at least. I wanted to appreciate the lovely blooms too) on the movement of the clouds just so we could put Mount Fuji in the frame.
We only had split seconds before the clouds covered the peak, so we had to be quick.

After many burst shots attempts we did our levitate shot successfully... well, almost for me.






































If you are in Tokyo and its vicinity in May, you can easily visit 3 flower festivals - Shibazakura Festival, Hitachi Seaside Park and the Ashikaga Flower Park for a floral itinerary.


The Shibazakura Festival is a must-go in your itinerary.
Do not rush through, best time to go in the morning ( as always) with lesser crowds and breathe in the fresh, clean air.

Though this spot was not the source of inspiration for the inverse Mount Fuji over Lake Motosu printed on the 1000 yen note, we nevertheless made a note out of it.
























3. Fuji Q Highland
We had a perfect view of Fuji Q and Mount Fuji when we stayed with Hotel MyStays Fuji Onsen Resort.


Isn't this so gorgeous? Perfect view of Mt. Fuji framed with Fuji Q Highland.


















It was a tranquil, comfy stay with MyStays. The room was great well-equipped with the necessary facilities and we got our sunrise view of Mt. Fuji right from our bedroom without having to get dressed and head out in the morning cold.




















4. Panoramic Ropeway
Another famous site for the Mt Fuji sighting. However we didn't manage to head there due to the lack of time. Take note that the operation hours of the cable car ropeway depends very much on the weather conditions for the day (it may closed at 5pm officially but operations can stop at anytime). Mainly, you will be able to obtain the latest information on the operation hours at Kwaguchigo Station's ticketing counters which you will also be able to purchase the admission tickets. It can be unpredictable when the attraction will close, so it's better if you don't pre-purchase the tickets to leave room for adjustments if the plan fails.

Panoramic Ropeway is on the perimeter extending from Lake Kwaguchigo and we did roam around the lake and spotted lovely blossoms. Though Mt Fuji was in hiding when we were there.

Concept