2026 Otsuki Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

🌊 The clearest sea in Japan might not be in Okinawa 📍 Kashiwajima, Otsuki-cho, Hata-gun, Kochi Prefecture, Japan On a clear day, the water visibility reaches 40 meters, making the fishing boats in the harbor look like they are floating in mid-air. 👍 Recommendation: Visit in the morning after a few consecutive sunny days. ❓️ Reason: Kashiwajima is famous for its crystal-clear water; the sea looks dull in bad weather. 💴 Cost: Free entry to the island, snorkeling gear rental is around 2,000 JPY. 🚃 Public Transit: Kochi Station → JR Tosa Kuroshio Railway → Sukumo Station → Taxi to Kashiwajima ⏰ Approx. 2 hours 40 minutes 💴 Approx. 7,000 JPY ⚠️ Note: Bus services around Kashiwajima are very infrequent, so relying solely on public transit isn't recommended. 4 recommended things to do in [Kashiwajima]: 1️⃣📸 Take photos at Kashiwajima Fishing Port The water is incredibly clear on sunny days, allowing you to capture the "floating boat" effect. 2️⃣🤿 Snorkel at Ushiromahama Beach Right by the shore, you can spot: 🐠 Tropical fish 🪸 Coral reefs If you're lucky, you might even encounter sea turtles. 3️⃣🚗 Drive across Kashiwajima Bridge Enjoy crystal-clear ocean views on both sides of the bridge. 4️⃣🍣 Try Kochi's specialty: "Katsuo no Tataki" A signature dish of Kochi: Lightly seared bonito, served with garlic slices and soy sauce. If you want to see the beautiful sea in Japan but want to avoid the crowds in Okinawa, be sure to save this post!

Good day! I'd like to share a bit of my trip through Japan. We were there in May 2026. I'll tell you about the route: Kyoto-Mishima-Kawaguchiko-Tokyo. Mount Fuji was our third stop, after Osaka and Kyoto. So we (my wife and I) were quite prepared for the journey. The route starts in Kyoto (Kyoto Station), then we took the Shinkansen to Mishima (we bought tickets in advance on Trip.com). This seemed easier than going through Tokyo. There, we bought tickets for a bus that goes directly to Kawaguchiko Station. An hour's journey and you're there. Bus tickets can be purchased in advance on the sekitori website or here on Trip.com. (They're half the price at the ticket office). From Kawaguchiko, we traveled to Otsuki (something like a commuter train), paying with an Icoca card. From Otsuka, we pre-booked a train to Tokyo (booked through trip), but there were seats available, so we could buy them on site. Now I'll tell you a little about Kawaguchiko itself. Many of the hotels we stayed at are within walking distance from the station (15-20 minutes). A few tips: rent a bike; it costs 3,000-3,500 yen. Ride around the lake and just enjoy the views. Further, I'll attach photos and Google Maps coordinates of where they were taken. 1. View of Fuji from the lake. 35.513 138.773 2. View of the 7-11 store with Fuji in the background. 35,490 138,752 3. Fuji in a secluded spot (small street, no people there at all) 35,494 138,759 4. Fuji and a pagoda 35,501 138,801 And a few more photos. #fuji #kawaguchiko #japan

♥️Otsuki City♥️ is the city where we need to change trains to go to Kawaguchiko. This city is another one that I love. It is filled with a homestay atmosphere, friendly people, and a classic vibe. The city mainly engages in agriculture, primarily rice farming. We had some time, so we decided to explore the city a bit. A kind old lady tried to communicate with us, but we couldn't understand each other, so we used a translation app. She was very sweet and explained a lot about the city. If you're heading to Kawaguchiko and want to explore this city for a while, feel free to do so. It's very peaceful. 📍Otsuki City, Japan

On November 1st, I took the Kaishi Express from Shinjuku for about an hour and got off at Otsuki Station in Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture. The view from the express train was a sea of ​​autumn leaves! The spectacular views were enough to blow away any sleepiness. In front of the station, there were so many autumn leaves 🍁 that it made me want to say I'd found a little bit of autumn. The log cabin-style station building made of logs was also stylish. #autumnleaves

A relaxing spot recommended for sightseeing around Mt. Fuji. It is not well known, but it is definitely worth a visit! The bridge over the valley is beautiful and picturesque from any angle. There is a promenade that leads down to the edge of the stream. I would like to visit again in the autumn foliage season. #Yamanashi Prefecture #Saruhashi #Beautiful Valley #Mt. Fuji #Eastern Japan #trip2022

This 634m high mountain is just a stone's throw from JR Chuo Main Line Otsuki Station. It's the same height as the Skytree. Originally, Iwadono Castle was located here, so you can also see the historical site. Also, if you go on a trekking course from Mt. Iwadono, you can see the huge rock wall... Chigo Otoshi. It's a thrilling place where you can see Mt. Fuji when the weather is good. #Mountaineering #Yamanashi #Mt. Iwadono #Otsuki Town

Dangosaka SA is famous on the Chuo Expressway, but personally I think I use Hatsukari PA more often. It's a small SA, but it has all the necessary facilities. There's a congested area ahead on the northbound lane, so I recommend taking a break here. The rice balls in the food court are delicious, so be sure to try them. #Yamanashi #HatsukariPA

YOU’RE DOING JAPAN WRONG if you only stay in Tokyo Believe me when I say, if you don’t put at least 1‑2 day trips on your Tokyo stay, you’ll regret it. Lucky for you, we’ve taken plenty, and now we’re sharing them with you! Now lets get stuck into the best day trips from Tokyo: 🌋 Hakone (Mt. Fuji + Hot Springs) Train: Romancecar from Shinjuku Station Time: ~1.5 hrs Cost: Around ¥2,000 ($15) Tip: Get the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited transport on the ropeway, pirate ship, and buses. ⛰ Kawaguchiko (Mt. Fuji) Train: Fujisan View Express from Otsuki Station Time: ~2 hrs total from Tokyo (with transfer) Cost: Around ¥1,140 ($8) from Otsuki (plus Tokyo‑Otsuki fare) Tip: Sit on the left side of the train for the best Fuji views 🏯 Nikko Train: Spacia X Limited Express from Asakusa Station Time: ~2 hrs Cost: Around ¥2,500 ($20) Tip: Get the Nikko Pass if you plan to see multiple shrines and waterfalls. 🌊 Kamakura Train: Direct JR train from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Time: ~1 hr Cost: Around ¥940 ($6‑7) Tip: Hop on the Enoden tram to explore temples and the coastline 🍜 Yokohama Train: JR Tokaido or Keihin‑Tohoku Line from Tokyo Time: ~30 mins Cost: Around ¥480 ($3‑4) Tip: Combine Chinatown, Cup Noodles Museum, and harbor sunset views in one day 🐒 Nagano Train: Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station Time: 1.5‑2 hrs + 40‑min bus to Snow Monkey Park Cost: Around ¥8,000 ($55) one way (Shinkansen) Tip: Visit Zenko‑ji Temple in the morning, then head to the monkeys in the afternoon Save & stars for your trip! More soon! #japsn #explorejapan #tokyo #tokyodaytrips #bestdaytripstokyo

🗺️ Destination Guide 📍 Location: Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, near Arakura Sengen Shrine / Fujikawa Cherry Blossom Canal 🚗 Transport: Take the JR line from Tokyo to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway. Driving or hiring a private car is recommended, as the station is a bit of a distance from the cherry blossom canal. 🎫 Admission: Free, no ticket required. ⏰ Best time to visit: Late March to early April each year when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The blooming period is short, so check the cherry blossom forecast in advance. A stay of half a day to 1 day is recommended. 📌 Must-visit spots Cherry blossom canal, Arakura Sengen Park (classic photo spot for Mt. Fuji + cherry blossoms), cycling paths along the canal, and riverside walking trails. 🌄 Travel experience When spring arrives, thousands of cherry trees along the canal bloom in unison. The clear water reflects the sea of pink and white flowers, while the snow-capped Mt. Fuji stands in the distance—a healing and breathtaking scene. There are cycling paths along the river where you can take a leisurely ride. It gets crowded during the blooming season, so try to arrive early in the morning for cleaner shots. The temperature difference between day and night in the mountains is significant, and spring breezes can be cool, so remember to bring a light jacket. The cherry blossom season is fleeting, and catching them in full bloom takes a little bit of luck. 🍱 Dining details ✅ Local shops along the canal: Japanese bento, oden, limited-edition cherry blossom desserts, cherry blossom dango, and sakura mochi—flavors exclusive to spring. ✅ Restaurants near Lake Kawaguchi: Enjoy sukiyaki and local Yamanashi cuisine around Mt. Fuji, or visit a cafe by Lake Kawaguchi to enjoy the mountain view from the window. ✅ Specialties: Cherry blossom-themed souvenirs and wagashi. ⚠️ The cherry blossom season is very crowded, and popular shops often have long lines. We recommend dining during off-peak hours. 🚴 Outdoor activities 1. Canal cycling: Cycle along the cherry blossom canal, weaving through the trees under a canopy of blossoms. With the spring breeze and falling petals, the atmosphere is incredible. 2. Riverside stroll: Walk along the canal, admire the reflection of cherry blossoms on the water, and find the perfect spot to photograph Mt. Fuji in the same frame. 3. Arakura Sengen Park observation deck: The classic panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms, overlooking the countryside and the sea of flowers. 4. Nearby attractions: You can easily combine this with a visit to Lake Kawaguchi for a one-day trip connecting the scenic spots along the Mt. Fuji route. 📖 Travel diary The spring breeze blows, and cherry blossom petals drift slowly through the air. The clear canal is filled with the reflections of pink and white trees, while Mt. Fuji stands quietly in the distance. Cycling beneath the flowering trees, the air is filled with a faint floral scent. The briefly blooming cherry blossoms leave all the unique romance of spring in this valley.

The prefecture right next to Tokyo that offers way more than just Mt. Fuji 🗻🍇 If Tokyo is the ultimate hub for Shopping + City Life 🏙️ Yamanashi (山梨県) is a whole different world, just a stone's throw away from the metropolis. It's the home of 🗻 Mt. Fuji, offering that classic, picture-perfect Japanese view. Here, you'll find everything from the 🌊 Fuji Five Lakes, soothing ♨️ Onsens, and lush 🍇 vineyards and wineries, to vibrant 🍑 orchards, gorgeous mountains, and breathtaking valleys. Perfect for anyone looking to squeeze a 2-3 day nature escape into their Tokyo itinerary (【Official】 Yamanashi Prefecture Tourism Information) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 📍 Where exactly is Yamanashi? Yamanashi is located just west of Tokyo and is one of Japan's landlocked prefectures. The best part? It's super easy to get there from Tokyo, whether you're taking a train, hopping on a bus, or driving a car (【Official】 Yamanashi Prefecture Tourism Information) The main spots to check out can be broken down like this: 🗻 Kawaguchiko / Fuji Five Lakes → Enjoy Mt. Fuji + Lakes + Onsens 🍇 Kofu / Katsunuma → Wineries + Fresh Fruits + Local Eats 🌲 Kiyosato / Yatsugatake → Mountains + Nature + Highlands ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ⭐ What are the must-visit spots in Yamanashi? 🗻 1. Lake Kawaguchiko ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hands down, one of the most famous spots to catch a view of Mt. Fuji. The absolute highlight is seeing Mt. Fuji reflected on the lake's surface. Plus, it's a stellar destination year-round. 🌸 Spring — Sakura + Fuji 🌿 Summer — Lush greenery 🍁 Autumn — Fall foliage ❄️ Winter — Best chance for clear Fuji views + snowscapes 📸 A total paradise for photography buffs! ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌊 2. Fuji Five Lakes The 5 stunning lakes resting at the base of Mt. Fuji. 🌊 Lake Kawaguchiko 🌊 Lake Yamanakako 🌊 Lake Saiko 🌊 Lake Shojiko 🌊 Lake Motosuko If it's your first time, Kawaguchiko is the most tourist-friendly and easiest to navigate. But if you're renting a car and want to escape the crowds, going for a scenic drive to explore the other lakes is highly recommended. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 💧 3. Oshino Hakkai ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A traditional village famous for its crystal-clear natural ponds fed by Mt. Fuji's underground springs. Highlights include: 🗻 Epic Fuji views 💧 Crystal-clear spring waters 🏘️ Traditional thatched-roof Japanese houses 🍡 Street Food + Local Snacks It's a major hotspot that's super easy to pair up with a trip to Kawaguchiko. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏯 4. Arakurayama Sengen Park One of the most iconic, postcard-perfect views in all of Japan 🇯🇵 🏯 Chureito Pagoda + 🗻 Mt. Fuji Visit during the cherry blossom season, and you'll capture the ultimate shot: 🌸 Sakura + Pagoda + Fuji It's arguably the most iconic angle to photograph Mt. Fuji. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🍁 5. Oishi Park A beautiful park nestled right along Lake Kawaguchiko. 📸 The major draw here is that you can capture: 🌸 Seasonal blooms 🌊 Lake Kawaguchiko 🗻 Mt. Fuji All in a single, breathtaking frame. Depending on the time of year, you'll get completely different vibes and stunning landscapes. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🍇 The other side of Yamanashi that many people sleep on Yamanashi isn't just about Mt. Fuji! This prefecture is also incredibly famous for: 🍇 Grapes 🍑 Peaches 🍒 Fruit Picking 🍷 Japanese Wine The Katsunuma area, in particular, is packed with wineries and stands as the heartland of Japanese wine culture (【Official】 Yamanashi Prefecture Tourism Information) Foodies and wine lovers should definitely set aside an extra day for this. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏞️ 6. Shosenkyo Gorge If you want to switch things up from the typical Fuji route, check out Shosenkyo. A breathtaking natural gorge located near Kofu. 🏞️ Dramatic cliffs 🌊 Crystal-clear streams 💦 Stunning waterfalls 🥾 Epic hiking trails It's absolutely drop-dead gorgeous during the Autumn 🍁 leaf-peeping season. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌲 7. Kiyosato / Yatsugatake Another fantastic area in Yamanashi, tailor-made for those who love: 🌲 Nature ⛰️ Mountain Views ☕ Cafés 🥛 Farms 🚗 Road Trips The vibe here is completely different from Kawaguchiko, making it the ultimate getaway for anyone wanting to experience a more "slow travel" pace in Japan. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ♨️ When in Yamanashi, you HAVE to experience an Onsen. One of our top recommendations is: ♨️ Soaking in an Onsen while gazing at Mt. Fuji. If you've got the budget to splurge a little, book a Ryokan around Kawaguchiko that offers: 🗻 Fuji Views ♨️ Private Onsen / Open-air Bath 🍱 Kaiseki Dinners Imagine waking up, opening your window, and boom—there's Mt. Fuji right in front of you. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🍜 What to eat in Yamanashi? 🍲 Hōtō Noodles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The prefecture's undisputed #1 local dish. Thick, hearty Udon-like noodles simmered in a rich Miso soup with fresh veggies. 🐓 Tori Motsuni Sweet and savory glazed chicken offal—a legendary local dish from Kofu. 🍇 Yamanashi Grapes 🍑 Yamanashi Peaches 🍷 Koshu Wine Wine made from the local Koshu grapes, one of the absolute pride and joys of the region. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 📅 When is the best time to visit? 🌸 Late March–April Sakura + Fuji 🌿 May–June Perfect weather and lush, vibrant greenery. 🌻 July–August Summer + Fruit Season, though there's a higher chance of clouds hiding Mt. Fuji. 🍇 August–October Prime time for fruit picking and winery hopping. 🍁 Late October–November ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Autumn + Fuji ❄️ December–February ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It's chilly, but hands down the best time to score crystal-clear views of Mt. Fuji along with a magical snowy mountain vibe. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 💡 How many days should you stay? 1 Day — Day Trip from Tokyo Kawaguchiko + Oshino Hakkai 2 Days ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Highly recommended for first-timers Enjoy Mt. Fuji at a chill pace + spend the night at a traditional Ryokan/Onsen. 3 Days — Experience Yamanashi more fully Throw in a visit to the Kofu / Katsunuma wineries. 4 Days+ — Epic Road Trip Explore the Fuji Five Lakes + Shosenkyo + Kiyosato. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🗓️ Sample 3-Day Yamanashi Itinerary DAY 1 — Mt. Fuji Classic 🗻 Tokyo → 🚆/🚌 Kawaguchiko → 🌊 Lake Kawaguchiko → 🌸 Oishi Park → 🚡 Cable car for panoramic lake views → 🌅 Sunset + Mt. Fuji → ♨️ Ryokan + Onsen 📸 Highlight: Fuji + Lake + Onsen DAY 2 — Fuji Experience 🇯🇵 🌅 Early rise for Mt. Fuji views → 🏯 Chureito Pagoda → 💧 Oshino Hakkai → 🌊 Lake Yamanakako → 🚗 Drive around the Fuji Five Lakes → ♨️ Head back to relax in Kawaguchiko 📸 Highlight: Pagoda + Fuji + Japanese Village DAY 3 — Wine & Local Yamanashi 🍇 Kawaguchiko → 🚗/🚆 Kofu → 🍇 Katsunuma → 🍷 Winery → 🍑 Seasonal Fruit Farm → 🍲 Hōtō → 🚆 Back to Tokyo 📸 Highlight: Wine + Fruit + Local Japan ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🚆 How to get to Yamanashi from Tokyo? Heading to Kawaguchiko: 🚆 Tokyo / Shinjuku → Otsuki → Fujikyu Railway → Kawaguchiko According to official tourism data, the train ride from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (with transfers) takes around 2 hours and 35 minutes, while taking a Highway Bus from Shinjuku gets you there in about 1 hour and 52 minutes. Actual travel time may vary depending on the schedule and traffic (【Official】 Yamanashi Prefecture Tourism Information). Heading to Kofu: 🚆 Shinjuku → JR Limited Express Azusa / Kaiji → Kofu The fastest option, based on official information, takes about 1 hour and 27 minutes (【Official】 Yamanashi Prefecture Tourism Information). 🚗 If you have an international driver's license and are staying for 3+ days, renting a car is highly recommended. It gives you the freedom to easily hop between the Fuji Five Lakes, wineries, and scattered nature spots. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏨 Where to stay? 🗻 Kawaguchiko ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommended for first-timers. The sweet spot for Fuji Views + Onsens + traditional Ryokans. 🍷 Kofu ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ideal for exploring Wineries + Local Eats + the central part of the prefecture. 🌲 Kiyosato ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect for Nature vibes + Road Trips + Slow Travel experiences. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ✨ Who is Yamanashi for? 🗻 Mt. Fuji Lover 📸 Photography 💕 Couple Trip ♨️ Onsen Lover 🍇 Fruit + Wine Lover 🚗 Road Trip 🍁 Autumn Trip 🌸 Sakura Trip 🌲 Nature Lover If you're exploring Tokyo and want to inject some authentic Japanese nature into your itinerary, Yamanashi is a must-add for at least 2 days. It's super accessible from Tokyo, and you get to experience Mt. Fuji, lakes, hot springs, fresh fruit, and amazing wine all in a single trip! (【Official】 Yamanashi Prefecture Tourism Information)

Tokyo and Mount Fuji have always been must-visit destinations in Japan. This itinerary revolves around the simple joy of "admiring Mount Fuji from afar." The best part? You can see Mount Fuji right after stepping off the train, without the hassle of trekking. Just grab your suitcase and enjoy a chill trip! The area not only boasts stunning scenery but also features modern shopping malls where you can easily pick up souvenirs, sip coffee, and relax while soaking in the views—perfect for your Instagram feed! 🗺️ Highlights of the Itinerary · Extremely convenient transportation, even beginners can handle it 🚄 · Snowy Mount Fuji scenery, instant postcard-worthy views with blue skies and white snow · Nearby shopping malls for endless shopping and café options, plus outdoor cultural experiences · Local eateries with high value-for-money, unlocking both scenic views and delicious food 🗒️ Detailed Itinerary 1️⃣ Arriving at the Mount Fuji Area: It’s recommended to take the JR Chuo Line from Tokyo to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway (about 2 hours). One of the most popular viewing stations is "Kawaguchiko Station." As soon as you get off the train, you’ll be greeted by the majestic Mount Fuji. In winter, the snow-covered mountain is particularly spectacular! The scenery along the way is stunning, especially on sunny days, so be sure to check the weather in advance. 2️⃣ Kawaguchiko Station and Nearby Landmarks: 📍 Mount Fuji Station (Address: 5-2-1 Shin Nishihara, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture) Highlights: Mount Fuji is visible right outside the station, incredibly breathtaking, with a free observation deck nearby 📍 Fujisan View Express Features: A train designed for photo ops, with large glass windows for easy photography and filming 📍 Shopping Center near Mount Fuji Modern design featuring Japanese local brands, miscellaneous goods, souvenir shops, and spacious restaurants serving traditional Yamanashi dishes (like Yoshida Udon and grape-based sweets). The scenic rooftop seating is incredibly relaxing! 🗻 Mount Fuji Snowy Scenery Photo Spots Winter is the best time to visit. Take your time to walk around and capture the snowy mountain from different angles—it’s just like a postcard. Popular photo spots include the mall’s outdoor terrace and the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. 🍽️ Restaurant Recommendations 1. Mont Crevo Café (Located on the mall’s second floor) 2. Yoshida Udon (Near the station, known for its uniquely chewy udon) Take a break, enjoy an afternoon tea by the window, admire the glacier and snowy views, and chat with friends—it’s truly delightful. 🎁 Small Tips: · The Mount Fuji area is surprisingly windy and dry in winter, so bring a warm coat and skincare products. · Visit in the morning for a better chance of seeing a clear, cloudless Mount Fuji! · The mall offers many exclusive souvenirs (Hello Kitty x Mount Fuji, Mount Fuji-shaped snacks), perfect for keepsakes. 🌟 Personal Reflection As a child, I often saw Mount Fuji in textbooks, comics, and travel magazines. Seeing it with my own eyes this time feels like a dream come true—it’s still vividly imprinted in my mind! The atmosphere is serene, with few people around, allowing you to slowly appreciate the snowy mountain against the clear sky. It’s incredibly healing. Grab some snacks, sit outdoors, and enjoy the view—it’s one of life’s greatest pleasures. 🚉 Transportation Guide From Tokyo: · Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway, ending at Kawaguchiko Station (about 2 hours total) · Alternatively, consider taking a direct express bus to Kawaguchiko Station for convenience 🍱 Food Recommendations Don’t miss Yoshida Udon and local grape ice cream. Some restaurants in the mall even offer Mount Fuji-themed specialty drinks!

There are many sightseeing trains to Mt. Fuji, but I recommend this beautiful dessert train. Enjoying Japanese sweets while gazing at Mt. Fuji is a truly delightful experience!

After a full day of adventure around Mt. Fuji, slowing down in the peaceful surroundings of Otsuki Station feels just right. As evening settles in, the town reveals its gentle charm—quiet streets, quaint local shops, and cozy eateries glowing softly under warm lights. It’s the perfect place to unwind while waiting for the next train back to Tokyo. The calm atmosphere, friendly locals, and unhurried pace offer a refreshing contrast to the city rush. A simple, comforting moment that captures the beauty of Japan’s tranquil small towns. #japantrip

#JapanTravelGuide Accessing Mount Fuji via JR East's Chuo Main Line and the local private Fujikyu Line offers spectacular views of the seasons and an extraordinary experience. The "Azusa" train departs Shinjuku, transfers at Kofu, and then heads to the Fujikyu Line. From the train window, you'll see the fresh greenery of spring, the autumn leaves of autumn, and the snow-capped Mount Fuji in winter. The direct lift from Kawaguchiko Station to the fifth station is particularly popular. With comfortable seats and large windows, you can fully enjoy the view of Mount Fuji. Fujikyu Line carriages feature a Mount Fuji design, creating a harmonious blend of cultural landscapes and nature, including famous hot springs along the line and Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, a testament to Mount Fuji worship.

✍️Caption Kaino Saruhashi Bridge, located in Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture, is one of Japan's Three Unusual Bridges, along with Kintaikyo Bridge and Aimoto Bridge. The approximately 30-meter-long bridge has no piers and is built using the "hanegi shoring" method, which involves stacking multiple wooden beams extending from both banks. Not only is the bridge's unique structural beauty spanning the valley a must-see, but the surrounding valley views are also a must-see. It offers beautiful views throughout the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, deep green in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snow in winter. This historic bridge once supported travelers along the Koshu Kaido Highway, and remains a popular tourist spot designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. This famous spot offers both photogenic views and traditional wooden construction techniques. ⸻ ℹ️Basic Information 📍Name: Kai no Saruhashi (Saruhashi Bridge) 📮Address: Saruhashi, Saruhashi-cho, Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture 🚉Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Saruhashi Station on the JR Chuo Main Line 🕒Opening Hours: Free (passage permitted) 💴Admission: Free 🏞️Highlights: Timber-framed bridge / Four Seasons of the Valley / Designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty ⸻ 🏷️Hashtags #KainoSaruhashi #Japan'sThreeStrangeBridges #YamanashiTourism #OtsukiCity #BeautifulValley #HistoricalBuildings #TripComRecommendations #TripMoments #SaruhashiGorge #AutumnFoliageSpots #LetsTravelWithPochikatsu

#summervacay The Fujisan View Express is a scenic limited express train operated by the Fujikyu Railway, offering a stylish and comfortable journey with panoramic views of Mount Fuji. Route: Otsuki Station → Kawaguchiko Station (via Tsuru University-mae, Shimoyoshida, Fujisan, and Fuji-Q Highland stations) Distance: Approximately 26.6 km (16.5 miles) Travel Time: Around 45 minutes Frequency: Operates daily; two round trips on weekdays and three on weekends and holidays #couplestrip #beachlife #naturalwonders #thingstodo #familytravel

I went to a Western restaurant called Mustachio in Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture! This place serves delicious Western food at affordable prices. The tongue stew is especially delicious, with large, tender pieces of tongue, and it's available for a very reasonable lunch price. I highly recommend it!! They also have a wide variety of pasta, and their hamburgers are delicious. Why not give it a try? #0YenTravel 📍Address: Fujimoto Apartment, 1-13-6 Otachi, Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture, 401-0012

Food store FUJISAN SHOKUPAN Kawaguchiko Mount Fuji Pudding/Toast, there are all kinds of peripheral products here, and there are only two small parking spaces at the door. Here is the Mt. Fuji-colored toast. Here is the Mt. Fuji colored pudding Just buy them all, it’s a choice you won’t regret, and it satisfies you visually first. Food store FUJISAN SHOKUPAN 〒401-0301 3462-11 Funazu, Fujikawaguchiko-cho, Minamituri-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture Opening hours: 11:00~18:00 #食パン専店 FUJISAN SHOKUPAN #MarchGoodPlaces2025

How to get there - Wait for the train to Kawaguchiko.

Mount Iwadono, located in Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture, is a hiking spot that is easy even for beginners to climb. From the summit, which is 634 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji and Otsuki city, and it is especially recommended on days with good weather. The hiking trail is well maintained, so you can enjoy it safely while immersing yourself in nature. The chain sections and observation points along the way are a bit thrilling, but also give you a sense of accomplishment. This is a great hiking spot that you can easily enjoy on a day trip, so be sure to visit! #0yentravelNovember

We took the Mt. Fuji View Express from Otsuki Station to Kawaguchiko Station! The deep red body was very cool, and the carriage itself was full of a special feeling. While the train was stopped at the station, there was a cute train with Mt. Fuji characters painted on it on the opposite platform. The sight of the red express train and the cute train lined up next to each other is a sight that will make you want to take a photo. The interior of the train is also stylishly designed, and you can enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji from the window while traveling. This express train is not only enjoyable for train enthusiasts, but also as part of a Mt. Fuji tour! #0yentravelNovember

#familytrips2024 Embarking from Otsuki, we boarded the Thomas & Friends themed train, a whimsical journey awaited. Adorned with cheerful colours and familiar faces, the carriage echoed with excitement. As the train chugged along, passing through scenic landscapes, children's laughter filled the air. Parents and kids alike marvelled at the themed decorations adorning the interiors, evoking fond memories of the beloved characters. With each passing mile, anticipation grew for our destination: Fujikyu Highland station. The train ride became a magical adventure, fostering a sense of wonder and joy among passengers. Arriving at our stop, we disembarked with smiles, carrying cherished memories of our enchanting journey aboard the Thomas & Friends train.

#Japan and Korea Springtime Destinations In addition to taking the comfortable direct train "Fuji Express" from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko, you can also take the "Chuo Line" to Otsuki Station in Yamanashi Prefecture and then transfer to the "Fuji Kyuko Line", which has more trains and more flexible schedules. The Fujikyu Line is a 26.6km railway connecting Otsuki Station to Kawaguchiko Station. There are several cute trains of Fujikyu Corporation running on this line, such as the "Fujisan View Express", "Fujisan Express", etc., and the ordinary trains also have famous anime liveries from time to time. 📒Tips: From Shimoyoshida Station to Gekkeiji Station, you can see the train heading towards the mountain from the front driver's seat, as the railway is facing Mount Fuji.

#freehotelstay #fujisan #yamanashicity

The hotel is near Otsuki Station. It is a newly opened Toyoko Inn hotel. It is very new. The facilities are good. The room is larger than the general Toyoko Inn.

I booked a room for 4 people, but when I got to the hotel I found out it was a double room with a shared living room. I was so happy. The cleanliness and luggage storage area were very convenient. The breakfast was also delicious. I will definitely stay here again.