On the 4th day of our road trip, which we planned to be the busiest, we opened our eyes to the quietness of the residential parking area. After a great night's sleep, we felt energised and excited to embark on another memorable day in Fujiyoshida. Enjoying a simple breakfast inside the van with the konbini’s sweets we had picked up the day before, we were fueled for the adventures ahead.

Before hitting the road, we met the local grandpa who takes care of the parking and paid him ¥1,000 to park the van for the whole day, and considering we had spent the whole night there too, it was a cheap camp spot!

With our camera in hand and backpacks on our shoulders, we stepped out into the fresh morning air, ready to immerse ourselves in the wonders that awaited us. It was the start of a promising day, filled with exploration and new discoveries.

📍 the chureito pagoda

Let me share with you the fascinating story of the Chureito Pagoda, a must-visit spot on our road trip. this famous pagoda has a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

To reach it, we embarked on a staired pathway that led us up approximately 400 steps. With each step, our excitement grew, eager to discover the breathtaking (litterally!!) view that awaited us at the top.

And what a view it was! From the Chureito Pagoda, we were treated to a jaw-dropping panorama. The mighty Mount Fuji stood tall and proud, creating a picture-perfect backdrop. The pagoda's vibrant red color against the mountain's serene beauty made for an unforgettable sight.

view of fuji-san from the chureito pagoda

The place is renowned for its Instagram-worthy appeal. Its iconic structure and the stunning Mount Fuji backdrop have made it a favorite spot for photographers and travelers alike. We couldn't resist capturing the beauty with our own cameras, trying to do justice to the magnificent view.

city of fujiyoshida at mount fuji’s foot

To avoid the crowds, we planned our visit during the morning hours. However, the pagoda is known to be most crowded during sunrise and sunset when visitors gather to witness the magical hues of the sky. Another popular time to visit is during the cherry blossom season when the pagoda is surrounded by a pink blossoms’ sea.

it holds a significant historical meaning, serving as a peace memorial and honoring the citizens of Fujiyoshida who lost their lives in various wars from the mid-1800s until World War II. It stands as a symbol of remembrance, offering a place for reflection and paying tribute to those who made sacrifices.

Our visit to the Chureito Pagoda left us with a sense of wonder and appreciation for both nature's beauty and the enduring spirit of humanity. It is a place where history and breathtaking views come together, leaving a lasting impression.

it is not just a popular tourist attraction; it holds a deep meaning for the people of Fujiyoshida. It is a place where you can soak in the beauty of Mount Fuji, pay respects to the past, and create memories that will stay with you forever.

📍 Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine

Leaving the stairs behind, we followed the mountain asphalt road that led us to the bottom of the hill. As we approached, we discovered a small shrine nestled nearby. This shrine is known as the Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine, also referred to as the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine.

walking down the hill of chureito pagoda

The name "Sengen" refers to the ritual of offering prayers for the safety and prosperity of Mount Fuji, which has been practiced since ancient times. The shrine holds great significance in the local community as a place of worship and spiritual connection.

One key fact about the shrine is that it has a long history, dating back to the 9th century. Throughout the centuries, it has served as a sacred site for locals and pilgrims, attracting visitors from far and wide.

The atmosphere at the shrine was serene and peaceful, inviting us to take a moment for a quiet appreciation. We observed the beauty of the traditional architecture and intricate details of the shrine's structures. The surrounding landscape added to the charm, with lush greenery and vibrant flowers creating a picturesque backdrop.

Visiting the Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine added another layer of cultural richness to our journey, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the deep-rooted traditions and spirituality of the region.

In conclusion, our visit to the Chureito Pagoda and the Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine was a delightful blend of history, spirituality, and captivating views. Our road trip adventure was filled with remarkable moments that left a lasting impression, reminding us of the incredible wonders that await us when we embark on new journeys.

📍 wandering in fujiyoshida’s streets and taking a break at the fabcafe fuji

we then meandered through Fujiyoshida’s streets. The town's quiet and unique atmosphere captivated us as we wandered along, capturing the essence of its charm.

From every angle and on every street, Mount Fuji commanded our attention with its presence. It stood tall and proud, offering a breathtaking backdrop to the quaint houses, charming shops, and cozy cafes that lined the streets.

During our exploration, we stumbled upon a gem called FabCafe Fuji. Located in a prime spot known for its photogenic views of Mount Fuji on the main street, this organic coffee shop provided a welcome respite. The cozy atmosphere and the delicious scent of freshly brewed coffee made our visit to the cafe truly enjoyable.

We sat and took a moment, savoring our coffee and matcha latte, while looking through the cafe's windows and being amused by the people trying to capture the perfect shot of fuji san. The traffic officer pondered, trying to prevent anyone from getting run over! Yes, the best spot to secure the perfect photo is indeed right in the middle of the road!

After taking a nice and refreshing break, we made our way back to the van to continue our journey towards the daily onsen ritual. However, as we walked, we stumbled upon a quaint and deserted small temple by accident. Intrigued, we couldn't resist the curiosity to stop and explore its surroundings.

📍 Daishoji Temple

Daishoji Temple in Fujiyoshida is a hidden gem tucked away in a quiet corner of the town. As we approached unexpectedly the temple, we appreciated its simple yet beautiful design.

The wooden structures blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings, creating a peaceful and soothing atmosphere. The temple grounds were filled with lush green plants and colorful flowers, making it a tranquil and picturesque place to explore.

we Walked along the peaceful paths and enjoyed the well-tended gardens. The soft rustling of leaves and the occasional sound of birdsong added to the calmness of the place. It was a serene atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape from the busy city life.

📍 Fujiyama Onsen

We continued our journey for about 15-minute drive until we arrived at Fujiyama Onsen. we discovered a range of facilities designed for relaxation and well-being.

There were multiple baths to choose from, including both indoor and outdoor options. We delighted in trying each one of them, from the invigorating hot baths to the refreshing cold bath with its chilly temperature of 16 degrees Celsius. The contrasting temperatures offered a truly invigorating experience for our senses.

Apart from the baths, Fujiyama Onsen offered other amenities to enhance our visit. We explored the relaxation lounges, where we could unwind and enjoy a moment of tranquility.

While we didn't explore all the facilities in depth, we glimpsed the presence of massage services. Additionally, there were shops within the onsen complex, tempting us with a selection of local goods and souvenirs. (spoiler: we discovered once back home that not all are meant to be yummy, and that we just fell for fuji’s marketing lightening us of ¥1,200 which finished in the bin…!)

Overall, Fujiyama Onsen provided a well-rounded experience, with various baths to suit different preferences and a range of facilities to cater to our relaxation needs. It was a really delightful retreat.

The price is ¥1,600 yen for adults and ¥800 for children (3 years old or older) during Weekdays; ¥2,000 yen for adults and ¥1,000 for children on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

📍 Fujiyama Onsen’s restaurant and park for the night

We decided to give a onsen’s restaurant another try, hoping for a better experience this time. However, once again, we weren't particularly thrilled with the menu. It dawned on us that these onsen restaurants are more about convenience than offering exceptional culinary delights.

we will definitely next time hop in the car and explore the area for a restaurant that would provide us with a better-tasting food, a more affordable price, embracing the true flavors of the region while supporting local businesses.

after our evening meal, we set out to find the perfect spot for the night. Following our usual strategy, we looked for a quiet and cozy place near our next morning's destination. We found a huge free parking spot at Kawaguchi Lake and decided to spend the night there. It was a convenient and comfortable place to rest, surrounded by the illuminated lake in the night.

We settled into our sleeping quarters, looking forward to a peaceful night's sleep and feeling a mix of excitement and nostalgia as we prepared for the final day of our journey.