Japan was the first country I visited outside my homeland (India). Mt. Fuji has always fascinated me, being a volcanic mountain. During my first visit, I could not even catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji, because of the cloudy weather. But my wish was partially fulfilled on my way back when I saw it from the airplane window. On my second visit (this time), I spent two days and` three nights just seeing Mt. Fuji. Believe me, I want to see more of this grand beauty, perhaps in a different season!
In November 2018, I took Parmanu on a 7-day bike tour in Japan. Out of which, I spent two days and three nights near Mt. Fuji. I cycled around all the five Fuji lakes and parts of the western and southern side of Mt. Fuji, enjoying the stunning lakeside and mountainous views along the way. The following are the Fuji five lakes. They are marked on the map below with their respective numbers in black circles:
- Lake Yamanaka
- Lake Kawaguchi
- Lake Saiko
- Lake Shōji
- Lake Motosu
For the three nights, I stayed at three different campsites: Otomeshinrin Koen Dai 2 Camping Ground, Koen Camping Ground, and Fumotoppara Camping Ground. Each of them has a grand view of Fujisan. These are also marked on the map. I highly recommend staying at these campsites if you are wandering nearby. I luckily came to know about these campsites, thanks to the two kind Japanese gentlemen: Mr. Katsumata and Mr. Kanichi Kawahara, whom I met during the journey.
In this blog, I selected 40 images from my collection showing different views of magnificent Mt. Fuji, I witnessed during my trip. The images are taken using a point-and-shoot camera and are arranged chronologically.
1. An evening view from Otomeshinrin Koen Dai 2 campsite
2. Morning view of Mt. Fuji with my tent and bike.
3. Mt. Fuji in the morning glow
4. First view of Lake Yamanaka
5. Mt. Fuji and its reflected glory at Lake Yamanaka, the largest of the five Fuji lakes.
6. A nice bike path runs alongside the Lake Yamanaka
7. Art under feet: Mt. Fuji painted on Japanese manhole. On my way from Lake Yamanaka to Lake Kawaguchi
8. View from the Lake Kawaguchi
9. Lake Kawaguchi is the second largest lake of the five Fuji lakes after Lake Yamanaka.
10. Some relaxing time with my bike…
11. It was one lucky clear sunny day and hence, I decided to see all the five lakes the same day.
12. That play of light and clouds just on top of Mt. Fuji was a breathtaking view.
13. Fall colors and Mt. Fuji as seen from Lake Kawaguchi.
14. View from Lake Saiko
15. The view of Mt. Fuji from Lake Saiko’s shore are blocked by other mountains.
16. View from Lake Shōji, the fourth Fuji lake.
17. Lake Shōji is the smallest of all the Fuji lakes.
18. Lake Shōji provides a beautiful and quiet view to the Mt. Fuji away from the touristy area surrounding the volcano.
19. A view from Lake Motosu. Mt. Fuji image on the 1000 yen note is taken from this place.
20. Koan Camping site. Highly recommended to enjoy the grand view of Mt.Fuji by the lakeside.
21. By the evening, clouds started surrounding Mt. Fuji.
22. It was freezing cold, but I could enjoy this view from my tent itself.
23. This was the most beautiful night I spent when I camped near Lake Motosu watching moonlight shining on Mt. Fuji. It was freezing cold, but the view just made it worth. And of course, an invitation to join a campfire was an added bonus.
24. Mt. Fuji view was changing the whole night and I could not sleep because I did not want to miss any of them. A view at around 2 am in the morning.
25. View of Mt. Fuji at dawn as seen from Lake Motosu.
26. After facing some drizzle and lots of wind the previous night, I did some photoshoot of the bike as well in front of Mt. Fuji.
27. This is me in the lake saying goodbye to the lake views of Mt. Fuji. Photo courtesy: Mr. Kawahara.
28. Clouds gathered around the Mt. Fuji peak, maybe for a secret meeting.
Seeing this view, the funny thought in my mind: ‘Low power red alert! They needed to act fast. A volcano was detected in their immediate vicinity. They promptly arranged tight security and a disguise of clouds and the ship landed on its top. Poor aliens had to work really hard to extract power out of this grand but dormant volcano.’ 🙂
29. Now, some views from the western side of Mt. Fuji.
30. Mt. Fuji was mostly hidden on this day, but once in a while, I got to see these amazing views.
31. Third campsite: Fumotoppara Camping Grounds
32. By the evening, the clouds were gone and Mt. Fuji finally revealed itself once again.
33. I camped once more with Mr. Kawahara. This campfire was really helpful to stay outside in cold and watch Mt. Fuji playing hide and seek in clouds.
34. Enjoying Mt. Fuji grandeur while preparing some hot food…
35. Witnessed the moon rise near Mt. Fuji. The sunset brought a golden glow on this famous volcano.
36. Moon is up and so is the fire under the shed. The weather was quite windy.
37. Night view of Mt. Fuji with my tent and my bike
38. Orion constellation rising on Mt. Fuji. During my last night camping in Japan, when I was soaking in the grand beauty of Mt. Fuji, I saw three stars rising over the peak of Mt. Fuji. I immediately realized that they were the belt of Orion and the view was breathtaking. I took this picture when the last star of the constellation just came out on the edge of Fujisan.
39. My third morning waking up to the majestic view of Mt.Fuji.
40. Finally, I bid farewell to Mt. Fuji after witnessing this peaceful sunrise and its reflection. You can spot me in the center with my bike. Image courtesy: Mr. Kawahara.
Well, this is not the end of my journey tales in Japan! When I will get some time, I plan to write about the first half of the journey and also tell you some interesting stories about how kind, friendly and helpful Japanese people are!
While I was very excited to go on this trip, I always had a slight tinge of self-doubt to go solo because of Parmanu’s unpredictable temperament. But in the end, I overcame the self-doubt and embarked on this trip. I am now in love with Japan, its beautiful landscapes, wonderful atmosphere, and amazing people. Hope to see you again!
Martin
Dear my little friend,
Thank you for sharing your adventures with us. Very nice photos.
Your big friend.
Priti Gupta
Dear big friend,
I am glad you liked it! Thank you 🙂
Cheers!
Anonymous
Reading the story and looking at these photos, I can only say “Amazing and Awesome”!
Priti Gupta
Thank you!
Mukesh
Wow wow wow…well described I do have the similar kind of experience, coming from India , first foreign land though living as an expat here, admired the beauty of Fuji San came all the way 250km + in my Cannondale bike, viewed it from fujikawa view point and miho no matsubara b2b, I had to wait for more than 6hrs for the sky to clear to see her for the first time.
Thanks for sharing the locations and camping site I will plan during my next vacation
Priti Gupta
Thank you, Mukesh! I am glad this gave you an idea for another bike trip. Mt. Fuji is indeed one of the beautiful mountains I have seen. 🙂
Sarat
Hey Priti,
Thank you so much for sharing this post with me. So much inspiring. Pics are just amazing. I never had a bucket list. Now I have one with this trip being the first element 🙂
Priti Gupta
Hi Sarat,
Thank you for your kind words of appreciation. Japan is a beautiful country. I am sure you will enjoy it. 🙂
Anonymous
Very nice photographs Priti! Loved them all, especially the one through fire. I wish I get to see it some day!
Priti Gupta
Thank you! I was also very happy clicking that Mt. Fuji though fire pic. I am glad you liked it. 🙂
A'inunlhuda
Hi
im so happy to found your blog, i was hesitate to do camping at lake Motosu as im gg there alone and never in my life i do camping before, but this camping i feel i need to it as it is once in my life! i just want to wake up in the morning and see Fujisan right there….ok im sure gg to do it atleast 1 night. any tips for a new camper that never done before in her life?
Thank you and Thank you
Vijay Arolkar
Hi Priti,
Superb clicks and story.
But I was searching your photo, that was missing. please share your pic also.
Ferdian An
Very nice trip
Inspiring!