Scenic Fuji Escape: Hakone, Peace Park & More by Green Plate Car

Hakone, in Japan's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park west of Tokyo, is a mountainous town known for its hot springs resorts (onsen) and views of the iconic volcano Mount Fuji. It also encompasses Hakone Shrine, a Shinto shrine with a red “torii” gate overlooking Lake Ashi, which can be toured by boat, as well as the boiling sulphur springs of the Owakudani Valley

Lake Yamanaka offers beautiful views of Mount Fuji, tranquil waters perfect for boating and fishing, and scenic walking trails around the lake. It’s a great spot for outdoor activities and enjoying nature.

Oshino Hakkai features eight clear, spring-fed ponds with pristine waters fed by Mount Fuji's snowmelt. The area is known for its picturesque scenery, traditional thatched-roof houses, and charming rural atmosphere.

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine is one of approximately 1,300 Asama shrines in Japan that enshrine the deity of volcanoes in general and Mount Fuji in particular. The shrine is part of the Mt. Fuji UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, designated in 2013. The shrine is located amidst a dense old-growth forest, which today continues to denote ties to the spirit world. The precincts cover 99,000 square meters, making Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen one of the largest forest shrines in Japan. The long, atmospheric approach to the main shrine is lined with mossy stone lanterns and shaded by tall cedar trees. Of note on the shrine grounds are four trees believed to be approximately 1,000 years old, with a girth of 23 meters.

Lake Kawaguchi is located in the town of Fujikawaguchiko in southern Yamanashi Prefecture near Mount Fuji, Japan. It is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of surface area, and is located at the lowest elevation.

Oishi Park on the north shore of Kawaguchiko is a park with a superb view of lake and Mt.Fuji at once. Various flowers bloom on the promenade along the lakeside according to the season. On a sunny day, there are many photographers who take pictures of Mt. Fuji, lake and flowers from early morning. There is a large free parking lot and is popular as a rest area of the touring of a bicycle and the motorcycle. Flowers which bloom in profusion every season, the scenery of wide lake and magnificent view of Mt.Fuji are the charm of only Oishi park. You will feel calm if you stroll slowly in the promenade where flowers bloom while looking at Mt.Fuji.

Japan’s Mt. Fuji is an active volcano about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. Commonly called “Fuji-san,” it’s the country’s tallest peak, at 3,776 meters. A pilgrimage site for centuries, it’s considered one of Japan’s 3 sacred mountains, and summit hikes remain a popular activity. Its iconic profile is the subject of numerous works of art, notably Edo Period prints by Hokusai and Hiroshige

The five-story Chureito Pagoda is located on a hill in Arakurayama Sengen Park in Yamanashi Prefecture. It is part of the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, to which it was added in 1963 as a peace memorial. It is reached via 398 steps and is impressive when the weather is clear View of Mount Fuji.

The Peace Park in Gotemba City commands a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji and houses the chalky stupa. Approximately 70% of visitors to the park are tourists from overseas, and the park serves as one of the golden spots in sightseeing in Shizuoka Prefecture. It is located on the mountainside of the outer rim of Hakone crater, commanding a good view of the city. The stupa, the symbol of the park, keeps the Buddha’s ashes presented by late Indian Prime Minister Nehru. 4 golden images of Buddha are also housed. In front of the stupa, the guardian dogs of respective Asian countries stand in line. In addition, The pond circuit-style Japanese garden, the Buddhist Monastery of Nihonzan-Myoho-ji Temple, images of Deity of Mercy ‘Nade Kannon’ (lit. rubbing Kannon) and 33 Kannon images are also well worth seeing. You can enjoy yourselves here all year round, in particular, the cherry blossom and autumn leaves viewing times.