A traveller's reflection: Japan 2019: 04 Lake Kawaguchiko, Samurai Village and Gotemba

My Travel Journal

"There isn't much I haven't shared with you along the road and through it all there'd always be tomorrow's episode" - Elton John

I started traveling around the world since early 80s when I had the opportunity to combine business trips with vacations. Then later when my rezeki is in abundance, there were numerous other trips along the way for vacations, most of the time with hubby and the kids when the timing is right. I have also started to compile the journal and photo-pages covering almost more than 45 years of world wide travel. Some destinations I visited just once, others many times. Many of those places are the obvious famous places people would like to visit but some, the casual traveler doesn't even think to try. I have placed links to my travel at the side bar of my personal page, My Life Reflections, and will be updating them from time to time.

My wish is to continue my travel and complete circumnavigate the globe, insyaAllah…

Sunday, 30 June 2019

Japan 2019: 04 Lake Kawaguchiko, Samurai Village and Gotemba

"One kind word can warm three winter months..." - Japanese Proverb

(Ferry Ticket Booth at Lake Kawaguchiko)

Day 04 - Thursday: 27/06/2019

We were considered lucky to have a clear spectacular view of Mt Fuji although the weather today was a little overcast and cloudy with a chance of rain.

(As usual, a group photo is a must in the morning)

(Fujisan the Japanese name for the majestic Mt Fuji)

(World Tallest roller coaster, the Fujiyama at Fuji-Q Highland Team Park)

Lake Kawaguchiko

Lake Kawaguchiko is located in the border of the towns of Fujikawaguchiko and Minobu in southern Yamanashi Prefecture near Mount Fuji. It is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of surface area, and is located at the lowest elevation. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 800 metres, which accounts for its relatively cool summers and frequently icy winters. It also has the longest shoreline of any of the Fuji Five Lakes. The lake is within the borders of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The lake has no natural outlet, and flooding of settlements on its shores was a problem until the construction of a canal, completed in 1914, to connect it to a tributary of the Sagami River. The area is a popular resort, with many lakeside hotels, windsurfing facilities, camp sites, and excursion boats.

(A paddle Swan Boat on the lake)

(A boat cruise around the lake)

(Wild flowers around the lake)

The Lake Kawaguchi Mt. Tenjō Ropeway, is a Japanese aerial lift line in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi. Opened in 1959, the line climbs Mount Tenjō from the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. The line name comes from Kachi-kachi Yama, literally means Mt. Kachikachi, a folktale which took place on the mountain. The observatory has a view of the lake, as well as Aokigahara forest, and Mount Fuji.

(A steep climb to Mount Tenjo)

(The cable car is under maintenance during our visit)

Samurai Traditional Village

Iyashii no Sato Nemba Samurai Village stands on the site of a former farming village on the western shores of Lake Saiko. The village was destroyed by a typhoon in 1966. Forty years later the village’s traditional thatched roofed houses were reconstructed and reopened as an open air museum and traditional craft village where people can learn about the culture and try out and purchase various local handicrafts. The Village is surrounded by Aokigahara Forest, known as the Suicide Forest as well. Also, during a sunny day, from Iyashi no Sato you can see the top of Mt. Fuji. Walking around the Iyashi no Sato makes you feel like time turned back to the Showa period.

(The layout of the Samurai Village)

(Visiting some of the traditional houses in the village)

(An ancient water-mill in the background)

(Visitors trying out the traditional costumes)

(A Souvenir Shop of local handicrafts)

(The delicious grilled Ayu fish. A must try delicacy)

The Gotemba Premium Outlets

The Gotemba Premium Outlets are Japan's most popular outlet mall, located in Gotemba City at the base of Mount Fuji, not far from Hakone. It was opened on July 13, 2000, and contains over 200 stores.