Girls Roadtrip!
What happens when a British and a Canadian goes on a roadtrip all across Japan?
Sarah (left) from the U.K. and Kristine (right) from Canada
Kristine and Sarah started their journey in Tokyo.
They made the spontaneous decision to rent a car during their whole two-week stay. From Tokyo to Hakone to Osaka to Kyoto to Hiroshima then back to Tokyo… boy, were they in for a ride… literally!
Despite facing a lot of bumps on the road since it was their first time in Japan, the language barrier, not knowing the policies and systems, I hope to give them a one-day break where they could just mindlessly be guided around.
This time, I was summoned to… the Mt. Fuji area!!
Taken the NEXT day
The itinerary was kept simple:
Yamanakako Hana no Miyako Park
Oshino Hakkai
Arakurayama Sengen Park
Yamanakako Hana no Miyako Park | 山中湖花の都公園
The 300,000 square meter site is filled with flowers of all seasons (except during winter ofc). We reached the peak of the beautiful pink, red, orange hues of the daisy-like flowers, Cosmos.
Cosmos were in season! See flower calendar on their website.
Kristine enjoys scenic views and photography. To our luck, we had the whole waterfall area to ourselves! Perfect time to come right before the crowd comes for fall foilage.
This is the majestic "Myojin Falls" and "Iwashimizu Falls" with a drop of 10m and a width of 80m.
Lava tree molds from Mt. Fuji
A "group of lava trees" formed by the eruption of Mt. Fuji about 1,000 years ago
When high-temperature lava envelops a water-rich tree,
What is a lava tree? It is when the water-rich trees are burned down by the heat of the lava, the molten lava cools down rapidly, forming a fine, dense, hard shell of crystals containing glassy in line with the shape of the tree.
At least 8 types of lava tree types can be observed in the underground observation experience zone.
The park has a greenhouse housing a European style garden, which has a cafe where I had my first Cremia ice cream.
Sacred Fuji Snow Water at Oshino Hakkai |忍野八海
Oshino Hakkai is part of the Mt. Fuji UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, designated in 2013
“Oshino Hakkai, or the Eight Seas of Oshino, are a set of eight ponds located in the Fuji Five Lakes area, on the site of a former sixth lake that dried out several centuries ago. Eight is a significant number in Buddhism, and making a circuit of the eight ponds was a major part of Mt. Fuji worship.
The eight ponds are fed by snowmelt from the slopes of Mount Fuji that filters down the mountain through porous layers of volcanic rock over a period of several decades. This makes the mineral-rich pond waters remarkably clear and pristine.
Oshino Hakkai was the place of rest before religious groups went on pilgrimages to Mt. Fuji. They would purify themselves in the ponds prior to climbing Mt. Fuji.
However, Fuji worship declined after 1868, when the new government led by Emperor Meiji took measures to reduce the immense wealth and power of Buddhist sects, and religious ablutions at the ponds gradually ceased.” (Yamanashi Kankou).
What is “Misogi”? It is a Buddhist ritual to cleanse your body, mind and spirit with Fuji water.
Rub water all over your body and/or drink it. My scar on my hand from a mosquito bite seemed it got better after splashing some Fuji water.
It is said that splashing this on your face may make you more beautiful LOL.
This is where you cleanse yourself. It is said that Fuji water will clean out all your bad sins. You can wash your hands and face, drink whatever.
“It is said for example that practitioners of the Fuji-ko faith (see here) came to Oshino Hakkai to bathe in the water of the ponds to purify their minds and bodies before climbing Mt. Fuji.
Each pond also has its own legend. For example, it is said that the waters of Kagami Pond have the spiritual ability to discern right from wrong, and in the past, when there was trouble between locals, both parties would bathe in the waters of the ponds and pray for a resolution to the dispute.” (Government of Japan).
Kristine got strawberry flavor
Sarah got peach flavor
This is the observation deck that looks out over the cityscape of Fujiyoshida City.
Five-storied pagoda (Chureito Pagoda)
The Chureito Pagoda is known worldwide as the iconic viewing spot of Mount Fuji. It was built in 1963 as a peace memorial to honor the 960 citizens of Fujiyoshida who died in war from the First Sino-Japanese War in 1868 to World War II.
The shrine dates back to the 8th century is dedicated to goddess Konohanasakuya, who is believed to be the deity of Mount Fuji and brings good luck and fertility to women.
But due to volcanic activity, it had to be relocated from the base of Mt Fuji to this hilltop in the late 16th century.
This is the top summit (Goten 2nd Summit) 1,184 m.
Kristine had a long drive ahead of her, so she took an hour rest in the parking lot, while I took Sarah on Mt. Arakura Hiking course.
Sarah loves being active so hiking was a piece of cake for her. I told her to leave me behind if I was slowing her down lol.
There are 398 steps to get to the top (Mr. Arakura Summit, 1,180 m) aka. photo spot.
398 was named after Princess Konohana Sakuya, the goddess of Mount Fuji worship. 3-9-8 can be read sa-ku-ya, a play on words in Japanese.
It has one of the best scenic views of Mt. Fuji. Unfortunately, Fuji-san did not come out that day…
Early dinner before the long ride to Osaka
They brought out the English menu with photos for us. How nice!
Kristine requested tempura.
There were restaurants near Oshino Hakkai, but places in tourist attractions are overpriced and not as good. Sarah likes to wander and explore hidden local shops, so I found the perfect place that suited for both.
This spot is totally local. You can tell because not a single tourist in sight, cheap price with generous portions, parking stalls and menu only in Japanese.
Quality Mom and Pop taste with a variety of dishes on the menu, this place hit the spot after a long day in nature… Cyber Bunny approved!
I was HUNGRY ok?!
