We are making it our tradition – during their first year in Japan, first-year students take a trip to Mount Fuji (富士山, ふじさん) before the New Year.
This time, we visited:
① 新倉山浅間公園 (あらくらやま せんげん こうえん)
Arakurayama Sengen Park
A beautiful park famous for its iconic view of Mount Fuji with the five-story Chureito Pagoda in the foreground. It’s a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts and those seeking stunning scenery.
We especially took a lot of pictures in front of 忠霊塔 (ちゅうれいとう) - monument to the faithful who died in battle
② ほうとうレストラン (Houtou Restaurant)
A restaurant where we enjoyed "Houtou" (ほうとう), a traditional dish from the Yamanashi region. It’s a hearty noodle soup made with flat udon noodles and a variety of vegetables, perfect for warming up on a cold day.
ほうとう (Houtou) has historical roots as a dish of the poor. At a time when rice was expensive and hard to come by, people in the Yamanashi region created this hearty soup from homemade wheat noodles, adding seasonal vegetables. It was an affordable alternative to rice that allowed you to get full using simple ingredients.
Over time, ほうとう became part of the local culture, and now it is a popular dish among tourists and locals alike, symbolizing the warmth and tradition of the Yamanashi region.
③ 水陸両用バス KABA (すいりく りょうよう バス かば)
The Amphibious Bus "KABA"
An exciting tour that combines land and water travel around the Fuji Five Lakes area. The bus transforms into a boat, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding nature and Mount Fuji. The weather was very good, so from Lake Yamanakako there was a very beautiful view of Mount Fuji
④ 忍野八海 (おしのはっかい)
Oshino Hakkai
It is a picturesque village known for its eight crystal-clear ponds fed by the melted snow of Mount Fuji. It’s a serene spot with traditional thatched-roof houses and beautiful natural surroundings.
⑤ ハーブ庭園 旅日記 勝沼 (ハーブていえん たびにっき かつぬま)
Herb Garden Tabinikki Katsunuma
A charming herb garden offering a relaxing experience with seasonal flowers, herbal teas, and various handmade goods. It’s a perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature’s tranquility. Because we visited in the cold season, we were greeted by not so many flowers, but a lot of New Year and Christmas illuminations.
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