For those who don’t wish to hike all the way to the top of Mt. Fuji, the 5th Station is the highest point you can reach by car. Situated halfway up the mountain, you’ll be able to say you’ve “been up” Mt. Fuji! From 5th Station you can enjoy panoramic views from 7,546 feet (2,300m) high. There’s even a post office where you can send a postcard from Mt. Fuji.

Head around the sparkling lake to Oishi Park. Oishi Park is home to fields of flowers spreading like a carpet along the lakeshore. You’ll definitely want to get your camera out. This is a lovely spot to breathe in the fresh air of Japan’s countryside and allow the views to relax you.

Kubota Itchiku was a renowned artist who revived the traditional fabric dyeing technique of Tsujigahana. Tsujigahana flourished in Muromachi period (1336-1573) but then fell out of favour. In the 1930s he became fascinated by silk dyeing and devoted his life to mastering the Tsujigahana technique. Along the shores of Kawaguchiko stands a museum devoted to him, with several of his most beautiful kimono creations. You can see his unfinished masterpiece "Symphony of Light", a piece comprised of 80 kimonos that together form of a picture of Mount Fuji. The buildings themselves, as well as the garden are also interesting. The buildings are made of Okinawan coral and limestone and built in Gaudi fashion, while the gardens were designed by Itchiku Kubota himself and stretch from the entrance gate far into the wooded slopes behind the museum buildings. Much of the garden is not wheelchair accessible however you can still enjoy the indoor exhibits of the museum, as well as the outdoor architecture. (*museum is closed on Tuesdays except in October/November so Tuesday tours will instead see the Kawaguchiko Music Forest)