Locally Owned: Private Mt. Fuji Icons & Hidden Gems (Kawaguchiko)

*Optional stop* Feel like a little exercise to get the perfect shot? Go up 398 steps to get that famous photo of Chureito pagoda overlooking Fujiyoshida city with Mt Fuji in the horizon.

*Optional stop* Ōshino Hakkai, nestled near Mount Fuji in Japan, is a picturesque destination known for its eight crystal-clear spring ponds that beautifully reflect the iconic image of the nearby mountain on clear days. This serene site is steeped in history and surrounded by traditional thatched-roof buildings, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and heritage. While exploring, you can sample delicious local cuisine, shop for unique souvenirs, and capture stunning photographs of the ponds and the charming village, making Ōshino Hakkai a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness for travelers in the Mount Fuji region.

Walk through the beautiful tree-lined path that leads to the shrine dedicated to the goddess of Mt Fuji. Bask in the beauty and culture of this significant Unesco World Heritage site. Enjoy the tori gates and explore all the shrines on the grounds. Discover the four sacred 1000-year-old trees.

*Optional stop* Feeling hungry and want to try one of the most popular noodle dishes in this town? Houtou is a noodle dish with a rich vegetable/miso-based broth. There's a reason why it's the most popular restaurant in town! If you want something less touristy, or something else to eat, don't fret! I have many more local and delicious spots I would love to take you to!

A quick stop at this quaint little park for a quick photo op. Stunning views of Mt Fuji on a small hilltop make a perfect memory for you and your family and friends. When in season there is a beautiful path of hydrangeas and other flowers. If we're lucky we can see the swans resting shoreside near the lake.

Enjoy a drive around Lake Kawaguchiko, stopping at a few stops to take in the breath taking views.

Take in the views of Mt Fuji while enjoying the beautifully manicured garden at Hana Terrace. Check out the boutique shops and pick out your next souvenir. Try an array of interesting ice cream flavors, including shine muscat and peach-flavored ice cream. Pizza, coffee, and some Japanese food are served here.

*Optional stop* Haha-no-Shirataki Waterfall is a picturesque natural attraction located in Japan. Nestled in lush greenery, it is known for its serene beauty and is often visited for its tranquil ambiance. The waterfall's name, "Haha-no-Shirataki," translates to "Mother's White Waterfall," adding to its charm. Visitors come here to enjoy the soothing sounds of cascading water and immerse themselves in the surrounding natural beauty, making it a popular spot for relaxation and nature enthusiasts. After visiting the falls there is a small shrine yet tranquil shrine we will visit.

Motosuko Lake, situated in the vicinity of Mount Fuji in Japan, is a captivating destination known for its pristine beauty and tranquil ambiance. This crystal-clear lake is one of the Fuji Five Lakes and offers visitors a chance to soak in the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji's reflection on its surface, particularly during calm weather. Surrounded by lush greenery, Motosuko Lake is an ideal spot for relaxation and outdoor activities. Take a stroll by the water. We will then drive around this lake allowing you to soak up the natural beauty of this area. We will then stop for a great photo op, Hint: look at the back of your 1000 Yen bill

*Optional stop* Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, nestled in the vicinity of Mount Fuji in Japan, is a tranquil and culturally rich destination. This traditional Japanese village has been carefully preserved and transformed into an open-air museum, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the charm of rural Japan. With its thatched-roof houses, cobblestone paths, and lush gardens, the village offers a serene setting to explore local crafts, artisan shops, and traditional activities such as weaving and pottery. Surrounded by scenic beauty and with panoramic views of Mount Fuji on clear days, Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba invites travelers to immerse themselves in Japanese culture, history, and the stunning natural landscape of the Mount Fuji region.

Let's go off the beaten path and wander shortly into the beautiful Aokigahra forest where I will take you to the Dragon Cave. Explore the geological history of the area and its ties to the volcanic activity of Mount Fuji.

Descending into the Fugaku Wind Cave, the visitor will encounter illuminated ice and impressive stalactites and ice pillars all along its length

Lake Sai Bat Cave is the largest of the several lava tubes that are near Lake Sai, in the Aokigahara forest in the northern side of Mount Fuji,

The Narusawa Ice Cave is a lava tube located in the Aokigahara forest, in the part that belongs to Narusawa Village,