A 3-Day, 2-Night DIY Travel Guide to Mount Fuji for the Dragon Boat Festival Holiday

✨ Highlights of the Trip A blend of natural scenery, hot spring experiences, and local cuisine Focus on Lake Kawaguchi and surrounding areas for a relaxed itinerary Perfect for travelers who enjoy photography, strolling, and unwinding 📅 Day 1: Depart for Lake Kawaguchi and enjoy lakeside leisure ▶ Itinerary Morning: Take a highway bus from Tokyo's Shinjuku to Lake Kawaguchi (approximately 1.5–2 hours). It’s recommended to catch a bus before 10 AM to arrive before noon. Noon: Upon arrival, have lunch near the station, such as at "Houtou Fudou," where you can try Yamanashi’s specialty pumpkin noodle soup. Afternoon: Check into your hotel or guesthouse, then head to the Tenjosan Park Ropeway. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji. On clear days, you might see the stunning symmetrical "Upside-down Fuji" reflection. Evening: Take a lakeside stroll and visit Oishi Park, where seasonal flower fields create a picturesque backdrop against Mount Fuji. Night: Stay at accommodations with hot springs (e.g., Konansou, Wind Terrace KUKUNA, or Fuji Onsenji Yumedono). Opt for a kaiseki dinner and relax in an open-air hot spring while stargazing for ultimate relaxation. 📅 Day 2: Explore Mount Fuji’s natural and cultural attractions ▶ Itinerary Morning: After breakfast, visit Oshino Hakkai, a charming village surrounded by eight crystal-clear spring ponds. Known as "Japan’s Jiuzhaigou," it’s perfect for leisurely photography and strolling. Noon: Have lunch at a teahouse near Oshino Hakkai and enjoy a traditional Japanese set meal. Afternoon: Explore Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave, two natural lava caves formed by Mount Fuji’s volcanic activity. The temperature inside remains between 0–5°C year-round, offering a refreshing escape during hot weather. If time permits, visit Arakurayama Sengen Park and climb its 398 steps for the iconic view of Mount Fuji alongside a five-story pagoda. Night: Return to Lake Kawaguchi for dinner at local izakayas or small eateries. Try dishes like "Yoshida Udon" or fried lotus root balls. 📅 Day 3: Art, relaxation, and shopping before heading back to Tokyo ▶ Itinerary Morning: Visit the Music Forest Museum, which houses a collection of European music boxes and automated musical instruments. Daily performances are available, and the European-style setting is great for photos. Alternatively, visit the Kawaguchiko Museum of Art or simply relax by the lake with a coffee. Noon: Enjoy a light meal or dessert at Hana Terrace, a lakeside shopping street featuring souvenir shops and boutique stores for leisurely browsing. Afternoon: Take a highway bus or Fujikyu Railway back to Tokyo, concluding your 3-day, 2-night trip. 🍜 Food Recommendations (Original Description) Houtou Nabe: A hearty noodle soup often enjoyed by locals in winter. The flat, thick noodles are paired with pumpkin, mushrooms, and vegetables for a filling meal. Yoshida Udon: Chewier than regular udon, with a salty broth often served with pork and cabbage. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish originating from workers’ meals. Mount Fuji-themed Desserts: From Mount Fuji-shaped cream puffs and melon bread to ice cream, these creative treats are worth trying. Many shops offer unique variations.