Springtime in Japan: Mount Fuji and Cherry Blossoms
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Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan, is located in the west of the Kanto region and rises to a height of 3,776 meters. Its appearance takes various forms depending on where it is viewed from in the vicinity. Bestriding Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture, and towering in the background of many tourist spots, Mount Fuji appears truly divine. Add cherry blossoms, the most popular flower in Japan, to the picture, and you have an idyllic sight. When spring arrives, there are numerous places around Mount Fuji where cherry trees bloom. The combination of Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms creates a very Japanese scene.
1. Lake Kawaguchiko
Video: https://youtu.be/a_k9xVMyE5E
Although Lake Kawaguchiko is only the second largest of the five lakes surrounding Mount Fuji, it does boast the longest shoreline. Perhaps for that reason, various views of Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from here. Here and there rows of cherry trees line the streets, so you can enjoy their delicate beauty by driving around the area too.
2. Lake Kawaguchiko
Video: https://youtu.be/m2V-FMnsTfo
3. Lake Kawaguchiko
Video: https://youtu.be/HXpEeDdfGNk
4. Lake Tanuki
Video: https://youtu.be/x3jRriU9lHs
Lake Tanuki is an artificial lake located in a corner of Asagiri Highland at the foot of Mount Fuji. It was built to ensure irrigation water for farming. Lake Tanuki has accommodation facilities and a campsite and is a popular spot among vacationers. It is also famous as the lake that was omitted when selecting the five lakes surrounding Mount Fuji. In the middle of the lake there is a small island with a single cherry tree. The contrast with the majestic Mount Fuji is superb.
5. Oshino Village
Video: https://youtu.be/vnsFIrkFPmQ
Oshino Village, which is situated on the eastern side of Mount Fuji, has a population of around 9,000 people. The village is widely known for its eight spring-water ponds (Oshino Hakkai) supplied by plentiful underground water from Mount Fuji. Shinnasho River, which flows through the center of the village, is lined with embracing cherry trees. The simple townscape and grand view of Mount Fuji produce a quintessential Japanese scene.
6. Oshino Village
Video: https://youtu.be/wNXxKE6uB5M
7. Oshino Village
Video: https://youtu.be/zgsxlkU2FF8
8. Asagiri Highland
Video: https://youtu.be/rozooS1AhkU
Situated at the western foot of Mount Fuji at a height of 700–1,000 meters, the vast Asagiri Highland offers views of Mount Fuji from all over the place. It is said to get its name from the fact that mist (kiri) often gathers here. With its large campsite and other facilities, the highland attracts many visitors.
Photos and text: Arata Matsumoto, Sharata and Adwise, Inc.
URL: http://www.sharata.net/ (Japanese)
(Sharata supplies 4K videos of outstanding scenery in Japan so that as many people as possible can enjoy it.)